The Pyrenean Shepherd is a purebred dog that is jam-packed with energy. These dogs are built to herd, which requires them to be incredibly fast and have plenty of stamina. Seeing these dogs herd is remarkable, and two Pyr Sheps alone can manage 1,000 sheep. If you plan on keeping the Pyrenean Shepherd as a house pet, their herding abilities should give you an idea of the amount of exercise they require. This is not the type of dog that will be happy with a quick walk around the block once a day.
While their date of origin is not certain, it is known that this dog breed originated in the French Pyrenees mountains, where they were used to herd. The Pyr Shep would work alongside the Great Pyrenees, whose job was to guard the livestock against predators. These dogs are used to this day for herding in their native region. There are two varieties of the Pyr Shep; the rough-faced and the smooth-faced. The rough-faced variety has a longer coat that can be flat or slightly wavy with a rough texture. The smooth-faced variety has shorter, finer hairs on the body and long, soft hairs on the side of their head. These two types of Pyrenean Shepherd are the same breed, and both can be born within the same litter.
Weighing between 25-30 pounds of muscle, these dogs have a passion for working but no less of a passion for their families. These are loyal companions that are extremely affectionate with their people. Their favorite activity will likely be hiking in an off-leash area, where they have plenty of room to run and explore, so they are recommended for a more active owner. The Pyr Shep will always be ready to defend their family and make an excellent watchdog.
The Pyr Shep is very intelligent, which combined with their high energy, can sometimes lead to some mischievous behavior. The best way to curb any unwanted behavior is through consistent training and giving them the exercise they need. They get along fairly well with other dogs, so taking them to a dog park can be a great option to burn off some of their energy. No matter how well trained they are, especially as puppies, they may sometimes have the urge to make a mess of the house while you are out, but it is a small price to pay for having such an incredible animal as a best friend.
