Pyrenean
Shepherd
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 Description:
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small
French breed that is lively and athletic
with an ever present show of energy. There
are two different varieties for this breed:
Smooth-Faced and Rough-Faced. This is an
ancient herding breed that for as long as
memory serves has lived in the Pyrenees
Mountains of Southern France, but unfortunately
details surroundng its origin have been
forever lost in time. There is a myth that
Pyrenean Shepherds were owned by Cro-Magnon
people - the oldest modern people in Europe
which date back more than 25,000 years.
Another myth tells us the Pryrenean Shepherd
descended from Pyrenean foxes and bears.
Of all the French herding breeds, the Pyrenean
Shepherd is the smallest. In addition to
its natural instinct to herd and guard flocks,
this breed is an extremely devoted and loyal
companion. In 1926, both varieties of Pyrenean
Shepherd were fully recognized in France.
The breed (mostly smooth-faced blue merles)
first entered the United States when accompanying
sheep imported from Pyrenees Mountains in
the 19th century. In the 1930s, Mary Crane
who was the founder of the Great Pyrenees
in America, imported more Pyrs Sheps, but
it was not until the 1970s and again in
the early '80s these dogs were imported
for the purpose of breeding.
In 1987, the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America
was established and in 2009, the American
Kennel Club recognized this breed in the
Herding Group.
Height:
The height for a Pyrenean Shepherd is between
15 - 19 inches (38-48cm).
Weight:
The weight of Pyrenean Shepherd averages
between 15 - 30 pounds (7-14kg).
Coat Type:
The Pyrenean Shepherd has two different
types of coat - the Rough-Faced and Smooth-Faced.
The Rough-Faced coat is long or demi long
and dense which can be slightly wavy or
just about flat. If the long coat is not
brushed, the mixture of the wooly and harsh,
course hair will naturally form strands
or cords. The texture is often referred
to as being a cross between sheep's wool
and goat's hair. The Smooth-Faced type has
short, fine hairs that covers the muzzle
as well as on the body which is soft to
the touch. Longer hair forms around the
sides of the face and down the neck somewhat
forming a ruff. Keeping the longer haired
coat in good condition is easy if it is
left in a natural, corded state. You will
need to keep the cords separated (by hand)
and will only have to brush the shoulders,
neck, head and front legs every few weeks.
If the Pyrenean Shepherd's long coat is
not left to cord, give it a thorough brushing
a couple times a month. A demi long coat
or the Short-Faced coat only needs to be
brushed once a month. Neither coat needs
trimming.
Color:
The color of the Pyrenean Shepherd's coat
can be various shades of fawn or fawn with
an overlay of black. Other coat colors are:
brindle, grey, solid black or blue merle.
Temperament:
The Pyrenean Shepherd is friendly, lively
and affectionate. They make an outstanding
companion and have always had the solid
reputation of being thoroughly devoted and
attached to their owner. The Pyrenean Shepherd
is usually wary of strangers, however, early
and consistent socialization can help them
overcome this. They are also good with well
behaved and respectful children, but if
not raised with them, proper introduction
is necessary. Socialization is also important
for this reason as well. These dogs are
natural herders and are always ready for
a job to fulfil. Pyrenean Shepherds can
be headstrong or bossy therefore needs a
firm, confident and dominant master. These
dogs are alert and have a very good sense
of hearing making them a great watchdog.
They may however, bark unnecessarily, but
can be trained to stop this behavior. Pyrenean
Shepherds are fearless and courageous. They
need daily exercise such as walking, running,
free play and playing games such as frisbee.
Health Problems:
The Pyrenean Shepherd is
a healthy breed that has a long life expectancy.
Some are known to live well into its teens.
Although not considered common among the
Pyrenean Shepherd breed, some health concerns
include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA),
epilepsy, hip dysplasia, PDA and sub-luxated
patellas.
Special Interest:
• The French name for the
Pyrenean Shepherd is Berger des Pyrénées.
• A shortened version of
Pyrenean Shepherd is simply "Pyr Shep".
• The Pyrenean Shepherd is
the smallest of all French herding breeds.
• The Pyrenean Shepherd is
thought to have contributed to Australian
Shepherd.
• The Pyrenean Shepherd works
alongside the larger Great Pyrenees while
herding flocks.
• Pyrenean Shepherds were
used during WWI as couriers, traveling guardians
as well as in search and rescue. Their outstanding
services were duly noted and considered
best of all breeds during this war.
Classifications:
AKC: Herding Group
CKC:Herding Group 7
FCI: Group 1 Section 1 Sheepdogs
KC: Pastoral
UKC: Herding Dog
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