Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small, wiry herding dog from the French Pyrenees — the energetic partner to the great white flock-guardians of the same mountains.

History

While the large Pyrenean Mountain Dog guarded the sheep, this smaller, quicker dog moved and gathered them, working the steep pastures with tireless energy. It is an old regional herder, valued for stamina and stock sense over looks.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, intelligent and intensely energetic, devoted to its person and often wary of strangers. It is one of the most active of the herding breeds and needs a job.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and mental work — herding, agility, anything that occupies its head — and early socialising to soften its reserve. The coat, rough or smooth-faced, needs regular brushing.

Health

The breed is generally healthy and long-lived; noted tendencies include hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.