Used as a protector of livestock on farms for hundreds of years, the Great Pyrenees is a guardian breed at heart. They can be seen at their very best when they are doing exactly what they were bred to do. Without an opportunity to move about and check their perimeters, the Great Pyrenees can lose their spirit. Many have noted the breed's aptitude for keeping the peace and have put the Pyr's solid skills to use in a number of settings. From therapy dogs to drug sniffing canine units, the Great Pyrenees has proven itself reliable in just about every area they work.

It is no secret that a dog's nose is more than adept at picking up scents than a human's. On top of having a superior nose, the Great Pyrenees has the perfect mindset for police work. Not only does the breed enjoy having a special purpose, it also has the opportunity to put its natural instincts to very good use. As smugglers get more and more sophisticated at hiding their goods, the Pyr never fails to sniff out hidden illegal narcotics with impeccable skill. The Pyr is also used to sniff out bombs and is often seen at airports and border crossings.

Though they can be used for sniffing out drugs, bombs and even illegal produce, the Great Pyrenees does even better when used for security purposes. The Pyr is a natural protector that is able to spot even the slightest change in an environment. Anything that rouses their suspicion results in the Pyr giving its trademark resounding boom of a bark. Their ability has been run against and beaten even the most sophisticated of alarm systems. The breed has proven highly beneficial when it comes to guarding prisons, military compounds and other sensitive areas. The fact that the Great Pyrenees can do its job naturally with little or no training also makes them a top choice for this type of work.

When it comes to therapy work, the Great Pyrenees has made enormous strides for itself in psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and various school programs. The large breed works well with the infirmed as well as children and has the keen ability to sense each and every individual's emotional needs. They are gentle, tolerant and never overbearing. This has proven extremely useful when it comes to working with children who have ADHD or PTSD. When used for personal duty, the breed is large enough and strong enough to help individuals in wheelchairs. In fact, the breed is often used in some therapy programs to pull carts and wagons. As long as the Great Pyrenees has a job to do, they will always happy.