Pyrenean Shepherds, or Pyrsheps
The Berger des Pyrenees is a primitive French herding breed from the Pyrenees mountains. Their original purpose was related to the transhumance practice in France – to bring hundreds, if not thousands, of sheep into the secluded Pyrenees mountains in the summer months to graze. They were to be on the lookout for ‘danger’ and alert of anything suspicious. Their counterpart, the Great Pyrenees (Patou), would come in and protect as the livestock guardian.
Pyrsheps are a lively, especially clever, happy go lucky, hyper-alert breed. By standard, they have light athletic builds, ooze with nervous energy, are aloof with strangers and can be suspicious of peculiarities. Although the breed should not be fearful or inappropriately reactive. They are highly bonded to their person and are exceptional companions ready for any activity. Pyrsheps are not pets, or a breed that is suited for everyone. It is important to understand the breeds history and the motives behind their behaviors. This is a breed to get if you love the breed and no other would compare. You must first love the pyrshep wholly for who she is before anything else !
The grooming is easy as a rustic breed. They have wash and wear coats and by standard, require minimal brushing, and should not be regularly bathed. The breed comes in three coat varieties, smooth coat (face rase), rough coat (poil long) & an in between variation called demi. The face rase variety requires more regular grooming and sheds more than their poil long counterparts. The poil long variety should not be overly coated or have hair obstructing their eyes or covering the breeds cheeky, bright expression. The poil long variety can develop cords, or cadenettes, however this doesn’t happen uncontrollably. & there is great debate amongst breeders and breed historians whether a dog that cords truly has a proper or traditional coat.
I have put together a comprehensive resource on health for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
Breed info & history
Pyrenean Shepherd: Small, Smart, Rare (ep333) Pure Dog Talk
Great 30 min podcast about pyrsheps
Vom Wunderhorn website by Josef Mueller
Really excellent collection and reference which includes historical photos and information on the breed
The Pastoral dogs of France by David Hancock
French working dog history
Lauding the Labrit – the Pyrenean Beardie by David Hancock
Some history on Pyrenean labrit varieties and types
AKC/PSCA Pyrenean Shepherd Breed Info Handout
Brief info on the breed including history, health & grooming info.
Testing for genetic traits in pyrsheps by Jes Vanden Langenberg/Kennel PYRWILD
Article on coat colors & keeping diversity in the breed
Pyrenean Shepherds | Breed Judging 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
US pyrsheps @ Westminster 2021
“Photo Essay” of proper Pyrenean shepherd type & attributes
provided the the PSCA & offers some examples of differnet type, coat and expression in the breed
Historical Breed Photos PSCA
A great look into the past and how the breed traditionally looked – note the coat quality & amount
The Functional Saluki – lessons from the coursing field – by Dan Belkin
An excellent article and look into functional & preservation breeding
Pedigree & Health info
International pyrshep pedigree database
Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America
AKC official breed club in the USA
Pyrenean shepherds in the OFA database
Pyrshep Health Resource – by Kennel PYRWILD
Pyrshep health topics group for breeders
You must be logged in to post a comment.