Berger des Pyrénées Dog Breed

France

Even though the Berger des Pyrénées is from the same region as the mountainous dog from the Pyrénées, internationally known, it is not considered that these breeds have a common origin. Both were used as sheepdogs, however the Pyrénées breed usually defended the flock from wild animals, the main role of the Berger des Pyrénées was to keep the flock together. It is much more related to the Briard of bigger size, and in almost all of its aspects it is nothing more than just a smaller version.

If we follow the characteristics of the breed, the Berger des Pyrénées should be an energetic and hard-working dog. Its light brown colored eyes are very full of expression. Its ears should never be stiff (it indicates an impure breed); its bangs are so abundant that it gives the impression of being wider than taller. Its tail is quite hairy, carried quite low and the end of it is curled in. Its coat is short and long, always dense and it texture is a mix between that of a goat and sheep.

The color varies considerably: different grey tones, with or without black (and with white markings on its head, paws and chest); black with or without white, or even a harlequinade coloring. Its height at withers is from 40-50 cm long for males and the females are slightly shorter.