Dog breed spotlight: Pyrenean Shepherd

The Berger des Pyrénées – Pyrenean Shepherd – has worked with sheep herding in southern France since medieval times. It is mentioned in medieval manuscripts, and often referred to as the “constant companion” due to its loyalty and tendency to stay by the shepherd’s side through thin and thick. 

Pyrenean Shepherds were traditionally paired with a Great Pyrenees that would protect the herd against wild animals. They are tenacious; two Pyrenean Shepherds are enough to manage a flock of 1,000 sheep.

The breed comes in two varieties: smooth-faced and rough-faced. They are intelligent and energetic, and need a job to do. When herding, a dog easily covers 25 miles every day, and running a herding dog tired is an almost impossible task. Mental stimulation can make them tired, and they are great at agility, flyball, and competitive obedience.

This is not a breed that does well being left alone. They prefer to be by their human’s side at all times, and love to follow a person around the house to help with daily chores. They are very sensitive to a person’s moods and often seem to read minds.

Pyrenean Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, and they require little grooming. An occasional bath and a thorough brushing every few weeks goes a long way towards keeping their good looks. The dogs are often referred to as enthusiastic, affectionate, and active.

~ Maria Sadowski ~