| Description: Smallest of the French herding breeds, the pixie-faced little dogs failed to attract attention outside of their working area. Finally, a breed club was formed in 1923, starting the official life of this breed. The relatively short official life of the breed may explain why it isn’t widely known.
The hardiness, assertiveness, toughness and phenomenal energy belie a dog its size. The Berger des Pyrenes is very bright, inquisitive and intelligent. Though affectionate with its own family, the Berger is suspicious of strangers and makes a very good guard dog. It displays a great liveliness of movement and, characteristically, is always on guard. A high level of activity is a must.
Other Names: Great Pyrenees, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Pyrenean Berger and Pyrenean Shepherd
Height: Female 15-18 inches, Male 15-19 inches
Weight: Lbs
Colors: Colours are fawn in various shades, grey, grey-fawn, harlequin and black.
Coat: The coat can be of long or semi-long hair, almost flat or slightly wavy, more heavily furnished with woollier hair on the croup and thighs. The texture is harsh being halfway between the hair of a goat and the wool of a sheep. The hair on the end of the muzzle and the chin must be naturally short and it lengthens as the muzzle widens toward the skull. The longer hair on the sides of the muzzle and cheeks is swept back giving a windblown look.
Temperament: His personality is a reflection of his "purpose of origin". Ever vigilant & alert, he never misses what is going on. He likes to be involved with any goings-on and his devoted and obedient nature make it possible for him to be included in all family activities or dog performance events. Herding and rescue work, agility, flyball, tracking, protection and obedience trials are some of the areas in which he excels. He can also possess a mischievous streak which will keep his owners on their toes if they want to remain one step ahead of him!
With Children:
With Pets:
Special Skills:
Watch-dog:
Guard-dog:
Care and Training: A coat with a proper texture is easy to maintain and stays very clean. A quick brushing once every couple of weeks will keep his coat in tip top shape. A long-haired pyr shep, whose coat is not brushed, may cord. Nails must be trimed as they will grow very long and may cause injury.
Learning Rates:
Activity: Regular exercise
Living Environment: House with fenced yard.
Health Issues:
Life Span:
Litter Size:
Country of Origin: France
History: The Berger des Pyrénées is the traditional companion and work companion of the large dog Le Montagne des Pyrénées. The breed outside of Europe is rare. The French simply call it "Berger"{(ber-JAE) emphasis on second syllable} or Petit Berger. Everyone knows the little shepherd. They are as vigilant and capable a shepherd as there exists. Pound for Pound they have few equals in both herding or guarding. They are totally fearless.
First REgistered by the AKC:
AKC Group:
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