Evans Knob Farm

 The Great Pyrenees possesses breath taking beauty, a marvelous disposition and a calm, stately bearing. An outstanding livestock guardian, the breed is also a wonderful companion for town or country. Developed in France over millennia, today the breed flourishes there, in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, in fact, from Europe to Japan, from the South Seas to the Arctic Circle. It would be difficult to find any place on the seven continents where the Great Pyrenees is not known and loved. Great Pyrenees fans adore their big, gentle, white friends such that they overlook the shedding, drooling, barking and the Pyr's tendency not to come when called. Defining the character of the Great Pyrenees would be as described by Paul Strang in his book, "The New Complete Great Pyrenees"-"First, he posses a keen intelligence and a kindly, while regal, expression. Secondly, Character and temperament are of utmost importance. In nature the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle and affectionate. While territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary, his general demeanor is one of quiet composure, both patient and tolerant. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges, both human and animal

 Gideon-

protector, guardian, keeper of the farm. Although he is only 18 months old Gideon has taken over the main guardian role of the pyr's on the farm.  He is assisted by Sampson and Monterae.  He is affectionate towards "his" charges, while ever watchful over them and all that goes on around the farm. We have found with the pyr's that they do not belong to us, rather we belong to them. Reid happens to be Gideon's favorite, but it could have something to do with the ear scratching that goes on while I finish up milking the goats.

Gideon often waits to escort me to the barn and back to the house on late night lambing checks, while still keeping eyes and ears open for out the ordinary sights and sounds. We have learned that he has different tones in his barking. From the "I hear/smell something" to the "I know you are out there, but don't try to come into my field" bark. The highest alert lets us know that we need to come and give him a hand.  He keeps possums out of the chicken house, ground hogs, rabbits and deer out of the gardens, and the cruel coyote out of the sheep and goats. While he may sound vicious during his patrolling, he is as gentle as a lamb with the lambs and our little 2 legged visitors to the farm.