The longer you go back in time, the less written material of whatever kind is found. This is the general rule in all historic research. Furthermore the subject of writings and paintings is depending on era, area and culture. With the Pyrenean Shepherd this unfortunately works out in a very small archive of writings and paintings, of which the oldest are from the 18th century.
In France most of the cultural activities were concentrated around aristocracy, which could mostly be found in Paris and other urban areas. This is the collection of reasons that we have so little material of the past on our breeds. The writers and painters gathered at royal courts, where it was easier to get an income. At these royal courts there was a lot to be seen, to be painted and to write about. For example the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. But not the Pyrenean Shepherd. That small dog remained for a long period of time in its natural surroundings, far away from Paris and other cities. Far away from writers and painters. It was a dog for daily work. No more.
That’s why going back in time to the roots of the Pyrenean Shepherds is merely trying to make the best guess. Where this dogs originally come from, which other breeds are related? It probably will always be hidden in the shadows of history.
The existence of shepherd dogs is by its nature depending on the existence of people having domestic animals like sheep. This way one could argue that the (ancestors of the) Pyrenean Shepherds already existed several thousands of years ago. Because of the long period of more or less isolation of the Pyrenean mountains one could even easily argue that the looks of the Pyrenean Shepherd haven't changed much in time.
Whether they originate from the Canis palustris, found in several parts of Europe, or from dogs coming from the east with the Kaukasus invasion about 3000 years ago, no one can tell. For every theory more or less valid arguments can be stated. More about these theories can be found in the book of Müller & Kopernik "Der Pyrenäen Schäferhund". They also describe the Islandic theory, stating that with the disappearing of bears and wolves the smaller dogs came from the northwest of Europe to the southeast.
Some years in the past
| 1769 | In his Histoire Naturelle Buffon publishes a drawing of the French Shepherd dog. This dog has no resemblance to the other known French shepherds: Beauceron, Briard and Picard. In fact it looks very much like a Berger des Pyrénées à face rase. |
| 1843 | On a painting of Decamps the outlines of a small shepherd dog can be recognized. It has a triangle-shaped head, small-cropped ears and other characteristics of the Pyrenean Shepherd. |
| 1850 | In a magazine for breeders in 1948, Dhers tells that the Pyrenean Shepherd is known in his family already for three generations. This would mean that around 1850 this breed was in his family. |
| 18?? | On a lithography made in the 19th century a family from the Pyrenees can be seen, accompanied by their dog. This dog is said to be a Pyrenean Shepherd with halflong hair. It still is sold as a postcard in the Pyrenese region. |
| 1897 | The Count of Bylandt mentions the Pyrenean Shepherd. He talks about a rough coat, rather flat head, long body and small ears. |
| 1914 | Probably because they were known to be great helpers for smugglers, lots of Pyrenean Shepherds were recruted for the French army. T. Dretzen, recruter for the army, claimed that they were the most intelligent, fast and competent liaison dogs he knew. Lots of dogs died serving their nation. |
| 1923 | French breed club is founded by M. Senac Lagrange |
| 1926 | The French Kennel Club acknowledges the breed of the Pyrenean Shepherd. |