Karen Justin’s journey with the Great Pyrenees began not in a show ring or whelping box, but on her honeymoon at a mountain resort town in British Columbia.
It was there that she encountered her first Pyrenees, and something about the breed immediately resonated. When she and her husband later decided to add a dog to their home, the choice felt inevitable. After careful research, they brought home a 4-month-old male named “Gimlet” as a family companion. It wasn’t long before Gimlet’s breeder recognized something special in him and asked Justin if she would consider showing him.
At the time, Justin had never even heard of a dog show. She said yes anyway.
That decision changed her life. Gimlet became the top-winning Great Pyrenees of all time. Justin became immersed in the breed — a passion that endured for more than three decades.
“I fell in love with the breed,” she says. “That would have happened regardless of any records.”
From First Encounter to Lifelong Commitment
Justin joined the Great Pyrenees Club of America in 1991 and participated in national specialties and club events. After years of observation, study, and hands-on experience, she was ready to breed.
A new direction emerged for her kennel through Gimlet. When he was bred to a Canadian-bred female known for her beautiful type, Justin received a puppy named “Darcy” as her stud fee. Darcy became the cornerstone of the Impyrial breeding program.
Health As a Priority, Not an Afterthought
Health testing has always been a non-negotiable part of that mission. Justin tested Gimlet for all available screenings at the time and submitted results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. As testing protocols expanded and the OFA established the CHIC program, she incorporated additional screenings as standard practice.
Today, she evaluates her breeding dogs for hip, knee, and elbow dysplasia; heart disease; CMR1; dwarfism; neurodegenerative diseases; and Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia. At the height of her program, Justin maintained four generations on her property, enabling close monitoring and responsible adjustment if issues arose.
Two of her dogs have earned the OFA Champion of Health Award, recognized both for their own clearances and for producing offspring with outstanding health results.
“I believe health testing is an important part of producing dogs that can live a long, healthy life,” Justin says.
In the ring and at home, she looks for the same essential qualities. Temperament, correct breed type, and proper structure are foundational. Many of her puppies go to families with children, making stable, predictable temperaments essential, not optional.
Champion Offspring and Lasting Influence
“Fame” became one of her most recognized dogs, with 23 Best in Show wins, a National Specialty victory, and status as the only Great Pyrenees to win the Working Group at Westminster. “Devon” is special because Justin showed him herself, earning seven Best in Show wins as breeder-owner-handler and building lasting friendships.
More recently, “Dino,” at nearly 10 years old, has become both a standout in the ring and a beloved companion at home with multiple specialty wins, Top Twenty honors, National Specialty Sweepstakes success, Platinum Owner-Handled status, Gold Grand Championship, and a growing list of champion offspring.
“He sleeps with me,” she says.
That closeness reflects Justin’s approach to raising puppies. Litters are whelped and raised inside her home alongside their dam and the household cat. As puppies grow, they transition outdoors to play and learn from their mother and littermates. She also introduces them to grooming, handling, bathing, and crate exposure early, ensuring puppies are comfortable with routine care and human interaction.
“It’s much easier to teach a 15-pound puppy what’s expected than a 100-pound adult,” Justin notes.
Staying Involved With the Breed Club
Beyond breeding, service has always shaped her work. Justin has served the Great Pyrenees Club of America in many roles, including Board member, National Specialty chair, financial manager, judges’ education contributor, and AKC Delegate. She is President and Show Chair of the Garden State Great Pyrenees Club and stays active in regional clubs, rescue, fundraising, and judges’ education.
For newcomers interested in the breed, Justin’s advice is straightforward: do your research. Responsible breeders perform health clearances, offer contracts, maintain club involvement, and welcome questions. While purchasing from a reputable breeder may cost more initially, she says, the long-term value far outweighs the expense.
Looking ahead, Justin acknowledges that a new era has its challenges. These include declining breed numbers, fewer new breeders, and competition from unregulated “farm” litters. Still, she remains hopeful. A small but dedicated group of newer breeders is stepping forward, committed to education, health testing, and stewardship.
After more than 30 years, what keeps her going is simple: “My love and passion for the breed,” she says. “I hope people remember me as a positive advocate for our beloved Pyrenees.”