Overview
The Pyrenean Sheepdog, or Berger des Pyrénées, is a small, lean herding dog from the French Pyrenees, bred to work alongside the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, moving the sheep while the big dog guarded them. It comes in long-haired and smooth-faced varieties, both wiry and light, and both quick enough to be almost a blur.
Pyr Sheps are intensely attached to their own people, sharp-witted and busy. They can be nervous and suspicious of strangers, barky, and easily over-stimulated. They are wonderful dogs for agility and herding and demanding dogs to walk if you do not know them.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes to two hours a day of real activity. This is a high-drive working dog and a short lead walk leaves it climbing the walls. Running, training games and problem-solving all count. They take to agility and flyball with enthusiasm.
Mental work tires them faster than distance. Ten minutes of trick training in the park is worth a mile.
On the walk
- Recall: Very good once bonded and usually within sight. A new walker needs to earn it. Use a line until the dog is coming back to you reliably.
- Herding: Strong instinct to chase and circle. Cyclists, runners, children and other dogs can all be targets. Lead on wherever that could be a problem.
- Other dogs: Can be reactive. Many Pyr Sheps are wary of unfamiliar dogs and bark or snap if crowded. Keep introductions slow and give space.
- Strangers: Suspicious. Avoid people reaching over to pet without the dog's consent.
- Noise: Very alert and quick to bark. Choose quiet routes and avoid busy times.
Tips for professional walkers
- Spend time on the first visit sitting quietly and letting the dog come to you.
- Carry treats and reward calm behaviour around triggers.
- Walk alone or with one calm known dog rather than in a group.
- Use the brain: hide treats, teach a trick, vary the route.
What to ask the owner
- What is the dog nervous of, and how does the owner manage it?
- How does it react to unfamiliar dogs, and what distance keeps it comfortable?
- Does the dog herd or nip, and what interrupts it?