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Berger des Pyrenees Breed Description

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Breed Organization

Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America

Native Country
France

Other Names
Pyrenean Shepherd Dog, Berger de Pyrenees, Labrit, Petit Berger, Pyr Shep, PyreShep

Life Expectancy
Approximately 9-15 Years

Litter Size
Average 3-5 Puppies

Breed Group
AKC-Herding

General Description

The Pyrenean Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized breed (it is the smallest French herding breed) that resembles as small Berger Picard; they usually stand between 38 and 56 centimetres (15 and 22 in); the breed standards state the long-haired dogs are 40 to 50 centimetres (16 to 20 in) and bitches 38 to 48 centimetres (15 to 19 in) whilst smooth-faced dogs are 40 to 54 centimetres (16 to 21 in) and bitches 40–52 centimetres (16–20 in). The breed weighs between 8 and 15 kilograms (18 and 33 lb). The breed has a lean, athletic build which gives them both speed and endurance as is typical of smaller herding dogs; the varieties are anatomically almost identical, although the smooth-faced variety is described as being slightly shorter in the body and having more compact feet. The breed is considered very hardy and its build gives it impressive stamina, particularly so given the altitudes it works in, it easily covers over 32 kilometres (20 mi) in a day.

The Pyrenean Sheepdog's coat can be medium (known as goat-haired) or long, the long-haired varieties have longer hair on the face whilst the smooth-faced variety has much shorter hair on its face. The breed's coat provides excellent protection from extreme weather, particularly the long-haired variety, the variations seen in the breed's coats is an indication that the breed is primarily bred for working ability and not appearance. The breed can be fawn, grey, blue, brindle or black in colour which can be overlaid with black and also can have some white on the chest and limbs.

Traditionally the Pyrenean Sheepdog's ears and tail were docked although this custom is no longer common due to the procedures being restricted/ banned in numerous countries.

Breed Standard

Head: Wedge-shaped, like that of the brown bear. Stop not accentuated. Long-haired variety has a fairly short muzzle. Smooth-muzzled variety has a longer muzzle.
Ears: Short, generally cropped. Carried three-fourths erect with tips breaking forward or to the side.
Eyes: Dark brown color. Black rims. Walleyes are permitted in dogs with harlequin or slate-gray coat.
Body: The body of the smooth-muzzled variety is slightly shorter than that of the long-haired variety. Strong neck. Deep, broad chest. Long back. Oblique croup.
Tail: Long-haired variety: not too long, full fringe, attached low and forming a hook at the tip; often docked. Smooth-muzzled variety: Fairly long, thick hair forming a flag, carried low; hook at the tip; tail circles over the back making a wheel when dog is alerted.
Hair: Long-haired variety: long- or medium-length, thick, almost flat or slightly wavy; more wooly on the croup and thighs; hair on muzzle and cheeks falls backward. Texture between wool and goat hair. Smooth-muzzled variety: thick, flat, fairly long and flexible; longer on the tail and around the neck; head covered with short, fine hair; short hair on legs and culottes on the thighs.
Coat: Long-haired variety: dark fawn with or without a mixture of black hairs, occasionally with white spots on the chest and feet; light gray with white on the head, chest, and legs; shades of harlequin. White coat is a disqualification. Smooth-muzzled variety: white or white with gray (badger), pale yellow, wolf gray, or tan spots on the head, ears, and base of the tail. Badger coat preferred.
Size: Long-haired variety - Dog: 40 to 48 cm; Bitch: 38 to 46 cm.Smooth-muzzled variety - Dog: 40 to 54 cm; Bitch: 40 to 52 cm.
Weight: Both varieties: 8 to 15 kg.


History

The history of the smallest French sheepdog traces back many years. It is thought that he descended from local breeds and never left the high valleys of the Pyrenees mountains until the late 19th century. During WW I, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog was used as a lookout and messenger dog and to search for wounded. The breed was standardized in 1936. This breed was called by various names, which reflected its region of origin, such as the Berger des Pyrenees, the Landes Shepherd, the Bagn res Shepherd, the Auzun Shepherd, the Arbazzi Shepherd, etc. The Berger des Pyrenees, the largest and most rustic looking, measuring 50 to 55 cm at the withers, was almost recognized as a separate breed in 1935. Today, the Berger des Pyrenees no longer exists; it is considered a Pyrenean Shepherd Dog. There are two varieties of this breed, the very common long-haired variety and the rarer smooth-muzzled variety, which has short hair on the head and has a shorter body than the long-haired variety. After the first World War, the Pyrenean Shepherd gained national recognition in France for their valiant work as couriers, search and rescue dogs, watch dogs, and company mascots.

The smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd in its harlequin or blue merle coloration may have been one of the foundation breeds for the Australian Shepherd when sheep herders brought their sheepdogs to the American West when they flew to the United States as contract herders for the Western Range Association in the 1940s until the early 1970s.

It is not yet a well-known breed outside of its native France, but its size, intelligence, and attractive coat make it appealing. After one of its breed won the World Agility Championship for midsized dogs in 2003, it gained more attention as an intelligent performance dog for dog sports.


Behavior

The smooth-muzzled Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is a less nervous, more trainable dog than the long-haired variety. Hyperactive, energetic, and having an excessively nervous disposition, this dog needs constant exercise. This is not an easy breed. This courageous dog is rather vocal, is wary of anything unknown, and is constantly on guard. He needs a strong-minded owner.

This dog is not suited to apartment-living. If left alone, he will destroy everything within reach. If not given enough exercise, he will become aggressive. Weekly brushing is adequate.

Function

Sheepdog, Guard Dog, Pet, Utility Dog: search-and-rescue (in wreckage), drug and explosives dog.


Health

All adult dogs should be evaluated for hip dysplasia and eye problems, though. Elbows and hearing may also be checked.



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