Ratings

Breed Introduction

    The Pyrenean Shepherd has been herding in the Pyrenees mountains in southern France for several centuries. This breed comes in two coat types: rough and smooth. Colors range from varying shades of fawn, brown, or copper, with some having charcoal silver and pearl gray.

    While wary of strangers, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a lively and cheerful personality; he is an excellent athlete, skilled at agility games with other dogs. This breed thrives in an active family environment. His main job is herding. As a companion, he is very energetic and enthusiastic, eager to participate in daily activities, no matter what they may be.

    His coat requires minimal maintenance, needing only to be brushed every few weeks. The Pyrenean Shepherd originates from France and the Pyrenees mountains. His body is covered in dense pure white long hair, and his ancestors are the Tibetan Mastiffs from Central Asia. With the migration of Aryans, a mixed breed with local European dogs was discovered around 1000 BC.

    By the 5th century, people in the Pyrenees used this dog to guard stables. By the 17th century, it was favored in the French court. At that time, the Pyrenean dog came in various coat colors. However, in the 19th century, to better distinguish them from wild animals during hunts, breeding was purposefully focused on dogs with white coats.

    At the end of the 19th century, two dogs were brought from the Pyrenees, catching the attention of an earl. This breed began to be documented in dog encyclopedias. It has a high reputation internationally, is commonly kept in the USA and the UK, and was brought back to Japan by some enthusiasts in 1965. It is loved by the people of our country and has been imported in part.