We documented behaviors of Great Pyrenees livestock-guarding dogs toward pe
ople, livestock, dogs, horses, reindeer, and bear to determine if they migh
t be suitable for protecting livestock in Norway. None out of 13 dogs showe
d aggressive behavior towards unfamiliar people, and aggressiveness towards
dogs and livestock was also low. However, 91% of the dogs tested chased re
indeer. A willingness to chase bears was apparent in all 3 dogs tested. Alt
hough the Norwegian strains of the Great Pyrenees are bred mainly for exhib
ition, they obviously have retained some behavioral patterns important for
the livestock-guarding function. Their nonaggressive behavior towards peopl
e, dogs, and livestock, and their active reaction towards bears suggest tha
t this breed could be suitable for use as livestock-guardians in Norway. Ho
wever, the dogs' tendency to chase reindeer is a trait that may cause confl
icts in reindeer-herding areas.