PYRENEAN SHEPHERD

Apartment Living

Good for 1st Time Owners

Tolerance Levels

Affection for Family

Kid Friendliness

Stranger Friendliness

Ease of Grooming

General Health

Trainability

Prey Drive

Exercise Needs

Energy Level

History

Some experts suggest that Pyrenean shepherds were bred by the Cro-Magnons for herding activities in the Pyrenees mountains. Others suggest that the Pyreneans might have originated when the Suebi and Vandals started breeding the Pyrenees.

Interesting Facts

A male Pyrenean Shepherd named La Brise sun bear became the BIS in the AKC back in the year 2015
Great in agility sports and also learns various exciting tricks very fast
Used during the World War II for aiding and nursing purpose
Not always great for city life

Varieties

Rough-faced Pyrenean Shepherd
Smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd

The rough-faced version has an extended furry coat with a harsh texture. The hair on the muzzle and the chin area is shorter while the cheek area has side-swept hair giving the dog a windblown look. The smooth-faced version comes with short but fine hair that reaches a maximum limit of two inches. The dew-claws are always present in their front legs.

Temperament & Personality

They are medium-sized fine-boned dogs with traits such as affection, loyalty, enthusiasm, and a high energy personality. Because of their herding instincts, these dog's can become a great guard dog.

The Pyrenean tends to be bossy. It will accept the presence of other animals, but itself take charge of the pack. If raised with children from an early age, the Pyreneans can bond well with them in the future.

Exercise

As they are a highly active breed they need an extensive amount of activity on a daily basis. Because of their herding history, these dogs have an excellent endurance level. A fenced-in yard is crucial for this breed.

Grooming

The owner should keep a vacuum cleaner handy as these dogs shed moderately to heavy every week. Both the Rough and the Smooth varieties have a weather resistant coat. This breed needs a weekly brushing as well as a thorough checking for issues like matting and burring.

Health Problems

Some health issues that can bother the Pyrenean shepherd are Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Patellar luxation, Patent Ductus Arteriosis, and Progressive retinal atrophy.

The Pyrenean shepherd club of America is an exclusive club for the Pyreneans. Before any breeder sells a Pyrenean Shepherd puppy to a customer, he has to collect a CHIC number from the PSCA, issued only if the breeder gets a health certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals(OFA) and Canine Eye Registration Foundation(CERF) respectively.

Training

Early training will build an obedient and lovely dog. If anyone needs a herding dog, the Pyreneans are by far the best option for them. These highly intelligent dogs can be trained to do a variety of tasks.

Feeding

This breed needs high-quality dry dog food to maintain their highly energetic lifestyles. The dry food will keep the dog ‘s oral health soft and disease free. However, the owner should avoid canned food for this breed.