"In 1927 a yearbook published by M. Sénac-Lagrange gives a clear picture of our grouping at that time. There seems to have been a real manifestation of 'fire', of enthusiasm, a spirit of emulation which certainly led the breeding of Pyreneans to a point that has never been equaled. The followers were spread throughout the whole of France, about one hundred in number. Breeding establishments were numerous and important in both breeds.
It is not possible for us to give a complete list, but we will give the most notable ones which have registered an affix. Lacking documents, it is difficult to follow the life of the club from day to day. We have however found a 1931 yearbook "Manual of the perfect breeder" which from its show reports indicates the 'stars' and their faults, which seem to us very interesting to list for the benefit of new breeders.
First look at the Great Pyreneans. The main kennels are:
D'Ouront belonging to M. Blanchard with 2 stud dogs and 3 bitches
Des Pyrénées belonging to M. Bordebat with 2 stud dogs and 4 bitches
De Soum belonging to M. Cazaux-Moutou with 3 stud dogs and 6 bitches
De Betpouey belonging to M. Lassalle with 5 stud dogs and 6 bitches
De Langladure belonging to M. LeConte with 1 stud dog and 3 bitches
De Lutéce belonging to M. de Cessé with a breeding pair
Du Pic du Jer belonging to M. Abadie-Toulet, which is still in existence."
"We will mention one only, Patou de Betpouey, a fine and congenial dog who from 1920 to 1925 retained first place amongst those presented for showing, which is the surest indication of quality. It is from him that Gazost de Betpouey issued, substantial without heaviness, well coupled, supported by good limbs resting on good feet, with an expressive face and good pigmentation. In fact, Gazost is the ideal type of stud dog to look for. It is not necessary to point out that the male that is tolerably close to the ground is more useful than the big dog, so rarely successful, too often ungainly."
The same impetus was produced for the sheepdogs, and we have pleasure in mentioning all the best breed lines, unfortunately almost all of which have disappeared.
Always at the head, for the little dogs as for the big ones:
de Soum belonging to M. Cazaux-Moutou comprising 2 breeding pairs;
Elhurs belonging to Mme Berthe, 2 stud dogs and 4 bitches;
Seillan belonging to M. Chene, one breeding pair;
de Turon belonging to M. Dardignac, 4 stud dogs and 11 bitches;
Du Val d'Or belonging to M. Dhers;
du Grand Jar belonging to M. Jomini 1 breeding pair;
de Semeac belonging to Dr. Laccassagne, 4 stud dogs and 2 bitches;
de l'Adour belonging to M. Lamaignére, 3 stud dogs and 7 bitches;
de Mulato belonging to M. Rosapelly, 1 stud dog and 3 bitches;
Ganast belonging to Mme Demante;
des Gaves belonging to M. Barais;
de la Grave belonging to M. Cabanne, Dr. Sigot, 4 stud dogs and 7 bitches, and finally
the Lucvielle kennel with about 20 dogs belonging to M. Sénac-Lagrange. des Fontanettes is the continuation of this, and dogs of these two affixes can be found at the root of many of the present good breed lines.
Each of the kennels that we have just listed had its stars.
In Paris, M. Lamaignére exhibited a group of grey dogs whose type and uniformity attracted every commendation. We often find in the list of prize winners a succession of the beautiful l'Adour dogs. L'Elhura counts as its best winner at Paris, and in the provinces, Youcki, a small, very pleasing harlequin. Dr. Sigot, an enthusiast of the Pyrenean Sheepdog, owned a very important kennel with some remarkable dogs, whose outlines were very captivating.
It would take too long to enumerate all the others.
Nanouk de Turon
Born 1923
To finish, we will mention the du Turon kennel belonging to M. Dardignac who showed in the rings the brightest jewel in his crown; Nanouk a dark grey endowed with an excellent coat, a very good frame and a very expressive head. The Lucveille kenel had the rare good fortune to count amongst its breeding, the Champion Berouyette, sole and unrivaled champion of the breed, an incomparable bitch who was never beaten. In 1925 the great prize of honor of the Minister of Agriculture was awarded to her, crowning an impressive list of prizes. She had descendants worthy of her. We will end this retrospective glance with this appreciation written by the chronicler Berye in 1930:
French Champion Berrouyette de Lucveille
circa 1920's
The main attraction of the shows was the appearance of Champion Berouyette de Lucveille flanked by her two daughters Amourette and Calypso. Those who saw this incomparable trio of bitches with expressive faces, a flowing gait so that the general appearance of the breed was supremely revealed, can flatter themselves at having had in front of their eyes the most beautiful success that it is possible to dream of."
The RACP continues to this day as the official club for both breeds in France. The club has had only four Presidents. The before mentioned Monsieur Bernard Sénac-Lagrange served from the formation of the RACP in 1923 until his death in 1954. Monsieur Charles Duconte, from Pau, succeeded Monsieur Sénac-Lagrange at his death in 1954 until his demise in 1986. Monsieur Guy Mansencal from Tarbes succeeded Monsieur Duconte in 1986 until 2000. In 2000 Monsieur Alain Pécoult from Cheval Blanc, was elected as President of the RACP.
Alain Pécoult new RACP President shown judging in Scandinavia
Joseph B. Gentzel.
Copyright © 1996 by Pyrenean Journal. All rights reserved.
Revised: 31 Oct 1996 16:12:23 -0500.
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