Pyrenean Sheepdog

The Pyrenean Sheepdog has incredible energy and ease of movement. Raised as a guard dog, it does its duty honestly and can work even in bad weather conditions to guard its home. The dog is calm, serious, gets along well with children. They are compassionate well understand the moods of their owner. Well amenable to training.

Breed Photos

Origin History

For centuries, Pyrenean Sheepdogs have had the function of shepherds and watchmen in the mountains. The English Kennel Club first registered the breed in 1885; the Pyrenean Sheepdog took part in the show.

After World War II, Pyrenean sheepdogs became widely known. During the war, they were used as couriers, companions, guard dogs, and rescue dogs. Pyrenean Sheepdogs are now little known outside the borders of France, but perhaps that will change soon.

In 2003, the Pyrenean Sheepdog won the World Agility Championship (sport for dogs) in the medium-sized breed class. Therefore, it is also known as a sports dog.

Appearance

The Pyrenean Sheepdog is the smallest of all French sheepdogs, yet they are quite large. There are two types of breeds: long-haired and smooth-mouthed.

Long-haired pets are 39-47 cm tall for males and 38-46 cm tall for bitches. Smooth-mouthed Pyrenean Sheepdogs are large: 39-53 cm – males, 39-52 cm – females. Pyrenean Sheepdogs weigh from 7 to 15 kg, should be robust, flexible, and wiry, without excessive fat. The smooth-mouthed mountain sheepdog has a semi-long, smooth coat, with some fleece on the tail, legs, and belly. The mountain sheepdog has a long coat on the muzzle.

The dogs’ color is most often with shades of deer, tiger, and various shades of gray. There can also be tiger merle, beige merle, or black. All colors are characterized by having spots on the head, legs, and chest.

Character

The Pyrenean Sheepdog has incredible energy and ease of movement. Raised as a guard dog, it does its duty honestly and can work even in bad weather conditions to guard its home. The dog is calm, serious, gets along well with children. They are compassionate well understand the moods of their owner. Well amenable to training.

Very well tolerant of cold, poor conditions, and high altitude air. Have resistance to low temperatures.
Friendly and can easily share territory with other owners’ dogs, park dogs, and even cats, hamsters, and other rodents.

Care

It is worth brushing its hair once a week and systematically removing stuck prickles from its coat. Pyrenean Sheepdog needs a lot of space to live, so if you have a country house, you can safely have this breed. But if you live in an apartment – there may not be enough space for the dog to exercise and walks.

Regularly clean the ears and wipe the pet’s eyes. It is advisable to comb out the old hair in detail and repeatedly so that new hair grows during the molting period.

Training

The dog needs to be outdoors a lot, where there is a lot of space and freedom. To train dogs, you often need the help of a professional dog handler. Classes should be varied and in the form of play. The main point in the training is that the dog should not be raised voice. Otherwise, commands will be taken aggressively and maliciously. It is necessary to maintain a warm and trusting relationship, which is the only way to train a sheepdog.

The information should come slowly, without overloading the pets. Also, please don’t force them to follow commands. It should be their decision. Training should be done in a secluded area because they don’t like outsiders.

Common Diseases

The Pyrenean Sheepdog has perfect health. It is much healthier than other large dogs. But they tend to overeat, which can cause stomach congestion. Therefore, it is vital to watch their diet. Not often, but there can also be eye problems.

Nutrition

Can eat both food and natural food. It is recommended to have proteins, fish, vegetables, and even fruits in the diet. Additional vitamins can be given.