The 4 Pyrenean breeds

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The Pyrenean Mountain Dog comes from the French part of the Pyrenees. He is the guardian angel of the flock, nothing escapes his watchful eye. He ensures that the flock stays together with his temperamental buddy. In the old days they were even used for guarding castles and palaces. Just like their Spanish counterpart, they wore a collar with iron pins, often throughout their entire lives.

On the photo: Punk

On the photo: Norah

The cradle of the Pyrenean Shepherd is to be found in the French Pyrenees. He is the smallest of the 4 Pyrenean races but probably possesses the greatest stamina. The Pyrenean Shepherd is the inseparable companion of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog which - together with the shepherd and the flock - he accompanies into the mountains. The Pyrenean Shepherd is the drover behind the flock. He moves the animals tirelessly over the rugged mountain slopes, all under the watchful eye of his great friend, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

On the photo: Saphir (Face rase)
Owner: De Clercq Ann

On the photo: Ilalableue of Nobel’s Kingdom (Face rase) Owner: De Clercq Ann

Thanks to “Nobel’s Kingdom” and “Pic du Pioulou” for providing the photos.

On the photo:
Eden du Pic de Pioulou (Poil long)

On the photo:
Foli du Pic de Pioulou (Poil long)

On the photo:
Heleonara du Pic de Pioulou (Poil long)

The Gos d'Atura Català has its origin in the Spanish Pyrenees but all through over the years it spread throughout Catalonia. It’s thick long coat protects it all weather conditions. Unlike his French counterpart (The Pyrenean Shepherd), the Gos d'Atura Català has to collect and guard the flock on its own. He must therefor not only be strong and agile but also have tremendous stamina. There is also a relatively unknown shorthaired variety, the so-called Gos d'Atura Cerdà.

A Gos d’Atura Cerdà

Thanks to “De Gosaca” for providing the photos.

The “Mastin de los Pirineos” is the Spanish brother of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. In the early 1900s the Spanish version was threatened with extinction. It was only after the Second World War that thanks to an extensive breeding policy, a reasonable breeding population was established. The Mastin distinguishes itself from its French counterpart by the pronounced grey spots on its head, tail and body. The head, however is heavier. In the past they were often adorned with an iron collar containing spikes, frequently, worn during their entire lives.

On the photo: Perla del Mostin

Thanks to “Gentle Giants” for providing the photos.

On the photo: Bonito van de Bosduin

On the photo: Murtoi's Dalila