Pyrenean
(transboundary/brand name)

(most common name):
• Pirenaica
(local/other name):
• Raza Pirenaica
local/other name (Euskara):
• Behi-gorri
(historical breed name):
• Basque

The Pyrenean is found in Basque country and Navarre province in northern Spain and is of the same origin as the Pyrenean Blond (which has been absorbed into the Blonde d’Aquitaine).

The Pyrenean, a dual- or triple-purpose breed, is genetically close to the Betizu.

Competition from the Friesian and Brown Swiss led to low numbers in the early 1970s. As of 2019 though, the Pyrenean population is quite strong at 37,914.

The Pyrenean has a coat that varies from a light brown to a reddish-brown — with lighter coloring around the eyes and also around its pink muzzle. The horns are short to medium in length. Double-muscling is present (possibly due to introgression from the Blonde d’Aquitaine).

• 1857 - recorded breeding activities began
• 1905 - Pyrenean genealogical register published
• 1925 - Pyrenean herdbook established in Guipuzcoa province
• 1988 - Pyrenean herdbook established for all of Spain

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-19

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