Berger des Pyreness breed description and information:
Paintings and archaeological findings suggest that the Berger des Pyrenees or Pyrenean Shepherd Dog has been known in the Pyrenees Mountains for hundreds of years but they proved to be a well-kept secret. 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.
Don’t let the size fool you. The Berger des Pyrenees is a hardy, assertive, tough herding dog with phenomenal energy. Though affectionate with its own family, the Berger is suspicious of strangers and makes a very good guard dog. Bright, inquisitive and intelligent, the Berger surveys the world with a mischievous expression.
The Berger des Pyrenees has an enormous amount of nervous energy. It displays a great liveliness of movement and characteristically, it is always on guard. Though small, a daily walk won’t do the job for this breed. The Berger des Pyrenees needs to work or at least participate in agility or other vigorous activity to satisfy its need for action.
The Berger’s coat is long or medium long in length and always plentiful. The texture is a cross between the coarse hair of a goat and the wool of a sheep. It tends to be thicker on the thighs and rump.
The most popular colour is fawn, with or without black hairs, though other colours are permitted.
Weekly sessions with a pin brush and rake should keep the Berger des Pyrenees’ coat healthy and free of mats.
The Berger des Pyrenees stands only 15-19 in (38-48 cm) in height and weighs 18-32 lb (8-14 kg).
More Berger des Pyrenees resources: If you are considering the purchase of a Berger des Pyrenees puppy, begin your search for Berger des Pyrenees breeders at our online Directory of Breeders, the most comprehensive online source for Canadian dog breeders. To learn more about caring for puppies, please refer to the puppy section of our site. You’ll find expert advice on puppy health, nutrition, training, grooming and more. We encourage you to subscribe to Dogs in Canada magazine and to sign up for our free e-newsletters – both are packed with interesting and informative articles about dogs.
