Live Life Team
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a popular dog in its native country of origin, France. It is known as the Pyrenean Shepherd because it comes from the Pyrenees region of France. While this dog has been around for hundreds of years, it became even more popular during the First World War. Since these dogs are so reliable and strong, they were often used during search and rescue missions during the war. They would courier messages to different regiments or act as watch dogs. The Pyrenean Shepherd has been less popular in other European countries or in North America than it has been in France.
There are two varieties of Pyrenean Shepherds, smooth-faced or rough-faced. Smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherds average between 39 and 53 centimetres tall and rough-faced Pyrenean Shepherds tend to be a little smaller. They average a height between 38 and 47 centimetres tall. The two varieties are named as such based on the appearance of the fur around the face. Smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherds have shorter hair on their face while rough-faced dogs have longer, scraggly hair. The Pyrenean Shepherd’s coat varies greatly in colour. They can be fawn, brindle, grey, merle or black. They can either be of solid colour, or have spots on their face or back.
Pyrenean Shepherds are most used on the farm as a herder and protector of other animals. They can herd any flock animal, although they work with sheep the most.
