These dogs are in the same "family" as Kuvasz, the livestock guardian dogs, which is why I refer to them as "cousins." They do the same work (and sleeping) that Kuvasz do.
Above is a photo of a Great Pyrenees, owned by Tim G. in Germany, sleeping among his sheep flock.
Below are pictures of Lauri's Maremmano Abruzzese in Finland. Maremmas seem especially appropriate for this post, since the Italian Kuvasz Association points out that the Kuvasz is often confused with the Maremma (http://kuvasz-italia.it)
