Pyrenean Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

11-13 kg

Height

38-53 cm

Lifespan

15-17 years

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About the Pyrenean Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Pyrenean Shepherd, also commonly known as the Pyr Shep, is a highly energetic and intelligent breed that is as tireless in its devotion to its owner as it is when out running in the fields.

They were bred to herd sheep and they still have boundless enthusiasm for physical activities and anything that stimulates them physically or mentally. Although they love being outdoors they can also make great family dogs and will be affectionate with any children at home.

Here, we’ve laid out all the information, tips, key facts, and breed history you need to get acquainted with the majestic Pyr Shep. Who knows? Maybe this will be just the right pooch for you!

What is the history & origin of the Pyrenean Shepherd?

The Pyrenean Shepherd originated in the French Pyrenees mountains where it was used for herding livestock and sheep in particular. As well as being a herding dog it was also tasked with protecting the flocks from predators such as wolves.

The breed was used as part of the war effort during the First World War and they served as messengers, search and rescuers, and guard dogs.

They were first taken to the United States in the 19th century by shepherds to help with herding flocks in the west of the country and during the 1970s they started to become popular there. American breeders started to import more of them from France and their numbers began to grow.

!n 1987, the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed and in 2009 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. They are currently ranked 162nd out of all breeds by the AKC.

What is a Pyrenean Shepherd breed?

There are two varieties of the Pyrenean Shepherd breed; rough-faced and smooth-faced. The smooth-faced variety has short hair on its face with longer hair on the side of its head.

On the body, it has short, soft hair that doesn’t grow any longer than two inches, and the hair on its back legs and the rear end is slightly longer.

The rough-faced variety has either long hair or medium-length hair that has a wiry texture, which gives this variety a distinctively rough coat. Its chin and muzzle have short hair whilst the hair on the side of its head is longer and swept back.

The colours of this breed’s coat vary widely and can be blue merle, fawn merle, brindle merle, black, grey, and black and white.

They have a lean yet muscular build and their dark brown, almond-shaped eyes give them a cunning and intelligent expression. They’re highly active and very friendly dogs who remain popular with shepherds and families alike.

Who is a Pyrenean Shepherd best for?

As a herding breed, the Pyr Shep has almost limitless energy levels and requires as much exercise as its owner can provide. This means they can be a bit of a challenge to care for and are best suited to owners or families who enjoy long, daily walks and hikes.

They’re also highly intelligent, and require lots of mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and frustrated. This means they’re ideal participants in various dog sports and these kinds of events are a good way to satisfy their physical and mental needs.

If you have children at home the Pyr Shep will get along with them well, as long as it’s raised alongside them from an early age. If it’s properly trained it will accept other dogs in the home too but will tend to dominate them and likes to get its own way.

Pyrenean Shepherd Grooming & Shedding

The Pyr Shep’s coat needs to be brushed once a week to prevent it from becoming tangled or matted. The outer layer of its double coat does shed moderately and they will leave some dog hair around the house. However, regular brushing should stop this from becoming excessive.

You’ll also need to clean out their ears regularly to reduce the risk of ear infections and trim their nails when they get too long. Their teeth need to be brushed frequently with a dog toothpaste to keep them fresh and shiny.

Do Pyrenean Shepherds bark a lot?

Pyrenean Shepherds are a particularly vocal breed and they will tend to bark at strangers, other dogs, and other animals. This is due to the fact that they were bred as herding dogs and use their bark to herd sheep and livestock. If you’re looking for a quiet pooch the Pyr Shep is not the best choice for you!

What is the average weight & height of a Pyrenean Shepherd?

Pyr Sheps are the smallest of the French herding dog breeds and their height is typically between 38cm to 53cm at the shoulder. They usually weigh between 11kg and 13kg.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds easy to train?

As they’re very intelligent, Pyr Sheps are quick to learn and take very well to training. They’re also friendly dogs who form close bonds with their owners meaning they’re eager to please. This means training them can be both fun and fairly easy, as long as you use the right methods.

The best way to train them is to use clicker-training, positive reinforcement, and sessions that are engaging and include rewards. Once they’ve learned a few things you can also consider involving them in different dog sports such as rally, dock diving, agility, freestyle, and obedience.

This breed tends to be wary around strangers and other dogs that they’re not familiar with, so socializing them early is very important. You could try enrolling them in puppy training classes to help with this.

How do Pyrenean Shepherds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Pyr Sheps are very high-energy dogs that love nothing more than being engaged in vigorous physical activities and they need a lot of mental stimulation.

They were bred to herd large flocks in the Pyrenees mountains and they’re still perfectly capable of doing this today. This means that they don’t really get tired out.

They’re also very loyal and devoted to their owners and will be affectionate with all members of their family. They can be a bit aloof with other pets and dogs in the household but they will generally get along with them.

If you’re looking for a tireless companion to explore the great outdoors with, the Pyr Shep may be just the perfect dog for you!

Does the Pyrenean Shepherd have any common health issues?

Pyr Sheps are a generally healthy breed but they are susceptible to certain genetic health problems, such as:

Hip Dysplasia – a fairly common condition where the dog’s hip joint doesn’t form properly meaning it then doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. This can lead to arthritis.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – a condition that causes the photoreceptor cells in the dog’s eye to slowly degenerate. This can cause full or partial blindness.
Luxating Patellas – a condition that causes the kneecap to persistently slip in and out of position. This can lead to pain and mobility issues and eventually arthritis.

What is the lifespan of a Pyrenean Shepherd?

The Pyr Shep has a longer than average life expectancy which is between 15 to 17 years. So, your loyal pooch will be by your side for a very long time!

How much does a Pyrenean Shepherd need to be fed?

The Pyr Shep needs to be fed high-quality dog food split into two meals each day. The amounts of food they need will vary from dog to dog and you should consult a vet to help you work out the best diet for your particular pooch.

How much can you expect to pay for a Pyrenean Shepherd in Australia?

A Pyr Shep puppy usually costs between $1,100 and $1,700 from a reputable breeder. You can find information about responsible breeders in your area from a national breed club such as the Australian National Kennel Club.

Pyrenean Shepherd FAQs

Are Pyrenean Shepherd dogs prone to separation anxiety?

Pyr Sheps are very devoted to their owners and love to be around them. This means they are prone to separation anxiety and don’t like being left alone for long stretches of time. This can cause them to become stressed and anxious, and could lead to unwanted behaviours like excessive barking.

Are Pyrenean Shepherd dogs hypoallergenic?

Pyr Sheps are not hypoallergenic dogs as their double coats do shed moderately and they will leave dander around the home. This can cause reactions in those who suffer from dog allergies and they do not make suitable pets for allergy sufferers.

Are Pyrenean Shepherd dogs good with kids?

Pyr Sheps tend to get on well with children that are part of their owner’s family as long as they are socialized around them from a young age. They are usually quite aloof with children they’re not familiar with and will most likely just ignore them.