Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized livestock herding dog that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in southern France. Traditionally little recognized outside its native region, it has been long prized for its herding abilities, and as a courier and a search and rescue dog in time of war. It has gained popularity in France in recent decades as a good family dog and excellent working dog. It is the smallest of the herding dogs of France. In the French language it is known as "Petit Berger des Pyrenees"�; English-speaking aficionados commonly refer to it as the "Pyr Shep"�. Historians believe that it has been used since the Middle Ages, primarily to herd sheep. It was traditionally partnered with the Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog. The Pyr Shep stands from 15 to 21 inches tall, depending upon sex and whether it is of the smooth-face or rough-face type. The smooth-faced type will have shorter hair on its face and muzzle, a ruff or mane, and feathering along legs, belly and on tail. The rough-faced will have shaggy hair over its face as well as relatively coarser and longer hair over its body. This breed has a long double coat resembling that of the Border Collie, for protection from weather; it has a top coat of long guard hairs and woolly soft undercoat. The coat comes in a variety of colors: fawn with or without black mask, brindle, gray, merle and black. The ears of this breed may be cropped or left natural; in any case they are never prick ears, but are either semi-prick or drop. The tail may or may not be docked. The adult Pyrenean Shepherd weighs between 15 and 30 pounds. It is long and lean, and typically moves quickly and with great agility. This dog makes a good watchdog. The Pyrenean Shepherd is fully recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and some European clubs, and as of 2009 is also recognized by the American Kennel Club.The history of the Pyr Shep is a long one. Since before recorded history, similar sheepdogs of the same type have been used in the Pyrenees mountains to herd sheep, goats and occasionally cattle. Historians believe that the region experienced significant landscape changes due to overgrazing of livestock, 6,000 years ago! The Pyr Shep is the primary working breed of the region even today. Recorded history of the breed dates to the Middle Ages, when the Pyrenean Shepherd is depicted as the constant companion of the farmer or shepherd, loyal and ever eager to please. By the Renaissance, paintings and engravings begin to show the breed. It is said that when the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette, the shepherd girl had her little Pyr Shep at her side. In the 19th century the Pyrenean Shepherd was first imported to the United States. It is believed that the smooth-faced merle variety was used as one of the foundation dogs to develop the Australian Shepherd (a breed which, contrary to that which is implied by its name, was developed in the American West). The Pyrenean Shepherd is a very active, intelligent dog. It bonds closely with its owner, and needs human companionship. It does best in an environment where it gets plenty of physical exercise. It can live successfully as a house dog, with two long walks per day and several weekly hard play sessions. It becomes very loyal and devoted to family members, including children.The smooth-face style coat requires only a weekly brushing or two: it is not prone to tangling, but needs brushing to keep it free of matting and debris such as burrs. The rough-face style can be significantly longer and needs more regular brushing; it may cord over the haunches and back legs, in which case cords must be separated regularly by hand in order to prevent painful mats and accompanying skin issues. Eyes and ears should be washed regularly. This breed will only rarely require a bath. The Pyr Shep has a double dewclaw on its legs, and these must be kept trimmed or will grow long and cause damage to the dog. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a hardy breed and exhibits no common health problems, other than those generally associated with poor breeding in any dog. Make sure your dog's line of pedigree is clear for hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy. (PRA). An exceptionally healthy breed, it is not unusual to find a Pyr Shep living into its late teens. Like the best herding breeds, the Pyrenean Shepherd has an active mind. It will need to be involved with daily family activity, and will need to be stimulated with plenty of play, exercise and formal training. These dogs are easily trainable but are independent thinkers, and training must begin early and be consistent and regular, so that obedience becomes routine. This breed is territorial by nature, from centuries of protecting its herds; it makes a vigilant watchdog. The Pyrenean Shepherd can become an excessive barker if not taught early to stop when commanded to do so. The Pyr Shep is by nature wary of strangers, and makes an excellent guard dog. Care should be taken to introduce a visitor slowly to the dog. These dogs are good with children when raised with them, and they are generally good with other pets as well. Owners should keep in mind that the instinct to herd and toward a bossy nature will always be present. Involving your Pyr Shep in dog sports and other physical activities will go far to keep it physically and mentally fit, and to increase the bond between you. The Pyrenean Shepherd excels in herding trials, and agility, frisbee and obedience competitions. After a Pyrenean Shepherd won a World Agility Champion title in 2003, the breed gained international attention for its abilities.

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