The Berger des Pyrénées – Pyrenean Shepherd – has worked with sheep herding in southern France since medieval
times. It is mentioned in medieval manuscripts, and often referred to as the “constant companion” due to its loyalty
and tendency to stay by the shepherd’s side through thin and thick.
Pyrenean Shepherds were traditionally paired with a Great Pyrenees that would protect the herd against wild animals. Two
Pyrenean Shepherds are enough to manage a flock
of 1,000 sheep.
The breed comes in two varieties; smooth-faced and
rough-faced. They are intelligent and energetic, and
need a job to do. When herding, a dog easily covers
25 miles every day, and running one tired is almost
impossible. Mental stimulation can make them tired,
and they are great at agility, flyball, and competitive
obedience.
This is not a breed that does well being left alone.
They prefer to be by their human’s side at all times,
and love to follow a person around the house to help
with daily chores. They are very sensitive to a person’s
moods and often seem to read minds. The dogs are
often referred to as enthusiastic, affectionate, and
active.
Pyrenean Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, and
they require little grooming. An occasional bath and
a thorough brushing every few weeks goes a long
way towards keeping their good looks.
A Pyrenean Shepherd is small for being a herding
breed; they usually weight between 15 and 32 lbs,
and do well with a medium PlexiDor dog door.
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