Pyrenean Mountain Dog
One of the tallest of the pastoral breeds, the Pyrenean was guarding flocks in the Pyrenees from the Middle Ages. Gentle
and elegant, he found favour in the Royal Courts and palaces of the nobility. Louis XIV named him the Royal Dog of
France. A calm and gentle worker, the Pyrenean was used as a messenger dog and as a pack dog by the French Army in
World War II. It has also been suggested that the Pyrenean was used as a smuggler to carry large packs of forbidden
goods from one side of the Pyrenees to the other, taking paths which were inaccessible to humans and so avoiding the
Customs’ checkpoints.
Breed Group
Pastoral
Vulnerable Breed
No
Size
Large
How much exercise?
Up to 1 hour per day
Length of coat
Medium
How much grooming?
More than once a week
Supposedly sheds?
Yes
Town or Country
Either
Type of home
Large House
Minimum garden size
Small/Medium
Lifespan
Under 10 Years
Health Information
You may be aware that some breeds of dog and their crosses can be susceptible to inherited disease. Of course you want
to be sure that the dog you choose is as healthy as possible, and you would like to know that it has not inherited any
undesirable disease-causing genes from its parents. There is some help in that DNA tests for diseases in purebred dogs are
available for some conditions in some breeds, but there are not very many such tests just yet! There are also, however, a
number of clinical veterinary screening schemes that dog breeders can use to increase the probability of producing
healthy puppies.
Details of the various screening schemes, both veterinary and DNA, that are available to breeders in the UK can be found
at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/doghealth
Potential dog owners should be aware that, at present, the application of various health screening results to breeding
programmes is not always straightforward, and breeders may make choices for various reasons. A responsible breeder
though, will always be willing to discuss relevant health issues with you. Breed clubs are often useful sources of breedspecific information.
What Screening is relevant for the Pyrenean Mountain Dog?
Kennel Club Assured Breeders must use the following screening schemes for sires and dams BVA/KC
• BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
The list above is not necessarily comprehensive. Breed clubs and experienced breeders are useful sources of information
on health issues in the breed. All breeds have a Breed Health Coordinator.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Clubs
Name
Telephone
North Of England Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club
01457 891447
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club Of Great Britain
01656 725893
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club Of Scotland
07917 283746
South Eastern Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club
01243 513961
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Rescue Organisations
Name
Telephone
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain Rescue
01964 551351
Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain Rescue
01243 513961
Scottish Pyrenean Rescue
0791 7283746
Scottish Pyrenean Rescue
07711 124623
Assured Breeders
Name
Member since
26/06/2012
Phone
01606 860773
Mrs J A Shepherd
St. Albans, Hertfordshire
26/07/2011
07774 209156
Mr P Asher
Boston, Lincolnshire
13/01/2017
01205751597
Mr I R & Mrs Y L Baverstock
Spalding, Lincolnshire
31/05/2010
07799 690977
Mrs L Barnes
Highbridge, Somerset
02/07/2013
01278 773714
Mr R M & Mrs S A Tadd
Chichester, West Sussex
30/04/2010
01243 513961
Mrs J & Mr A S Wilcock
Winsford, Cheshire
Accolade of Excellence
Studbook Achievement
Breed Club Membership
Accolades
Breeder Experience
Denotes a significant contribution to Bred at least 3 dogs listed in the
Current member of one or more
5 or more litters registered with the
a breed.
breed clubs
Kennel Club
Studbook.