The Pyrenean Shepherd is just about the smallest in the sheepdog group, with a height in the male dog between 15 and 21 inches and the bitch being between 15 and 20 inches size varies between the longhair variety and the smooth muscle variety, and they generally weigh between 15 and 32 pounds. The longhair variety has long to medium length hair that is thick and slightly wavy whereas the smooth muscles variety has a totally flat coat of similar length. They are usually dark fawn colours that can have some white markings and may also, sometimes, have darker hair intermingled in the coat. white coats are very unusual. The smooth muscle variety can come in various colours and white is not so rare.
History. They are about the oldest French breed, having had a draft standard presented Count Henri de Bylandt in 1897. These dogs played an important role in the 1914-18, First World War. They were used as communications dogs, carrying messages between the various groups of soldiers, and also to the headquarters, etc. many of the dogs dying in the act of carrying out their assigned duties. Obviously, after the war the numbers had dropped significantly, French Shepherd's started rebuilding the breed, but of course they were mainly concerned with the characteristics of the dog and did not pay too much attention to its thoroughbred background. In response to this a club was formed, and they drew up a standard, included within an agreement of French dog breed standards, which was presented in 1921. In 1923 a more accurate standard was defined, by the Reunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyreneens which is a group that still exists to the present day. This group also represents anotherthree groups of the Pyrenean breeds.
Temperament. There are slight differences between the smooth muzzled and longhair varieties, the longhair variety tends to be more nervy and is a little harder to train as a result. They are energetic and alert the slightly nervy tendency, they are courageous vocal dogs that are constantly alert, as a result of their guarding nature. They need large amounts of exercise and a determined master. They are wary of anything unknown, and need to be introduced to friends and visitors. They have a mischievous and inquisitive look about them, and have a tendency to investigate. Although small, as sheepdogs go, they do require a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation. They are faithful and hard-working, and as long as you can assert yourself adequately, they make an excellent pet.
Health issues. They're a fairly long-lived breed with an average lifespan of 14 to 15 years. There is little evidence to support any significant inherent health disorders.
Grooming. This breed requires brushing or combing frequently, once sometimes twice a day. When they are moulting this is even more important, or they can develop an unhealthy and dull look. Regular baths are also a requirement of the Pyrenean Shepherd, which you will find to be quite a challenge; you will definitely need a sense of humour when bathing your pet.
Living conditions. This is a highly energetic dog and requires lots of exercise, and a fairly strict feeding regime which the breeder would have supplied you with. The diet is extremely important, as a result of which, they can be a fairly expensive pet to own. Along with it screening requirements this makes a Pyrenean sheepdog a fairly high maintenance pet. It is not suited to apartment life as it likes a lot of outdoor activity; also due to its alert nature it would tend to bark a lot at people going past your apartment. You should not consider this dog unless you can provide enough time and care to it.
