Pyrenean Shepherd: Your Complete Guide

The Pyrenean shepherd is a herding breed that comes in two distinct coats, the smooth-faced and long-haired standards. While this difference can have some effect on their personality, owners can expect a cunning and energetic dog regardless of its fluffy exterior.

The breed is known for its perky, excited demeanor, wild coat, and impressive lifespan. While they can be great pets for the right owner, their tendency to bark, wariness towards unfamiliar people, and constant movement can prove disastrous for households.

To better understand whether this lovable fluffball is right for you, let’s look at everything that goes into owning a Pyrenean shepherd.

Quick Look at the Pyrenean Shepherd

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Pyrenean Shepherds?

As their name suggests, the shepherd hails from the Pyrenees mountain, specifically in the French portion of the snowy peaks. The Pyrenean shepherd is one of many European herding breeds that have all sported large, voluminous coats.

It is believed that these differing dogs that come from various European countries, such as Poland, Portugal, France, and Sardinia, all likely originated from the same ancestral breed. Some academics believe this predecessor to have taken part in the numerous migrations into Europe sometime around 4,000 B.C.

As the breed separated into different regions and became cut off from other relatives, they grew unique. Certain physical features began to differentiate the various dog species, and in the chilly ridges of the French Pyrenees, the fluffy shepherd started to grow into its identity.

The breed’s incredible energy reserve and intelligent disposition set them apart as exceptional flock herding dogs. While their larger cousins, the Great Pyrenees, would scare off hungry apex animals, the more miniature shepherd would keep the herd well-contained. To this day, you can still find the fuzzy farm dog working tirelessly in the French Pyrenees.

The Pyrenean shepherd was recognized by the French kennel club “Central Canine Society” in 1926 and is separated into two classes. These two classes are the ruffled, long-haired shepherd with its thick, wavy coat and the more contained, smooth-faced shepherd, which tends to have a straighter, shorter coat.

What Do Pyrenean Shepherds Look Like?

The breed sits somewhere in the small-to-medium category of canines, with two distinct coat variations that can cause a lot of visual differences from one shepherd to another. Their coat can come in numerous colors and be uniform or multicolored. Their fur can be black, blue, brown, fawn, silver, and white.

What Size Is a Pyrenean Shepherd?

Their size varies from around fifteen to twenty-one inches, with the smooth-face shepherd sometimes closer to the ground than its fluffier counterpart. Their fur can be deceiving, making them almost appear sedentary or husky. Underneath the protective layering is a muscular, lean physique that speaks to their impressive stamina.

Speaking of their physique, they tend to sit anywhere from fifteen to thirty pounds, with some shepherds barely breaking into the medium category.

What Is a Pyrenean Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?

Considering the two different coat types, we will review one at a time. The first is the smooth-faced, which has a clean coat around the head and ears that helps distinguish its facial features more clearly. Towards the body, hair will be slightly longer (typically medium-length) with a coarse straight coat that is well-insulated against colder weather.

Moving towards the fluffier long-haired Pyrenean shepherd, it can grow into something out of the muppets if its face isn’t trimmed. The facial hair grows thick, wavy, and dense, overtaking the individual features of the dog reasonably quickly. Towards the body, it has a deep, long coat of beautiful wavy fur that keeps it well-maintained for winter.

While the breed is not known to struggle in warmer weather, its dense fur can prove problematic in desert regions. For colder climates, the dog handles itself quite well and will likely be in better spirits than its owners.

What Is a Pyrenean Shepherd’s Temperament?

The phrase, “Too smart for their own good,” comes to mind when discussing the playful Pyrenean shepherd. This deceptively sharp dog has a wild streak that has become infamous among their breed. The herding hounds are balls of lightning, zipping around for hours, likely wondering where all the sheep are.

They have a deep love for their family, and while they may not immediately hit it off with other people they encounter, owners will adore them instantly. However, They have their drawbacks and can be very prone to barking. Even worse, they tend to oppose outsiders’ company, whether they be human, dog, cat, or otherwise.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Good With Kids?

They are smart enough to be trained into compliance with just about any social setting, though their speed, energy, and enthusiasm can cause some issues with younger children. They are not a breed that cannot be around children, but early training and encouragement near kids should be actively drilled.

