Pyrenean Sheepdog
Also known as: French : Chien de Berger des Pyrénées Berger des Pyrénées Labrit Labri Pyrenees Sheepdog
The Pyrenean Sheepdog, originating from France, weighs 8-15 kg and stands at a height of approximately 45-60 cm. The Pyrenean Sheepdog comes from France, typically weighs 8–15 kg, and has a long or semi-long and dense coat. Individual Pyrenean Sheepdogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Weight
- 8–15 kg (18–33 lb)
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Long or semi-long and dense
- Colour
- Fawn, grey brindle, black or blue, can be overlaid with black and sometimes with a little white on the chest and on the limbs
- Other names
- French : Chien de Berger des Pyrénées Berger des Pyrénées Labrit Labri Pyrenees Sheepdog
About the Pyrenean Sheepdog
The Pyrenean Sheepdog, originating from France, weighs 8-15 kg and stands at a height of approximately 45-60 cm. This breed is known for its herding abilities.
Overview
The Pyrenean Sheepdog , the Chien de Berger des Pyrénées in French , is a small to medium-sized breed of herding dog from the Pyrenees Mountains region of France . It is found herding flocks of sheep throughout the Pyrenees alongside the much larger Pyrenean Mountain Dog which is kept as a flock guardian . The Pyrenean Sheepdog is found in three coat types, the long-haired and goat-haired (together called the Chien de Berger des Pyrénées À Poil Long ) as well as the smooth-faced (called the Chien de Berger des Pyrénées À Face Rase ); the latter is recognised as a separate breed from the former two by the Société Centrale Canine .
History
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is found along the entire length of the French Pyrenees and is even known in Basque Country to the west. The breed is one of a number of similar rough-coated sheep herding- type breeds found throughout Europe including the Briard and Berger Picard from France, the Barbado da Terceira and Cao da Serra de Aires from the Azores and Portugal, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog from Poland, the Gos d''atura from Catalonia, the Pastore Fonnese from Sardinia, the Bearded Collie , Border Collie , Rough Collie and extinct Welsh Hillman from Britain, the Schafpudel from Germany, and the Schapendoes from Holland, as well as the Armant from Egypt (descended from French Briards). A number of scholars believe it is possible the ancestors of these herding-type dogs were introduced to Europe during Indo-European migrations over 4,000 years ago, and they spread throughout the continent evolving through selective breeding into the regional breeds with certain physical characteristics to suit the demands or preferences of the region. Traditionally the Pyrenean Sheepdog is one of two breeds maintained by shepherds in the Pyrenees, the larger Pyrenean Mountain Dog was used as a flock guardian , protecting flocks from depredation from local predators (in particular wolves ), as well as from thieves; the smaller Pyrenean Sheepdog was used to herd the flocks, an important function over the summer months when the flocks are grazed on mountain pastures. The Pyrenean Sheepdog was first recognised by the Société Centrale Canine in 1926; today they recognise it as two breeds, the first the long-haired or Chien de Berger des Pyrénées À Poil Long and the second the smooth-faced or Chien de Berger des Pyrénées À Face Rase. The Pyrenean Sheepdog is still used as a herding dog in the Pyrenees region, in France the breed is sometimes called the Labrit or Labri or the Berger des Pyrénées, it is often referred to as the Petit Berger which means Little Shepherd.
Appearance
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized breed (it is the smallest French herding breed) that resembles as small Berger Picard ; they usually stand between 38 and 56 centimetres (15 and 22 in) ; the breed standards state the long-haired dogs are 40 to 50 centimetres (16 to 20 in) and bitches 38 to 48 centimetres (15 to 19 in) whilst smooth-faced dogs are 40 to 54 centimetres (16 to 21 in) and bitches 40–52 centimetres (16–20 in) . The breed weighs between 8 and 15 kilograms (18 and 33 lb) . The breed has a lean, athletic build which gives them both speed and endurance as is typical of smaller herding dogs; the varieties are anatomically almost identical, although the smooth-faced variety is described as being slightly shorter in the body and having more compact feet. The breed is considered very hardy and its build gives it impressive stamina, particularly so given the altitudes it works in, it easily covers over 32 kilometres (20 mi) in a day. The Pyrenean Sheepdog''s coat can be medium (known as goat-haired) or long, the long-haired varieties have longer hair on the face whilst the smooth-faced variety has much shorter hair on its face. The breed''s coat provides excellent protection from extreme weather, particularly the long-haired variety, the variations seen in the breed''s coats is an indication that the breed is primarily bred for working ability and not appearance. The breed can be fawn, grey, blue, brindle or black in colour which can be overlaid with black and also can have some white on the chest and limbs. Traditionally the Pyrenean Sheepdog''s ears and tail were docked although this custom is no longer common due to the procedures being restricted/ banned in numerous countries.
Temperament
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is an extremely active breed, sometimes described as a ''ball of fire'', it is very intelligent and quick-witted, mischievous, has quick reactions and abundant nervous energy; like many breeds of sheepdogs the breed is rather wary of strangers although the smooth-faced variety is said to be less so.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Pyrenean Sheepdog?
The Pyrenean Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized herding dog with a weight range of 20-30 kg and a height range of 40-50 cm. It has a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and a bushy tail. The breed comes in three coat types: long-haired, goat-haired, and a combination of both.
Is the Pyrenean Sheepdog a good family dog?
As a herding breed, the Pyrenean Sheepdog is naturally energetic and requires regular exercise. It is best suited for families with older children who can provide the necessary physical and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, the breed can be a loyal and loving companion.
What health problems do Pyrenean Sheepdogs have?
The breed is generally a healthy one, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Pyrenean Sheepdog puppy cost?
The cost of a Pyrenean Sheepdog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost between €1,000 to €3,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog, including food, veterinary care, and training.
Where do Pyrenean Sheepdogs come from?
The Pyrenean Sheepdog comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Pyrenean Sheepdog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.