Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)
Also known as Berger des Pyrénées, Labrit
- Height at the withers
- 40 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 15 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A small, lean and wiry herding dog with a long or medium-length coat whose texture is somewhere between goat hair and wool, the Pyrenean Sheepdog packs remarkable energy into a small frame. Lively, intelligent and wholly devoted to its owner, often wary of strangers, it needs firm, consistent training and plenty of activity, both physical and mental.
History and origins
A working dog of Pyrenean shepherds for centuries, it remained almost unknown to the official dog world until the early 20th century, as its type varied a great deal from one valley to the next. During World War I, Pyrenean Sheepdogs served as messenger dogs and searched for the wounded. Its first standard was drawn up between 1921 and 1925 by Bernard Sénac-Lagrange, then revised several times by its breed club. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 141), it has about 350 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) a year and shines both with flocks and in agility.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patent ductus arteriosus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: fawn (light to dark, with or without dark overlay), gray (light to dark), harlequin (slate blue), brindle, black, black with white markings.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) FAQ
How big does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) get?
The Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) stands 40 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 15 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired) live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
