Noted Great Pyrenees afficianado Catherine de la Cruz offers some wisdom about the kind of dogs that wind up in rescue. Her knowledge is gained from more than 30 years in the breed.

"The majority of Pyrs that come into GPCC Rescue are males and the majority of those males are under 2 yrs of age. GPCC policy does not allow us to accept any dog that has already bitten, so our Rescue numbers do not accurately reflect the whole problem.

The history of the average young male that comes into rescue is this:

Purchased from petshop or back yard breeder (one with no Regional Club ties).

Pre-purchase knowlege was only - they're big, good with kids, natural guardians.

Previously owned breeds were herding- and sporting-group dogs.

If there was any formal obedience training, it was a six-week "puppy" class.

Dog was reported to start being "protective" at 5 or 6 months of age.

Dog started being aggressive toward famlily members between 9 & 12 months of age.

Dog ceased to be a house dog because of behavior between 9 and 12 months of age.

Dog is not neutered.

When dogs come to Rescue's attention after biting a person, we help the owner make the decision to euthanize, but it generally takes a second bite, or a bite to a child - or a discussion with their insurance agent about liability insurance - before the final decision is made. Even then, some owners choose to dump the dog at the local pound without disclosing its history.

Because of this, GPCC Rescue maintains a "Problem Potention Profile" and any dog fitting this profile is not redeemed from the pound until the Rescue Chair and/or an experienced Rescue Advisory Committee member has evaluated the dogs.

The profile includes:

1. Any un-neutered male under the age of 2 yrs.

2. Any dog, either sex, related to a known temperament problem.

Often, a check of our notes reveals the identity of a problem dog. In one year, we had to euthanize three members of one litter because of biting.

This is a problem with multiple causes and no easy solutions. However, discussing it openly is a start toward education - and that could lead to fewer dogs receiving that final injection at an early age."