Despite their ability to be such a strong and tough little working dogs their main goal is to be with the people they call "theirs".  Never will you find such a loyal, devoted companion as you will in a Pyrenean Shepherd.

HISTORY  OF  THE  PYRENEAN  SHEPHERD

Its origins lost in the mists of time, the Pyrenean Shepherd has resided in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France since time immemorial. Myths abound – that the breed is descended from native Pyrenean bears and foxes; and that this was the original dog of the Cro-Magnon people who painted the cave at Lascaux. What we can know is that bones of small dogs abound in Neolithic sub-fossil deposits, and that sheep and goat herding were so well developed in the Pyrenees that by 6000 BC, the ecology of the region had been transformed by overgrazing. Throughout the centuries, transhumance herding has been the mainstay of the economy of the High Pyrenees, and this ancient lifestyle persists even into the twenty-first century. Many Pyr Sheps of excellent type (but with no registered ancestors) still herd sheep every day in the Pyrenees Mountains.

Medieval accounts of life in the Pyrenees mention the dogs as constant companions; wherever the shepherd went, his little dog went too (see e.g. Montaillou). Beginning in the early modern period, depictions can be found in engravings, lithographs, and paintings. Noteworthy are Buffon’s Histoire Naturelle (“chien de berger de petite race”), Dartiguenave’s Costumes des Pyrenees, and Descamps’ Le retour du berger. It is well-known among residents of the High Pyrenees that when the Virgin Mary appeared to the young shepherdess Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes in 1858, Brigitte had her little Pyrenean Shepherd by her side. Representations of the breed dating to the eighteenth century display the same ear crop that is still used today.

Some Pyr Sheps came to North America in the 19th century accompanying flocks of sheep imported from the Pyrenees Mountains.  These dogs were primarily smooth-faced blue merles, and they were instrumental in founding the Australian Shepherd.  Mary Crane of Basquaerie kennels, founder of the Great Pyrenees in America, imported four Pyr Sheps in the 1930s, one being Houzard de Fontanettes from M. Senac-Legranges' kennel, but did not breed them.

In the mid 1970s, Linda Weisser of Euzkotar kennels in Washington State, also a Great Pyrenees breeder, imported a breeding pair from Guy Mansencal's "Estaubé" kennel in France.  Jouk de l'Orinclois and Javotte de l'Estaubé had several litters.  These pups were tremendous ambassadors for the breed, introducing many American fanciers to this unusual little French sheepdog.

In 1983, Patricia Princehouse of La Brise kennels, yet another Great Pyrenees fancier, imported Ch. Urrugne de l'Estaubé from Guy Mansencal, Estaubé kennel.  In 1987 she imported additional breeding stock.  With the rising number of Pyr Shep enthusiasts, Patricia and Fran Princehouse, Peggy Oba, Jean Cave Pero, and others established the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America in 1987 with the goal of protecting individual Pyrenean Shepherds, and preserving the original breed type.

Bibliography

Buffon, Georges, Histoire Naturlle, Quadrupedes Vivipares “Le chien de berger des petite race” Paris (1746-1786)

Casteran, Martine, Le Berger des Pyrenees, Vecchi, Paris (1989)

Coly, Jacques, Le Berger des Pyrenees, P.B. Editions, Versailles (1998)

Duconte, Charles, and J. A. Sabouraud, Les Chiens Pyreneens, Crepin-Leblond, Paris (1967)

LeRoy-Ladurie, Emmanuel,  Montaillou: Village Occitane de 1294 a 1324, Gallimard, Paris (1975)

Megin, Paul, Nos Chiens, Bailliere et Fils, Paris (1909)

Megin, Pierre, Le Chien, Toulet (1893)

Megin, Pierre, Le Chien et Ses Races L’Eleveur, Vincennes (1897)

Megin, Pierre, Les Races de Chiens, L’Eleveur, Vincennes (1899)

Senac-Lagrange, Bernard, Les Chiens Pyreneens (1927)

 CARE  &  COMMONLY  ASKED  QUESTIONS

Care

Health

Other commonly asked  & 

:    What is the average lifespan?
 &
  :    The Pyr Shep is very long lived.  He it not unknown for him to live into his late teens.

:    When do they reach maturity?
 &
  :    They reach full maturity at approximately 3 years of age. At that time you will often notice a dog that is a "little" calmer having experienced life a little more and having gained confidence in himself, the people around him, and his abilities.  Physically, a puppy will grow fast and usually reach his adult height at around 8 months old.

:    How big do they grow?
 &
  :    A mature Pyr Shep grows between 15"-19"tall  and weighs an average of 25-30 lbs.

