Pyrenean
Journal
Berger des Pyrénées
French Champion Berouyette de Lucvielle
Bred and Owned by Monsieur Bernard
Sénac-Lagrange
circa 1920's
The Berger des Pyrénées is the traditional
companion and work companion of the large dog Le Montagne des
Pyrénées (also known as the Great Pyrenees and the Pyrenean
Mountain Dog). The breed outside of Europe is rare. It is also
known as the Pyrenean Berger or Pyrenean Shepherd. The French
simply call it "Berger"{(ber-JAE) emphasis
on second syllable} or Petit Berger. Everyone knows the little
shepherd. They are as vigilant and capable a shepherd as there
exists. Pound for Pound they have few equals in both herding or
guarding. They are totally fearless. The Basque Shepherds say,
"The little dog never says no".
In the old days, prior to motorized
transportation and communications, each valley had its own
"type". So there developed quite a divergence in type
and traits. There are two distinct varieties in the breed, the
long coat or rough face and short coat or smooth face varieties.
In the long coat variety there is the medium coat and long coat
types displayed. All are correct. There are some basic
personality differences between the long coat and short coat
varieties. We will develop them all in this page and try to give
information about the breed to the world. They are shown combed
out or corded similar to what is seen in the Hungarian herder,
known in North America as the Puli.
Modern times have seen the use of the
"Little Shepherd" diminish greatly, but they still work
in the Pyrenees. Below is a picture of a Basque Shepherd with his
Berger.
The Basque's are small statue people
historically. Note the traditional black béret and the
shepherd's staff. You can see the devotion from the Berger to his
Shepherd owner.
Links to other Berger images and information on
this page.
click below to view pictures and information
Lutour
circa 1920's
L'ami and Fine Mouche
Monsieur Poey
circa 1920's
Joseph B. Gentzel.
Copyright © 1996 by Pyrenean Journal. All rights reserved.
Revised: 31 Oct 1996 16:12:23 -0500.
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