Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 15 and 17 years, which is high for a dog. Regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight, good oral hygiene and an annual veterinary check-up help preserve its quality of life into old age.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic and hardy, this mountain dog shows good overall resistance. Its small athletic build should not, however, lead to neglecting the joint, eye and neurological checks recommended in breeding lines.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Targeted veterinary monitoring helps detect early disorders to which certain lines may be predisposed. The puppy’s origin, the parents’ health results, and observation of its gait and vision are important elements.
Hip dysplasia: Poor joint congruence can lead to pain and osteoarthritis, hence the value of screening breeding dogs.
Patellar luxation: Intermittent or permanent displacement of the kneecap can cause lameness and discomfort in some small dogs.
Hereditary eye disorders: Some lines may present retinal diseases, which justifies an ophthalmologic examination of breeding dogs.
Epilepsy: Seizures may appear in certain lines and require a diagnosis as well as veterinary follow-up.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its thick coat offers it good protection against the cold and bad weather. It tolerates high heat less well: in summer, outings must be scheduled during the cooler hours, with shade, water and without intense effort on scorching ground.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Very greedy, the Pyrenean Shepherd can gain weight if portions, treats and leftovers are not controlled. It is advisable to weigh its ration, adjust the intake to its activity and regularly monitor its physique, while maintaining daily exercise.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Schedule a veterinary check-up at least once a year.
- Keep vaccines and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Brush the coat every week and watch for tangles.
- Regularly inspect the ears, eyes, teeth and nails.
- Adjust activity in hot weather and always leave water available.
Vaccination
Pyrenean Shepherd vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Pyrenean Shepherd need? Like all dogs, Pyrenean Shepherds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Pyrenean Shepherd vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Pyrenean Shepherd booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Pyrenean Shepherd need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Pyrenean Shepherd
Before breeding, it is advisable to check the results of screening for hips, patellas and eyes, as well as the genetic tests recommended for the line. Regular veterinary examinations, dental follow-up and updating vaccines and antiparasitics complete this prevention.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