:    Is the breed a good guard dog?
 &
  :    The breed makes a good watch dog in the sense that his sensitive hearing causes him to bark at any unfamiliar noises.  By nature he is a bit of an alarmist so he should also not be allowed to continue to bark for any length of time. Teach him to "be quiet!" and "leave it!" at an early age.

:    What are they like with strangers?
 &
  :    If the stranger is not making any forward gestures, and the dog doesn't feel threatened, then the breed is quite happy to say a quick "hello".  Once the pyr shep has had some time to get to know the stranger then he is happy to sit and be patted, or to jump into their lap.  Positive early socialization with strange people and pets is important.

:       Does the breed bark a lot?
 &
  :      The breed will bark.  This is a very primitive instinct from the days when living in the Pyrenees Mountains.   But, he is also very trainable and should be taught to "Be Quiet" when told. Often times an owner will let a puppy bark too much because it is cute to watch. This is a mistake which is regretted when the novelty wears off.

 :    What colours do they come in?
 &
  :     Fawn or fawn with a black overlay is very common.  As is brindle and grey.  They also come in solid black and blue merle.

:    Does the coat mat or tangle?
 &
  :    If the Pyr Shep possesses a correct coat, one that is not too soft or woolly, then no, the coat does not mat or tangle easily.  The long-haired dogs require the most attention, unless it is allowed to naturally cord.  The demi-long and smooth-faced dogs require very little attention and are virtually maintenance- free.

 :    What type of maintenance does the coat need?
 &
  :       The demi-long coat type and the smooth-faced variety will only need a brushing once a month to keep it in order. The long-haired dogs will need brushing twice a month to avoid mats forming in the undercoat.  If your Pyr Shep's coat is naturally cording then just the front end (shoulders, front legs, neck and head) need to be brushed out once every 3 weeks, while allowing the back half to cord, while keeping the cords separated by hand.

:    Does the coat need to be trimmed?
 &
  :    No, the coat does not require trimming.

:    How are the coats prepared for the showring?
 &
  :    The breed requires very little preparation for the showring.  Even a bath often is too much and will soften the coat giving it an incorrect texture and fly-away appearance.  A quick brushing through is all that is required.

 :    How much exercise does the this breed require?
 &
  :    He should have a backyard to run and play in.  On top of that, he should get at least an hour's run in the park several times a week.  You will never tire him out, but walking and running with him helps to keep him in the fittest of condition physically and mentally.

 :    What training do they need and are they easy to train?
 &
  :    Yes, the breed is easy to train.  All dogs should go to obedience school. For the young pup it not only is a good place to learn to be obedient, but also a great place to socialize with people and retain his canine socialization skills.  For the older dog, obedience school serves to reinforce your dominant status in his pack.  Other wonderful canine activities such as flyball and agility are terrific fun for your Pyr Shep.

 :    Are they a good family dog?
 &
  :    The Pyr Shep is an excellent family dog.  He becomes very devoted to each member of the family, adults and children alike.

:    Are they good with other people's children?
 &
  :    If the Pyr Shep is unfamiliar with 'children' and has not been socialized with children at an earlier age, patience and caution should be used when introducing the two.  Often a Pyr Shep will view the fast, unpredictable behavior of children as something to be wary of. A child should also be taught to be respectful of dogs.  Once the pyr shep realizes the child is not as threatening as he first thought then all should go well.

 :    Are they good with other animals?
 &
  :    If accustomed to other types of animals and pets the Pyr Shep is very companionable although his herding instinct may get the better of him and his bossy nature becomes apparent.

 :    Do they need to be in the country or the city?
 &
  :    The Pyr Shep's character is such that he adjusts easily to either living in the country or city.  As long as he is an integrated member of his family pack and his exercise requirements are being met he is happy.

 :    How well do they adapt to an apartment?
 &
  :    The Pyr Shep can also adapt to apartment living but in these circumstances it is even more important to realize he is a very active little dog and the confinement of an apartment is more stressful.  He will require more personalized attention though walking and playing so behavior problems such as barking or destructiveness do not arise.

 :    Will they live in a kennel if necessary?
 &
        They do not make good kennel dogs as their need to be with their people is great.  They will thrive better in the house, with the family members nearby but the use of a crate for housetraining is invaluable.

 :    How tolerant are they of heat, cold or wet?
 &
  :    Their double coat is superior at protecting them in all types of weather.

 :    What medical problems does the breed experience?
 &
  :     In general, the breed has a hardy constitution.  See "Health" section above.

 :    Is the Pyrenean Shepherd a recognized breed in North America?

:      The Pyrenean Shepherd is fully recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (under the name Berger des Pyrénées) and competes with other members of the herding group at CKC licensed events.