The Pyrenean Shepherd originates in France. You can find the breeds history and description elsewhere (see the links). Here I would like to share a couple of my own remarks.

Disadvantages: Pyrsheps are noisy, nervous, alert and aloof towards strangers. They owe their survival to these traits. Oxi is an exception, as she likes everybody.

They are workaholics: they need something more than just a good romp, they need some mental stimilation as well. They let you rest when they’re tired, but they’re not easy to tire…

They love objects… which means that as puppies they can destroy lots of them. You have to be able to predict it and be proactive.

They are longhaired and require grooming. The puppy coat, which changes around 2nd year of their life is kind of wooly and gets matted easily. When the pyrheps gets dirty and wet, you shouldn’t try to comb it or wash, but wait until your dog dries and shakes the dirt off. The adult coat is much easier to maintain and doesn’t require so much grooming.

Pyrsheps are delicate and don’t forget harsh treatment. They require soft handling. They have excellent memory, so better don’t make mistakes in your training!

They are so light that their nails never abrade on their own and need to be trimmed regularly (not pyrheps’ favourite thing though).

They are one-man dogs, meaning they work most willingly with one person.

Advantages: they are really lovely, love cuddling and kisses, and can be wonderful family dogs. They accompany me everywhere in the house: they cook with me, do laundry, wash the dishes and work at the computer. They even help me brush my little daughter’s teeth (toothbrush moving to and fro is really interesting).

They love working and playing. They would look into your eyes soo wonderfully waiting for the next task. They learn really fast and well. Working with them is a real pleasure.

They are extremely fast and agile. Pyrshep consists of long legs and long hair, they’re very light dogs with lots of drive. Polish pyrsheps’ experts say that also the tails are extremely important, as pyrenean shepherds keep their little brains there. So remember – only get a pyrhep with a tail.

They react really quickly to all commands, perhaps because of their alertness and excitability of their nervous system. That’s why they are made for agility, you just need to fast enough with your commands and learn to handle them.

Their hair doesn’t get into the carpet or car’s upholstery, you can easily vacuum it.

They are small and handy, so you can take them everywhere. Mine pyrsheps never suffered from carsickness.

They’re not choosy when it comes to food. They are not prima donnas.

They can sleep whole night long and then several hours during the day. I took my girls to work with me where they slept under my desk from 8a.m util 3 p.m.

And last but not least – something about their looks. Well, it all depends on your taste. Some people think they’re beautiful, but they are easily confused with mixed-breeds, especially that there’s so few of them in Poland. When I’m asked what is the difference between them and mixed breeds, I say: movement and temperament.