Pyrenean Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs are known by various name like the Labrit, Labri, the Chien de Berger des Pyrenees, the Berger des Pyrenees, the Long-Haired Pyrenean Sheepdog, the Petit Berger, and the Pyr Shep.

The Pyrenean Shepherd has a lean, light-boned body but strong. They have a triangular-shaped head with almond-shaped eyes that are very expressive. They come in two coat variety: rough-faced and smooth-faced. The rough-faced can have long hair which may be flat or slightly wavy and the smooth-faced can have short or slightly long hair that is fine and soft.

Origin and History

The Pyrenean Shepherd is originated in the French Pyrenees Mountains which was bred to be a sheep herding dog. They were kept to work alongside the Great Pyrenees who used to guard the flocks. Their job was to move flocks from one grazing field to another area in the valley. It is believed to be a very old breed whose exact date of its origin still not traced.

It was brought in North America from Europe in the 1800s. In 1987, the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 2009 as a member of the Herding Group.

Is Pyrenean Shepherd Child-Friendly?

Pyrenean Shepherd is a gentle dog that gets well with children and is friendly towards them. They are very playful and makes a great playmate for kids who love to play ball and fetching.

Their interaction should be supervised as Pyrenean Shepherd sometimes get a herding instinct to herd small children. Otherwise, they will do great with children of all age.

Temperaments, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The Pyrenean Shepherd has an active, affectionate and enthusiastic temperament. They can play all day and not get tired as they are very energetic. If not playing, they will like to lay beside their owner and sleep. They are a very intelligent dog and need to occupy their mind by doing some physical or mental activities.

Behavior: They are very much devoted to their family and are very much attached to one particular person in the family. They might show their destructive behavior if they are left alone for a long time without his owner interaction. They can also face separation anxiety and be depressed.

Personality: Pyrenean Shepherd has a calm and well-mannered personality. They are trustworthy, gentle and calm but if there is any kind of threat towards its family, they won’t hesitate to stand for them. Due to this nature of them, they can make a great guard dog.

Trainability

Pyrenean Shepherd has a mind of their own and they do not like being told what to do. They can be stubborn sometimes which makes training hard with them.

An experienced owner is needed who knows the behavior of the dog. A firm leadership with confidence and consistency is needed to train Pyrenean Shepherd. However, they respond well to positive methods of training that includes treats and vocal praises. This will encourage and motivate them.

Facts

• It is said that two Pyrenean Shepherd is enough to manage a flock of 1000 sheep.
• It is estimated that Pyrenean Shepherd covers 25 miles a day while herding flocks.
• They were used during World War I as couriers and search-and-rescue dogs.

Health issues

Pyrenean Shepherd is generally a healthy breed with some possible genetic health problems. Some of the few health problems that they might face during their lifetime are:

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia affects the back parts of the dog that is caused due to undeveloped hip joints or dislocation of the bones. It is mainly caused due to genetic and there is extreme pain on the back part. It makes it hard to move from one place to another.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is caused due to eating poison, kidney disease, liver diseases and so on. The symptoms like drooling, loss of consciousness, foaming in the mouth can be seen. Therefore, as soon as these symptoms are seen, take your dog to nearby vet before it gets late.

Colors

Pyrenean Shepherd comes in the following different colors:

• Black
• Black & White
• Blue Merle
• Brindle
• Brindle Merle
• Fawn
• Fawn Merle
• Gray
• Slate Gray
• White

Puppies

Cost: The average cost of the Pyrenean Shepherd is between $500-$800 USD. But, if you want to adopt than it will cost somewhere between $300 including the expenses of taking care of a puppy.

Height and Size: The average of the Pyrenean Shepherd is 15.5-20 inches. The average weight is 15-30 pounds.

Dog Breeds Similar to Pyrenean Shepherd

• Croatian Sheepdog
• Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog
• Berger Picard
• Dutch Shepherd
• Mudi

Visit Doglime for more information about dog breeds history, temperament, behavior, training, and puppies.

• About Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs
• Dog Breeds That Start With P
• Dogs Health
• Herding Dogs