Lean and athletic with a somewhat windswept long or semi-long coat, the Pyrenean Sheepdog is one of the smallest sheepdog breeds. Under the coat, which comes in fawn, grey, blue merle, slate blue or brindle, black or black and white, is a medium-sized dog with a strong, racy frame, sharp eyes and intelligent expression.
| Lifespan: | 15-17 years |
| Weight: | Between 7-15kg |
| Height: | 40-48cm for males, and 38-46 for females |
| Colours: | Fawn, grey, blue merle, slate blue or brindle, black, or black and white |
| Size: | Medium |
| Kennel Club Groups: | Pastoral |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 2/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is an extremely quick-witted, sharp-minded and intelligent little dog. Built to endure harsh weather and steep, rough terrain, they also have the brains to control large numbers of potentially panicky and argumentative sheep who outweigh them by as much as 50kg. As such, while physically small, this is both physically and mentally a tough dog.
Loyal and responsive to their owners, they are suspicious of strangers and strongly motivated to watch for movement, herd and bark to alert to danger.
Country of Origin: France
This is one of France’s oldest breeds as the Pyrenean Sheepdog or Berger des Pyrenees dates back to the 19th Century. Used for herding and moving large flocks of sheep around the mountainous French Pyrenees, they came to the attention of rest of the world during the First World War, when they were used as nimble and swift messenger dogs by the French army.
They can still be found working as a sheepdog in rural France today, though more often they have found a home as companion dogs. The first breed standard was published in 1926 in France, but the breed is still relatively new to the UK with the breed club not being formed until 1992.
Pyrenean Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed, but as with many breeds, can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.
Two hours per day of physical dog exercise, ideally with plenty of free running, the Pyrenean Sheepdog really benefits from having a job. There are a number of canine sports that will help fulfil that need, including agility, Treiball, flyball and even heelwork to music. This is not a breed for the fair-weather walker or couch-potato owner as ;an under-exercised Pyrenean Sheepdog is liable to be very vocal, destructive and difficult to live with.
Economical to house and feed, the Pyrenean is not demanding on indoor space but will require a large and secure garden. Best suited to countryside living, with access to a variety of secure spaces to play, free run and train, this is a breed who will find inner city or busy town living over-stimulating and stressful.
The Pyrenean Shepherd needs to have a balanced dog diet including all the main nutrient groups and a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed them at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.
Brush through every other day at least, checking paw pads, ears and beard for debris. The Pyrenean will shed, but rather than individual hairs shed constantly, they tend to kick out clumps of hair when they rub or scratch. Regular dog grooming will keep this to a minimum.
Clever and quick, the Pyrenean is an extremely trainable dog and can achieve high levels of performance in a variety of competitive activities, however you’ll need to enjoy training as a hobby, and have plenty of time to dedicate to it. Positive reinforcement and clever motivation using treats, toys and the opportunity to work will see good results. As with all dogs, heavy handed or dominance-based methods will not work and will likely produce a dog who distrusts the handler.
For families familiar with hard working pastoral breeds, the Pyrenean may make a good pet, however they are not suited for homes busy with small children. For older children or teenagers with a special interest in training this may make a fun companion to work with. Despite their modest size, they are not at all suited for first time owners, or those without a great deal of time to dedicate to training and exercise.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
There is another variety of Pyrenean Sheepdog, the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) which has been known and recognised in France for the same length of time the Pyrenean Sheepdog has – these are due to be recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 2021.
In rural France this breed was traditionally subjected to ear-cropping. This has been illegal in the UK since around the 1820’s but was only out-lawed in France in 2010.
