Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd is described by the AKC as active, affectionate, enthusiastic, a member of the Herding Group, originally from France.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 15.5-18.5 inches (male rough-faced), 15-18 inches (female rough-faced), 15.5-21 inches (male smooth-faced), 15.5-20.5 inches (female smooth-faced) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15-30 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 17–19+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Active / Affectionate / Enthusiastic [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | France [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 191 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Pyr Shep is a high-energy dog who is always on alert and ready for action. Since many Pyr Sheps today don't get the chance to do what they were originally bred for'¿herding livestock'¿they are always eager to channel their abundant energy into other interesting challenges and activities. Lots of activity and a job to do are vital to the breed's mental, emotional, and physical health. [1]
Grooming
The Pyr Shep needs weekly brushing to keep his coat free from mats and tangles and looking its best. His scruffy appearance comes from his double coat'¿a soft undercoat and a protective outer coat'¿which features a combination of straight and short to moderately long hair. The harsh outer coat may shed quite a bit, while the soft undercoat can mat very easily. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a healthy breed with a long expected lifespan. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar subluxation, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), epilepsy, and eye defects such as choroidal hypoplasia (CH) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Dedicated breeders do genetic testing on all potential breeding stock with the aim of reducing and hopefully ultimately eliminating certain conditions from the breed's gene pool. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Pyrenean Shepherd in 2009. [1]
- It ranked No. 191 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 176 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Pyr Shep.” [1]
- The AKC lists France as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Pyrenean Shepherds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 17-19 years.
How big does a Pyrenean Shepherd get?
AKC breed information lists height 15.5-18.5 inches (male rough-faced), 15-18 inches (female rough-faced), 15.5-21 inches (male smooth-faced), 15.5-20.5 inches (female smooth-faced) and weight 15-30 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Pyrenean Shepherd?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Pyrenean Shepherd, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.