Berger des Pyrenees

Berger des Pyrenees
History:

Country/Date of origin: France/1700s

The small sheepdog of the Pyrenees Mountains is considered the oldest of the French herding dogs. They were used in concert with the large white sheep guardian dogs of the region. The little dog herded the sheep. The big dog watched over them. The natural abilities of this shaggy shepherd are legend - flocks being entrusted to the two different dogs without a human handler. They were officially recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1921 but it has not made much of a name for itself outside its homeland.

FCI Group: 1 (Herding)

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

Back to Top

Labri, Pyrenean Sheepdog

AKC Group: Miscellaneous

Breed Club:

Rescue Club:

Back to Top

Body Type:

  • A small shaggy sheepdog
  • Height: 15-19 inches
  • Weight: 40 pounds
  • Ears are cropped to stand upright or left natural
  • Tail is docked or is a natural bobtail
  • Double dewclaws are a hallmark of the breed

Personality:

  • Lively with quick reflexes
  • Intelligent with an excellent memory
  • Courageous, faithful and dependable
  • Herding abilities instinctive as are ratting prowess
  • Naturally protective

Coat:

  • Long shaggy coarse hair is water resistant
  • Hair on the tail and loins is woolly
  • There are two varieties: one has long hair all over the body and the other has shorter hair on the face
  • Permissible colors are harlequin or fawn with or without brindle markings
  • Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

  • Remarkably hardy
  • Particularly resistant to distemper
Back to Top
Tasty Tidbits:
  • In the First World War, the Berger des Pyrenees was used carry messages and search for the wounded. Many were killed on the battlefields
  • This active little dog needs a job to do; they will become frustrated and perhaps destructive if not given mental and physical exercise