Pyrenean Shepherd - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
The Pyrenean Shepherd was practically unknown as a breed until the early 20th century. But it is believed, that the breeds history is much longer. There are evidences of similar sheepdogs from the area of Pyrenees mountains since 4 000 B.C., so it is possible, that the Pyrenean Shepherd history is more than 6 000 years long. But of course, there are no real evidences about it and it is only a theory.
2) Types
The Pyrenean Shepherd appearance can vary quiet a lot and even the breed standard says, that it varies considerably from, dependending in which valley the Pyrenean Shepherd was developed. The shape and coat can be very different, but they always share similar temperament. There is a smooth faced and rough faced coat variety and both varieties can be born in the same litter.
3) Great Pyrenees
The Pyrenean Shepherd was developed as a herder and to control very large flocks. You maybe think, that they are too small for this job and that they would never be able to protect the flocks, but that is because they mostly worked together with the large Great Pyrenees, whose job was to protect and the Pyrenean Shepherd job was to navigate and control the livestock, so they did not need to be large and fierce.
4) World War
The Pyrenean Shepherd is not only a herder, because during World War I, they were used as messengers, guards, and rescue dogs. The French soldiers were impressed by the breeds courage and bravery and after the war, the breed gained a recognition for the first time outside the Pyrenees Mountains.
5) Energy
It seems that this breed has neverending energy, they are just tireless. The Pyrenean Shepherd needs a lot of daily exercise and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. But you should not forget about the mental stimulation, because this breed just love to work and they are intelligent and lets say mischevious. If you are not using the dog for working purposes, you should try some task oriented playtime or longer training session to keep them occupied, or you can try some dog sport, for example agility or flyball.

6) Size
The Pyrenean Shepherd has long and lean body and it is the smallest of all French and Spanish herding breeds. The size can vary quite a lot and the females are naturally little bit smaller than males, but also the rough faced type is smaller than the smooth faced type. Typically, the height should be between 15-21 inch, which is 38-53 cm and weight is typically between 15-32 pounds, which is 7-15 kg.

7) Other people
The Pyrenean Shepherd has naturally protective instinct and they are quite alert and reserved with strangers. This is definitely highly valued, when the dog is working as a herder, but it can be problematic, if your aim is to raise a companion dog. Frequent proper early socialization with strangers is definitely needed. The Pyrenean Shepherd can live with other dogs and even with other animals, if they are raised with them from the puppyhood, but sometiems, they can be dominant and bossy towards them.

8) Color
You can find this breed in many many different colors, but the most common are shades of fawn that ranges from tan to copper, shades of grey and brindle. The smooth faced type has soft and fine hair, while the rough faced type fur is coarse and thick.

9) Grooming
The Pyrenean Shepherd is not very hard breed to maintain. They do shed, so regular weekly brushing is needed to minimize the shedding and also to prevent matting. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check their eyes, ears and nails and clip them or clean them if needed. Pyrenena Shepherd are known for quite fast-growing nails that need regular care.

10) Health
Typical Pyrenean Shepherd lifespan is between 15-17 years, which is very high. It is pretty healthy and hardy dog breed, but just like all the dogs they can suffer from some health issues, for example from hip dysplasia, epilepsy, patellar luxation or progressive retinal atrophy.