Pyrenean shepherd

Overall description of the breed

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog breed of great antiquity, often considered to be one of the oldest French dog breeds. Although its exact origins remain uncertain, it was not until the 20th century that its reputation as an efficient sheepdog emerged. Intelligent, enduring and extremely gifted in their role as shepherds, the Pyrenean Shepherd was also used as a liaison dog during the First World War, where it was acclaimed for its courage and determination.

There are two distinct varieties of Pyrenean Shepherd: the longhaired variety, which is the most common, and the short-faced variety. The breed's first standard was drawn up in 1920, then underwent several modifications before being definitively fixed in May 2009 for the longhaired variety and in April 2001 for the short-faced variety. Official recognition of the breed by the FCI took place on 26 January 1955, and the most recent update of the official standard was published on 13 March 2001.

Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs have a muscular, lean body and a nervous disposition, making them very lively and powerful for their size. Their backs are fairly long and stocky, their chests deep and their legs straight and powerful. The coat of the long-haired variety is woolly, slightly wavy and smooth, while that of the short-haired variety is fine, soft, dense and close to the body. The coat can be mainly fawn, black, grey, black or brindle.

The Pyrenean Shepherd's head is triangular, proportionate to the body, with a faint stop. The tail is set low, of medium length and ends in a hook.

Often called "Labrit" by those who know the breed well, the Pyrenean Shepherd is an energetic, lively dog! They are tireless walkers and enjoy long walks with their owners. Like most sheepdogs, Labrits are close to their family and devote infinite love to them. They are also protective of the youngest members of their family, and behave tenderly towards small children.

Highly intelligent, Pyrenean Shepherds can sometimes be difficult to control. Regular exercise is a physiological necessity for them, as without it, they can become a daily nightmare. This breed is not particularly suited to city life and prefers a rural or country environment. Intelligent, they will always find solutions to help themselves or get out of uncomfortable situations.

Wary of strangers, early socialisation will be beneficial and necessary from an early age to produce a well-balanced, friendly dog.

The average weight of the Pyrenean Shepherd is around 10 kg (22 lbs) and its height varies from 40 to 48 cm (15" to 18") for the male and 38 to 46 cm (14" to 18") for the female. This exceptional breed is a real treasure of the French canine heritage.