Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonPyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain but Berger Picard is originated from France. Pyrenean Shepherd may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Berger Picard. Pyrenean Shepherd may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Berger Picard. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Berger Picard has almost same life span. Pyrenean Shepherd may have less litter size than Berger Picard. Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Berger Picard requires Low maintenance

History

pyrenean shepherd - historyThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

berger picard - historyIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Spain
France
Height Male:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
13 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
2 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Pyr Shep
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Colors Available:
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
Coat:
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

Characteristics

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

Health Problems

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  10. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  14. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Picard vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Berger Picard vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  22. Bohemian Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  26. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  41. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  43. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  46. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  47. Pyrenean Shepherd vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  48. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Norwegian Buhund - Breed Comparison
  49. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds