Pyrenean Sheepdog

Also called Pyrenean Shepherd, Berger des Pyrénées, Labrit, Petit Berger

A plucky, clever and mischievous little herder full of initiative.

Size	Small
Weight	8 to 15 kg (18 to 33 lb)1 2
Height	40 to 48 cm (16 to 19 in)males 42 to 48 cm, females 40 to 46 cm3
Lifespan	12 to 17 years4 2
Coat	Long, semi-long or smooth-faced coat
Origin	France, from the valleys of the Pyrenees.3 1
Group	FCI group 1

Recognised breedShort profile

Tireless and athletic

Quick-witted and resourceful

Deeply devoted to its owner

3 5 1

Personality what they are like

A plucky, clever and mischievous little herder full of initiative. It attaches strongly to its own person, has an independent, sensitive side, and is usually reserved with strangers.3 5 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, semi-long or smooth-faced coat

A light, wiry little herder packing lots of energy into a small frame. The long-haired type has a dense coat, flat or slightly wavy, mixing goat-hair and woolly textures and thicker over the hindquarters, where it can form cords; the smooth-faced type has short hair on the face.3 4 5

Coloursfawn (with or without black overlay)greyblue merle (blue with black mottling)brindleblackblack with white markings3 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pyrenean Sheepdog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high: more than two hours of activity a day, including off-lead running in a safe area and brain games; excels in dog sports.4 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week to prevent mats, with routine ear, tooth and nail care. Training works best with consistent guidance and positive reinforcement.4 2

Home where they are happiest

Can live in a small house if its big exercise and training needs are met; better for experienced owners than first-timers.4

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its handler and thrives on training and a varied, active life together; early socialisation helps with its natural wariness of strangers.4 2

The story where it all began

Small herding dogs have worked flocks in the Pyrenees for centuries, with nearly every valley keeping its own type. They partnered with the big Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the little shepherd moving the sheep while the giant guarded them. The first French standard came out in 1926.4 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is said to be able to cover more than 32 km a day across high mountain terrain.1
2
The FCI describes it as a maximum of nervous energy in a minimum of size and weight.3
3
France and the FCI treat the long-haired and smooth-faced types as two separate breeds.1
4
Its nickname 'ball of fire' reflects its famously energetic nature.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Pyrenees Mountains region of France, where it was used as a herding dog. The French name 'Chien de Berger des Pyrénées' means 'Pyrenean Sheepdog,' and it is sometimes called 'Labrit' or 'Petit Berger' (Little Shepherd).6

Name ideas for your new friend

ZiggyFizzPipMistralBiscuitTrotDartSkipperBreezeWhiskNimbleClover

A day in the life told by a Pyrenean Sheepdog

I burst out of bed before dawn, my little paws skittering on the floor. I check every room, then race to the kitchen where my human is pouring coffee. I dance on my hind legs until she laughs and tosses a toy. Outside, I herd leaves, chase shadows, and invent games. A squirrel taunts me from a tree; I bark once, then dash to the next adventure. After a nap on her lap, I'm ready for a puzzle toy. When she works, I watch from the sofa, one ear cocked. At night, I curl into a tight ball, dreaming of tomorrow's mischief.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Recognised as two breeds: Long-haired (standard no. 141, Group 1 Section 1, dated 25.05.2009) and Smooth-faced (standard no. 138).3
Société Centrale Canine: First recognised in 1926, per Wikipedia.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Pastoral group (Pyrenean Sheepdog Long Haired).4
AKC: Herding Group, as the Pyrenean Shepherd in rough-faced and smooth-faced varieties.5

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pyrenean Sheepdog, and at what times?

Feed adult Pyrenean Sheepdogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.7

What should a Pyrenean Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away.8

How often should I bathe a Pyrenean Sheepdog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if needed. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pyrenean Sheepdog need brushing?

Brush more than once a week to prevent mats, and daily during heavy shedding. Their dense coat needs regular care to stay healthy.4 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pyrenean Sheepdog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer if unsure.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pyrenean Sheepdog need?

They need more than two hours of activity daily, including off-lead running and brain games. They excel in dog sports and thrive on an active lifestyle.4 2

How do I look after a Pyrenean Sheepdog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the canal. Routine care keeps them healthy.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pyrenean Sheepdog live?

They typically live between 12 and 17 years, with senior years starting around age 10. Regular vet check-ups help them stay healthy.4 2 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Pyrenean Sheepdog good with children and other pets?

They bond closely with their family and can be good with children if raised together, but early socialisation is key. They are usually reserved with strangers and may need careful introductions to other pets.4 2

Can a Pyrenean Sheepdog be left alone?

They attach strongly to their owner and may struggle with long periods alone. It's best to ask a good breeder or trainer for advice tailored to your dog's personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.