Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)

The Long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog is the more common and better known of the two varieties, distinguished by a long, harsh coat that sometimes covers the eyes entirely. At around 15 kilograms, it is every bit as quick and agile as the smooth-faced variety, bred to herd sheep across Pyrenean slopes all day long. The thick coat protects against shifting mountain weather but needs periodic brushing to prevent matting. Shepherds valued the breed for working independently, making decisions without constant direction. It remains actively used on French farms today rather than existing purely as a show dog. Very high energy and intelligence mean that without a job, the dog can become difficult to manage. Like many herding breeds, it tends toward caution with strangers at first. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired): how old in human years?

38–48 cmHeight
8–15 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Croatian Sheepdog

FCI group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
FCI section: Section 1: Sheepdogs
FCI: 141
Country of origin: France

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Height

Males 40–48 cm

Females 38–46 cm

Weight

Males 8–15 kg

Females 8–15 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

long, harsh coat (long)

Temperament & Family Life

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)'s average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)'s energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 2/5
Prey drive 3/5
Hunting instinct 2/5

Guarding & Alertness

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)'s guarding and alertness traits are high.

Guarding instinct 3/5
Watchfulness 5/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)'s grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 3/5

Living with the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long-haired)

This small sheepdog works at full speed and full volume. In the Pyrenees it herded large flocks on its own, and it still wants to be first everywhere: it dashes to see who has arrived, announces it to everyone, and comes back to check you really heard. There will be barking, plenty of it, which is worth knowing before you bring one home to thin walls.

It never runs short of energy. A quick lap round the block won't do; it needs long hikes, running and, best of all, jobs: agility, herding, scent games. It is quick and clever and learns eagerly, but it also thinks for itself, so dull repetition soon bores it. Short, varied sessions and consistency work best.

With its own family it is devoted and affectionate, playful with children, though it may try to herd them. It is wary and somewhat suspicious of strangers, so early socialisation helps a great deal. A flat is too cramped unless you are active yourself; but if your weekends are spent in the hills or the forest, you will find a tireless companion.

Grooming and coat

The Long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog's coat is harsh, long and a little scruffy by design; this dog is not meant to look as if it has just left the salon. It sheds little, but the long hair likes to tangle, particularly behind the ears, in the armpits and over the hindquarters. Once or twice a week, brush down to the skin and tease out small knots with your fingers before they grow. After a walk in the woods, check for burrs and pine needles caught in the coat.

There is no need to clip the coat, but trimming the hair between the paw pads keeps mud and snow from balling up there. Hair falling from the muzzle can cover the eyes, so look at them regularly and wipe the corners clean. Check the ears once a week, and trim the nails if walking doesn't wear them down.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (15 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 185 g of dry food a day, from €10,09 a month For a neutered, normally active 11,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog