Pyrenean Sheepdog
🧠 Temperament & character
Lively, alert and remarkably energetic, the Pyrenean Sheepdog is a clever and work-loving dog with an enormous need for exercise. He bonds closely with his handler, is sensitive and eager to learn, but by nature wary and reserved towards strangers. His keen, at times nervous temperament calls for calm, patient guidance and plenty of activity. With good socialisation he is a loyal, attentive companion who wants to be challenged both mentally and physically.
📜 Origin & history
The Pyrenean Sheepdog has herded the flocks of sheep in the French Pyrenees for centuries and traditionally worked in tandem with the large Pyrenean Mountain Dog, which guarded the flock while the little herder nimbly kept it together. Thanks to his agility and stamina he handled the rugged mountain terrain with ease. During the First World War many of these clever dogs were used as messenger, search and medical dogs. Today the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog is valued above all as an agile sport and companion dog.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The long, dense coat of the Pyrenean Sheepdog - often with the typical shaggy strands on the hindquarters - needs regular brushing to prevent matting. Far more important, however, is keeping him occupied: this energetic little dog needs a great deal of daily exercise and mental challenges. Dog sports such as agility, obedience or tracking work are ideal for satisfying his alert mind and his urge to move. As a sensitive dog he responds best to calm, motivating training and a sensitive hand.
🩺 Health
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is considered a robust and remarkably long-lived breed that often reaches twelve to fifteen years or older. Occasionally hip dysplasia, epilepsy and hereditary eye diseases such as PRA or lens luxation occur. Reputable breeders have the parent animals x-rayed for hip dysplasia, have the eyes examined and use the available DNA tests. Overall the little Pyrenean is a tough, weather-hardy dog with a good constitution.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Pyrenean Sheepdog fits best with very active, dog-experienced people who can meet his enormous need for exercise and occupation. He is little suited to a quiet apartment life without a task; ideal are dog sports, hiking and a home with access to nature. Because of his temperament and sensitivity he can only be recommended to inexperienced first-time owners with reservations. In Switzerland the weatherproof, sure-footed little herding dog is an ideal companion for mountain hikes and active dog-sport enthusiasts.