Labrit

		Labrit
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			France
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

The Pyrenean Sheepdog is often confused with the Labrit. The Labrit is not a recognized breed, neither by the SCC nor by the FCI.

What we do know is that many people use the word Labrit to distinguish the Berger des Pyrénées from the Montagne des Pyrénnées, but the Labrit is a real dog that exists.

Named after a commune in the Landes region (40), it looks like a Pyrenean Shepherd, only taller and longer.

It's a shaggy dog with fairly long goat hair, predominantly fawn in color. It is used by shepherds and farmers to guide sheep during transhumance. They are slightly larger than the Pyrenean Sheepdog, with a squarer build, longer brake and slightly shorter coat.

The Labrit is a medium-sized to small breed of dog native to the Pyrenean mountains of southern France and northern Spain, bred since at least medieval times for raising livestock, especially sheep. He worked as an active shepherd with the Great Pyrenees, another mountain dog, who acted as herdsman.

The history of France's smallest sheepdog goes back many years. It is thought to be descended from local breeds and never left the high valleys of the Pyrenees until the late 19th century. During the First World War, the Labrit was used as a watch and guard dog, as well as for searching for the wounded. The breed was standardized in 1936. The breed has been called by various names, reflecting its region of origin, such as Berger des Landes, Berger des Bagnes, Berger d'Auzun, Berger des Arbazzi, etc. The Labrit, the largest and hardiest, measuring 50-55 cm at the withers, was almost recognized as a distinct breed in 1935. Today, the Labrit virtually no longer exists, and is mistakenly considered a Pyrenean sheepdog. There are two varieties of this breed, the very common long-haired variety and the rarer smooth-nosed variety, which has short hair on the head and a shorter body than the long-haired variety. After World War I, the Labrit gained national recognition in France for its courageous work as couriers, search and rescue dogs, guard dogs and pet mascots.

The Labrit is hyperactive, energetic and excessively nervous, requiring constant exercise. This is not an easy breed. This courageous dog is rather vocal, wary of anything unknown and constantly on guard. They need a strong owner.

However, all adult dogs should be evaluated for hip dysplasia and vision problems. Elbows and hearing can also be checked.

This dog is not suited to apartment living. If left alone, it will destroy everything within reach. If he doesn't get enough exercise, he'll become aggressive. Weekly brushing is adequate.

So finally, the Labrit appellation for a Pyrenean Shepherd is wrong.