Pyrenean Sheepdog

The Pyr Shep, as is also commonly referred to, is a dog full of energy that is difficult to channel at times. Still, when it remains at rest, he is a good companion dog who brings joy to both the little and big ones alike, not least because of his more-than-endearing pretty face.

Enthusiastic and very lively, this sheepdog is a great playmate, especially to children.

Tranquility is not part of the Pyr Shep’s vocabulary. He is a very lively and active dog who requires plenty of exercise in order not to become a burden in day-to-day life.

Particularly clever, this little dog is not the last one in line to come up with tricks and strategies in order to get out of a predicament he’s not comfortable with. He is actually excellent in his specialisation as sheepdog and has just as much work potential as his bigger fellows in the same category.

Chasing clearly isn’t this sheepdog’s activity of choice. He nevertheless does possess a certain predatory instinct, which can actually also be sharpened, through games such as throwing ball.

As is the case of many dogs in this breed category, the Pyrenean Shepherd is often wary of strangers. He does not trust quickly, and can even show signs of aggressivity if he hasn’t been properly socialised from a young age. 

Of course, the very wary or aggressive individuals are excluded from the official standards as they constitute a highly deficient sample. But unfortunately, many owners do not approach socialisation diligently enough and render their dogs socially unstable.

At its core, the Pyrenean Shepherd is a sheepdog capable of initiative. He did, in fact, back in the days, work far away from his master, in the high pastures for instance. His functioning does include some propensity to initiative but he nevertheless remains, nowadays, a dog completely devoted to his master.

If he has had plenty of exercise ahead of time, and has been gradually and positively conditioned to staying alone, the Pyrenean Shepherd, is quite tolerant towards his owners’ absences. But be careful, these should nevertheless never be extended.

Boredom is this work dog’s biggest enemy, as he needs to be constantly stimulated in order to be fully content. Therefore, when he is alone, he needs to have access to toys that will keep him busy and distract him from the time going by.

Both stubborn and sensitive at the same time, the Pyr Shep is not the most docile of sheepdogs. His size and scoundrel-like appearance often (unfortunately) get him a free pass in certain situations in which it absolutely shouldn’t be the case. 

Owners that are too permissive or lenient will procure themselves a little demon dog who will always get his way. His owners must in fact demonstrate strictness coupled with gentleness for best results. 

Luckily, this is still an incredible sheepdog who- with a precocious, firm, coherent and steady education- will love to obey and please his master. 

As soon as the Pyrenean Shepherd pup integrates the home, certain rules of conduct must be implemented to avoid bad habits from developing. 

Last but not least, the training process will be greatly enriched by meeting the dog’s various expenditure needs. If his energy is not channeled, it is futile to hope for a functioning cooperation with this little sheepdog.

The Pyrenean Shepherd has a tendency to bark quite often and this can actually become tiresome, unless his energy has been properly channeled ahead of time.  With a firm, respectful training process and a fulfilment of this dog’s expenditure needs, the barking will not become as excessive and can be reined in.

As is the case of many highly active dogs, the lack of outdoor walks- beyond the confines of the garden- can push this dog towards solo escapades. In short, boredom and lack of sufficient external stimulation are the main reasons for which the dog might take off.

Exceptionally lively and always in need of an activity, this dog can prove to be destructive if his needs are not met, as he will quite simply need to utilise his excess energy in some way.

Quite the eater, one must be particularly vigilant in regards to the Pyrenean Shepherd’s nutrition, in order to mitigate excessive weight gain, which would only serve to burden this otherwise healthy, active dog.

Courage and vigilance make this Pyrenees-native dog quite a good watchdog, but he still might not be dissuasive enough given his size.

Novice owners can adopt a Pyrenean Shepherd, but only if they have first taken the time to understand how time-consuming this little ball of energy will be in order to be molded into a pleasant companion dog. 

Owners that are too lenient and permissive will not be able to channel and discipline this highly active dog. Cohabitation will then become very complicated.

More of a country boy than a cosmopolitan, the Pyrenean Shepherd remains nevertheless adaptable. Having said that, he does not enjoy being enclosed and alone, be it inside or outside. 

Actually, whether residing in a flat or house with a garden, what is instrumental is to be available enough to provide him with long outdoor walks. 

Even if he lives in a house with an illimited access to exteriors, this should never be an excuse to restrict or abandon his daily walks. 

In a flat, he could be prone- due to frustration or boredom- to barking and mischief, which will neither be to the liking of the owners, nor the neighbours...

This work dog needs for physical exercise and mental stimulation is considerable. Practicing canine sports is highly recommended. 

For this highly intelligent dog, there is a multitude of activities to choose from: herdsmanship, treibball, tracking, agility, dog dance, obedience, flyball, etc.

The dog’s small size facilitates transport, but be careful: his weight exceeds that of dogs authorised to travel in travel bags (on the train, bus, etc.) or onboard (in the plane). 

In fact, it will have to be bound and muzzled in public transportation, like all dogs of the same size. With regards to air travel, he will have to travel in the hold (in a transport crate adapted to IATA norms). 

In the car, a corresponding transport crate will have to be provided, having had habituated the dog in a positive manner to it beforehand. If he is conditioned to travel by car from his youngest age, and if he tolerates travel well and calmly during trips, the Pyr Shep will also be able to travel in the boot unbound (with a mesh divider) or in the back seat, attached to the seat belt.

This dog will have to undergo a precocious and comprehensive socialisation in order to get along with other animals. 

Moreover, a good relationship will be favoured by an early-onset cohabitation with the Pyr Shep pup.

Preferably taking place before he turns three, and in a constant manner, the socialisation of this sheepdog will have to be comprehensive, with regular, supervised encounters (choosing adult, docile dog-mates is recommended). 

This work consists in developing, reinforcing and maintaining the dog’s ‘canine code of conduct’, which will in turn allow him to communicate seamlessly with his fellow pooches.

People make the mistake of deeming hyperactive dogs as unsuitable for children and family life. And yet, for this little sheepdog, the presence of children poses no problem whatsoever, as long as the interactions are respectful and guided by adults. 

Despite this dog’s remarkable tenderness towards children, certain rules of conduct will have to be established, most importantly in order to teach the children to leave the dog when he’s in his basket, not to feed him at the table, and not to play with him without their parents’ permission etc.

As this is an extremely dynamic dog, he needs plenty of exercise. It is thus not a suitable breed for elderly or sedentary-minded people.