Pyrenean Sheepdog - Long Haired
Description
The Pyrenean Sheepdog - Long Haired is a compact herding breed with a history rooted deep in the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain. This variety sports a rough, long coat that often appears slightly wavy or curly, especially around the face, giving it a distinctive, expressive look. Weighing between 15 and 30 pounds, these dogs are agile and built for endurance, traits that helped them manage large flocks with ease. This breed is known for being reserved around strangers but forms strong bonds with family members. They tend to be vocal and alert, making them excellent watchdogs. Their natural herding instincts mean they need plenty of mental and physical challenges to stay balanced and happy.
Grooming
The Pyrenean Sheepdog's long, rough coat requires consistent care to maintain its texture and prevent matting. Weekly carding with a gentle slicker brush is essential to remove dead hair, which tends to hold in the coat rather than shed freely. Professional handstripping every 8 to 12 weeks helps preserve the coat’s natural roughness and vibrant color, especially important for shades like blue merle and brindle. Key grooming points: - Card weekly to remove dead coat and debris - Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the hair - Handstrip professionally every 2-3 months - Pay attention to facial hair to keep it tidy without trimming the natural wave - Check ears regularly for debris since the long hair can trap dirt Pro tip: Avoid over-bathing; this breed’s coat doesn’t need frequent washing and can lose its texture if stripped too often.
Learn the Rough routine:
→ Complete Rough Grooming Guide
Walking
This breed thrives on two daily walks totaling about 70 minutes, split into morning and evening sessions. The walks should include opportunities for mental stimulation, like scent tracking or obedience drills, to channel their herding drive constructively. A brisk pace with varied terrain will keep them engaged and physically challenged. Example routine: - Morning: 35-minute brisk walk with scent games incorporated - Evening: 35-minute moderate walk focusing on loose-leash training and socialization Consistent exercise helps manage their vocal tendencies and keeps their minds sharp, reducing the chance of boredom-driven behaviors.
Boarding
When boarding a Pyrenean Sheepdog - Long Haired, a crate size between 36 and 42 inches is ideal to accommodate their medium-small frame comfortably. They benefit from two active play sessions daily, combined with scent or brain games to keep their sharp minds busy. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to help this reserved breed feel secure. Their playstyle is lively but focused, so enrichment activities that mimic herding or problem-solving work well. Staff should note their tendency to be wary of strangers and provide calm, patient handling to build trust during their stay.