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Berger Des Pyrenees Facts
- Group
- Herding
- Affiliations
- CKC, AKC
- Height
- 15" - 19" (38 - 48.3kg)
- Weight
- 25 - 30lbs (11.3 - 13.6kg)
- Lifespan
- 14 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
The Berger Des Pyrenees is also known as Pyrenean Shepherd, Pyrenees Sheepdog, Berger, Labrit, Petit Berger, Pyr, and Pyr Shep.
Origin
The Berger Des Pyrenees breed originated in the Pyrenees Mountain valleys in France.
Date Of Origin
The Berger des Pyrenees originated in the 1700's.
History
The Berger des Pyrenees was developed by nomadic shepherds in the Pyrenees mountain valleys between Lourdes and Gavarnie, in France. The Berger des Pyrenees traditionally worked together with the Great Pyrenees flock guarding dog. After the first World War, the Berger des Pyrenees gained national recognition in France for their valiant work as couriers, search and rescue dogs, watch dogs, and company mascots.
The smooth-faced Berger des Pyrenees in its harlequin or blue merle coloration may have been one of the foundation breeds for the Australian Shepherd in the late 19th and early 20th century.
The Berger des Pyrenees is not a well-known breed outside of its native France, but its size, intelligence, and attractive coat make it appealing. The Berger des Pyrenees was first seen in the show ring in 1921. After one of its breed won the World Agility Championship for midsized dogs in 2003 [citation needed], the Berger des Pyrenees gained more attention as an intelligent performance dog for dog sports.
The Berger des Pyrenees was recognized by the UKC in 1995.
Description
The Berger des Pyrenees is a small to medium sized lean and muscular dog, with a triangular shaped head and a flat skull. The muzzle is wedge shaped and short. Because of an overlapping top lip the dog appears to be smiling. It has large eyes that are brown, blue or partially blue. The nose is black and the ears are short and cropped straight across, or natural drop. The tail is completely docked, a natural bob, or naturally long and crook shaped. The slightly wavy, harsh coat is semi-long to long. It may be corded or brushed out.
The Berger des Pyrenees exists in long-hair, goat-hair, and smooth-hair forms. It's 3 different coat types are the strongest indication that it was bred to work in specific climates, and not to meet specific show specifications. The coat of the long-haired variety gives excellent weatherproofing, even through harsh winters.
Temperament
The Berger des Pyrenees is a very active, high energy breed. He is weary of strangers, alert, and fearless. The smooth face tends to have less nervous energy, however both variations tend to be michievous.This temperament gives the Berger des Pyrenees a unique gait and appearance, characteristic of no other breed.
This active breed requires daily exercise and a job to live well. Work for the Berger des Pyrenees can include herding, jogging or running, agility training, or trick training. The breed does poorly when left alone indoors for hours on end and will get bored - which leads to trouble.
The Berger des Pyrenees is weary of strangers, and will benefit from early socialization and training. Training should remain entertaining and challenging and should continue throughout adulthood. The Berger des Pyrenees is affectionate, silly, and playful with family and good with children, but reserved with other dogs.
Uses
The Berger des Pyrenees is used for herding, guarding, and the breed's relatively small size and trainability make it a good household companion.
Health Concerns
Possible health concerns for the Berger des Pyrenees include epilepsy, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and PRA.
Additional Information
The wiry coat of the Berger des Pyrenees makes it very adaptable to cold climates and harsh winters.
Sources
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
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