The Pyrenean shepherd is one of the smallest of his guild. His overflowing personality and energy make him the ideal dog for life in the country. We know him a little more.

History of the Pyrenean Shepherd

As we can imagine, this breed is originally from France; more specifically, from the French Pyrenees. It is one of the oldest breeds in the country and, although it is believed to have Asian ancestry, its exact origin is unknown to us.

His mental acuity and protective character made him the messenger dog for French troops during the First World War. The breed began to be valued in the market between 1920 and 1925. It was the time when breeding farms began to be founded to promote and maintain its characteristics.

To this day, the sense of direction and protective instinct of the Pyrenean shepherd make him an excellent guide and defender of the herds.

Morphology and characteristics

The main distinctive of this breed is its coat, which varies depending on its valley of origin. We can find two varieties, the long-haired Pyrenean shepherd and the flat-faced one.

His athletic build and small size allow him to reach great speeds and release energy in abundance. The Pyrenean shepherd has a restless character and requires open spaces to run and squander all that vitality that characterizes him.

In small homes, such as flats, you are likely to have a nervous demeanor, and not stand loneliness well. It is not necessary to have a house in the Alps to be able to make this dog happy, but green and wide spaces are highly recommended in its environment.

Its slender figure, especially apt for running, makes its faculties resemble those of a hunting dog. We can also relate his temperament and complexion to those of the Australian Shepherd. They both share the same athletic build and distinctive coat. Medium in size, its height will never exceed 48 cm.

Exercise and care

Every dog ​​worth its salt needs to exercise daily. This breed, conceived to lead herds and protect them from wild animals, especially wolves, needs constant physical and mental stimulation.

A knowledge of its faculties and previous experience as an owner is recommended before considering having this dog. Training classes and the practice of dog sports, such as frisby or tug of war, can help us keep the dog happy and relaxed.

The Pyrenean Shepherd has a tendency to be overweight linked to a sedentary lifestyle. It is advisable to let it run freely for at least one hour a day.

Also, a balanced diet that includes all nutrient groups is essential for you to stay in shape. Even so, it is also recommended to exercise him with dog sports. Leftovers are an inexpensive and effective method of feeding many think, but this can be deficient and adversely affect your performance.

Hygiene habits

The dog is a potential transmitter and carrier of parasites and diseases, especially if it lives in a rural environment. For more detailed information about the dog’s state of health, it is always advisable to see a veterinarian.

However, following a series of guidelines to ensure that our Pyrenean shepherd is healthy is the best possible prevention measure.

In these lines, we will try to give a series of useful tips for the owner of a shepherd dog in rural areas:

• Regular deworming by means of specific tablets every month and a half or 2 months.
• Antiparasitic collar or use of similar products for dogs.
• Cleanliness – Dogs play, roll, jump, and swim. In the case of the Pyrenean Shepherd, its coat can be quite difficult to clean and handle. If we let branches, thorns and mud accumulate, their fur can become the ideal refuge for parasites.
• Brushing: required regularly. A seasonal haircut is the great ally of our dog, especially in summer.

With these tips and a little patience and confidence, we will achieve a healthy and happy Pyrenean shepherd.