The pairing of a dog and a child is a two-way street. A child who respects the dog’s space and is patient and aware of the dog’s handling guidelines will fare much better than a kid who goes straight for a bear hug. Similarly, sometimes a dog immediately warms up to a kid like they’re old friends.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Good With Other Animals?

They aren’t impossible to bring into contact with other dogs, and individual temperament makes a difference. On average, most Pyrenean shepherds will need a bit of socialization, training, and time around other dogs before they begin charming the neighborhood beagle.

If you plan to have two dogs, try to ensure both have an amiable attitude before adopting. It can also help to have a dog more open to other four-legged friends who can bring a new addition into the fold more gracefully than a skittish one.

For smaller pets, be wary of the breed’s innate prey response. They will go after much smaller animals and some cats if the more diminutive pets are fearful, which can cause a chaotic house. This relationship worsens when the dog is not expending energy, as they will be more willing to chase.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Aggressive?

No more so than any other breed and certainly never enough to be considered a trait inherent in the breed. They are sometimes reserved around new people and may bark at them, though they are unlikely to leap at the nearest unknown person anytime soon.

Pyrenean shepherds are one of the smarter dog breeds, giving them a lot of individuality regarding their character. So, if owners find themselves with a puppy who likes to puff his chest out – training, exercise, and positive encouragement can go a long way. That said, it is not a notable concern for shepherd enthusiasts.

Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark?

Those peace-loving homeowners who enjoy the ambient silence of their living room will not enjoy the average shepherd. They will bark at passing cars, pedestrians, birds, squirrels, leaves, and threatening gusts of wind. They have a very protective nature, bordering on paranoia, and will show it audibly.

Their vocal nature will need to be trained out of the dog early on, or it will wreak havoc on the owner’s sleep schedule and mood. If they have one trait that is harder to deal with than any other, it is their favorite pastime of howling at the slightest disturbance.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Affectionate?

To their family, this will be one of the sweetest, lovable lap dogs a dog enthusiast could ever hope to own. To strangers, it primarily comes down to their personality and how often they interact with new people.

At the end of a rigorous day of playing outside, going for walks, and running in circles for several minutes, the shepherd is more than happy to warm up the lap of their favorite human.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Intelligent?

Some owners argue that the Pyrenean shepherd is too mentally quick for comfort. They are very bright, which can make training a breeze, though it can also make reigning them in quite hard. They are tricky, slick, and enjoy pulling the wool. They are not mean-spirited but have the personality of a kid who barely got away with the last cookie in the jar.

This endearing quirk doesn’t mean they are disobedient; they can be incredibly eager to get the positive encouragement of their owner, and it shows in their impressive range of skill sets. They also can break the mold quite regularly. However, the Pyrenean shepherd may get creative ideas in canine disobedience when left alone to its own devices.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Energetic?

Owners of the Pyrenean shepherd should be prepared to exercise the dog often and at length or look for other breeds to adopt. The herding dog has a history of covering great lengths daily, and that perpetually filled gas tank is going nowhere fast. A well-exercised shepherd will be wonderfully behaved and incredibly easy to get along with.

A fidgeting fluffball pushed into a couch potato lifestyle will get on the most patient person’s last nerve and potentially have health issues down the line. They are a wonderful breed for active people, and if you desire a jogging buddy, the Pyrenean shepherd might leave you gasping for air.

One of their many upsides is how fit the breed is; outside of heat concerns, the dog can keep up with most folks on their daily run without issue.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Easy to Train?

One of the high points of the breed is how inherently gifted they are at learning new things. They love interacting with their owner, adore anything physically or mentally strenuous, and are smart enough to pick up complicated tricks and instructions. That said, they can get overly excited and stubborn, which makes them hard to reign in.

This breed has had tremendous success with training at an early age, specifically with a clicker. Wise owners will use positive reinforcement to get the dog accustomed to commands. They tend to grow anxious or nervous when admonished, which complicates training.

Some breeds are more easily trained, though the Pyrenean shepherd is competent, capable, and happy to learn. Training can also prove invaluable in helping owners bond with younger shepherds as they grow into maturity.

