Your first task, before searching for a Pyrenean Shepherd, is deciding if it is the right breed for you. Many common questions are addressed below, and also more information can be found throughout our website and at the AKC Pyrenean Shepherd page.
FAQ
Q: How much exercise does the this breed require?
A: He should have a backyard to run and play in. On top of that, he should get at least an hour’s run in the park several times a week. You will never tire him out, but walking and running with him helps to keep him in the fittest of condition physically and mentally.
Q: Are they easy to train, and what training do they need?
A: The breed is intelligent and easy to train, though they can sometimes have a mind of their own. All dogs should go to training classes. For the young pup, it not only is a good place to learn to be obedient, but it is also a great place to socialize with people, and other dogs. For the older dog, training classes serve to continue the foundation they received as puppies. There are also many other wonderful canine activities, such as flyball and agility, that are terrific fun for your Pyr Shep.
Q: Are they a good family dog?
A: T he Pyr Shep is an excellent family dog. He becomes very devoted to each member of the family, adults and children alike.
Q: Are they good with children?
A: If the Pyr Shep has not been socialized with children at an earlier age, as with all dogs, patience and caution should be used when introducing the two. Often a Pyr Shep will view the fast, unpredictable behavior of children as something to be wary of. A child should also be taught to be respectful of dogs. Once the Pyr Shep realizes the child is not as threatening as he first thought, then all should go well.
Q: Are they good with other animals?
A: If accustomed and socialized to other animals and pets, the Pyr Shep is very companionable, although his herding instinct, and bossy nature may get the better of him sometimes.
Q: What are they like with strangers?
A: Pyr Sheps are by nature suspicious and/or aloof with strangers. Unless highly socialized, do not expect a Pyr Shep to immediately make friends with everyone he meets. If the stranger is not making any forward gestures, and the dog doesn’t feel threatened, then the breed is usually quite happy to say a quick “hello”. Once the Pyr Shep has had some time to get to know the stranger, he is happy to sit and be patted, or to jump into their lap. Positive early socialization with strangers is important.
Q: Do they need to be in the country or the city?
A: The Pyr Shep’s character is such that he adjusts easily to either living in the country or city, as long as he is an integrated member of his family pack, and his exercise requirements are being met.
Q: How well do they adapt to an apartment?
A: The Pyr Shep can also adapt to apartment living, but in these circumstances it is important to realize he is a very active little dog, and that the confinement of an apartment may be stressful, if his exercise needs are not met. He will require more personalized attention though walking and playing, so that behavior problems such as barking or destructiveness do not arise.
Q: Will they live in a kennel if necessary?
A: Pyr Sheps do not make good kennel dogs, as their need to be with their people is great. They will thrive better in the house, with the family members nearby, but the use of a crate for housetraining is invaluable.
Q: Is the breed a good watch dog?
A: The breed makes a good watch dog in the sense that his sensitive hearing causes him to bark at any unfamiliar noises. By nature he is a bit of an alarmist so he should also not be allowed to continue to bark for any length of time. Teach him to “be quiet!” and “leave it!” at an early age.
Q: Does the breed bark a lot?
A: The breed will bark. This is a very primitive instinct from the days when living in the Pyrénées Mountains. But, he is also very trainable and should be taught to “Be Quiet” when told. Often times an owner will let a puppy bark too much, because it is cute to watch. This is a mistake which is regretted when the novelty wears off.
Q. How tolerant are they of heat, cold or wet?
A: Their double coat is superior at protecting them in all types of weather. AS with all dogs, care should be taken with any extreme weather both hot and cold.
Q: What is the average lifespan?
A: The Pyr Shep is very long lived. He it not unknown for him to live into his late teens.
Q: When do they reach maturity?
A: They usually reach full maturity at approximately 3 years of age. At that time you will often notice a dog that is a “little” calmer having experienced life a little more and having gained confidence in himself, the people around him, and his abilities. Physically, a puppy will grow fast and usually reach his adult height at around 8 months old.
Q: How big do they grow?
A: A mature Pyr Shep grows between 15″-21″tall and weighs an average of 15-35 lbs.
Q: What colors do they come in?
A: Fawn, or fawn with a charcoal overlay is very common, as is brindle and grey. They also come in solid black and blue merle.
Q: Does the coat mat or tangle?
A: The demi-long rough-faced, and the smooth-faced dogs require very little attention and are virtually maintenance- free. The long-haired rough-faced dogs require the most attention. Since they have a naturally tendency to form cords, they will need frequent brushing, if the owner does not want to allow it to naturally cord. Long-coated rough-faced dogs that possesses a correct coat (one that is not too soft or woolly), will not mat or tangle easily though if maintained properly.
Q: What type of maintenance does the coat need?
A: The demi-long rough-faced coat type and the smooth-faced variety will only need a brushing once or twice a month to keep it in order. The long-coated rough-faced dogs will need brushing more frequently to avoid mats forming in the undercoat, if not allowed to cord naturally. If your Pyr Shep’s coat is allowed to cord naturally, then just the front half of the body, and the shoulders, neck and head, need to be brushed out once every 2-3 weeks, while allowing the back half to cord. The cords will be kept neat by splitting and separating them by hand.
Q: Does the coat need to be trimmed?
A: The coat does not require trimming, except neatening up the pads of the feet.
Q: How are the coats prepared for the show ring?
A: The breed requires very little preparation for the show ring. Even bathing to close to the show is too much and will soften the coat giving it an incorrect texture and fly-away appearance. A quick brushing through is all that is usually required for a clean, well-kept dog.