Those looking to get into agility training should definitely consider the breed, as they have great stamina. The dog will also love every minute of it; they adore task-driven objectives and physically demanding activities.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Good Watchdogs?

The Pyrenean shepherd is unaware that it sits at around twenty pounds on average and has a built-in protective gene that alerts its owners to any potential problems. They are deeply devoted to the people they call family and will go out of their way to check for danger.

While they can’t fend off an intruder or roaming predator, they certainly can inform everyone within earshot about it. They make excellent watchdogs and are hyper-vigilant, though they cannot protect the house due to their modest frame. The French breed does an admirable job if you need a barking Brinks security system.

Are Pyrenean Shepherds Good Service Dogs?

Unless the dog is exceedingly well-trained and has a uniquely serene temperament, the shepherd will be a problem in the service position. They are intelligent, empathetic, and wholly capable, but their energy and often frantic personalities can make a poor fit for those who need reliable assistance.

Another concern is their size, which can limit them to less physically intensive positions as they cannot offer stability to those in need.

As emotional support dogs, they have the affectionate personality and emotional empathy to serve their purpose, though better-suited breeds exist. They can be a lot of work for experienced dog owners, and expecting something with so much pep to stay stationary is asking a lot from the mobile mutts.

How to Care for a Pyrenean Shepherd?

Every day for the Pyrenean shepherd would be a training montage if it had the choice. They will need consistent daily exercise, and would-be owners should set aside time after work to unwind with their new four-legged roommate. Getting their energy out will pay dividends down the line.

Grooming is less intensive than one would think, though it should be done thoroughly and habitually. Diet will change as they grow and will depend on their size, daily exercise, and maturity.

Do You Need to Groom a Pyrenean Shepherd?

As wild, lengthy, and scruffy as their coats can become, folks would be forgiven for thinking they require a brushing every other hour. They can get tangles, knots, and matted fur from lack of grooming or poor hygiene, though most dogs only need an intensive brushing about once a week.

It may take a fair bit of time for long-haired shepherds to cover the denser areas along their coats.

Baths should happen as needed, though they may grow dirtier than other dogs due to their high exercise requirements. Like all dogs, their teeth should be brushed relatively often, and their ears should be monitored to avoid any infections or dirt buildup.

Do Pyrenean Shepherds Shed?

Their shedding is manageable through most months, though they have a spring coat where the outer layers can come out in clumps. Brushing can minimize this quite a bit; for the most part, they will not be horrific shedders. The prevalence of loose hair will depend on the dog, though they aren’t half as bad as their cousin, the Great Pyrenees.

Unfortunately, they are not hypoallergenic, and folks with allergies may struggle in a house that has been well-lived in by the adorable herding dog.

What Health Problems Do Pyrenean Shepherds Have?

A definitive high point of the breed is their lifespan; they are known to be healthy dogs. If they do suffer from health afflictions, a few ailments tend to be more common with the Pyrenean shepherd.

The most common health problems are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Obesity

These can be minimized through a healthy lifestyle and a proper diet, and breeders can offer more information on a dog’s medical background before adoption.

How Long Do Pyrenean Shepherds Live?

Whether it’s from an appearance that makes them look like grizzled grandfathers or their small stature and physical health, the breed tends to live between fifteen to nineteen years in total. Proper care, exercise, and genetics play a big part in the life expectancy of Pyrenean shepherds.

What Should a Pyrenean Shepherd Eat?

Those interested in purchasing from a breeder will likely benefit from following their dietary guidelines until the dog reaches maturity. Veterinarians can also help provide information, though good-quality food for small-to-medium dogs is ideal. The amount needed will largely depend on the dog’s daily exercise, as more active dogs may require more significant portions.

Is a Pyrenean Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?

The Pyrenean shepherd is an excellent choice for active people looking for one dog to spend some time with after work. They are also great for people who want a watchdog, an affectionate companion, or a canine who will be around for a while.

They are not suitable for first-time owners as they require a bit more work than an inexperienced person may be able to handle. If the sound of barking grates on your nerves, other breeds fit the strong, silent type much better. If you own a bunch of different animals or dogs with introverted personalities, the shepherd may prove problematic down the line.