The Pyrenean Shepherd (known in France as the Berger des Pyrnes,[1] and in Spain a

s the Pastor de los Pirineos) is a medium-small breed of dog native to the Pyren
ees mountains in southern France and northern Spain, bred since at least medieva
l times for herding livestock, especially sheep. It worked as an active herder t
ogether with the Great Pyrenees, another mountain dog, which acted as the flock'
s guardian.[citation needed]
Contents
1 Description
1.1 Appearance
1.1.1 Coat
1.1.2 Color
1.2 Temperament
1.3 Activities
2 Care
3 History
4 References
5 External links
Description
Appearance
A Berger des Pyrnes (Pyrenean Shepherd) in the snow.
Rough-faced face detail.
Pyrenean Sheepdog.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is the smallest of the French herding dogs. The breed come
s in two varieties: Rough-faced and smooth-Faced. Rough-faced males are 15 1/2 t
o 18 1/2 inches (39 to 47 cm) at the withers, and rough-faced females are 15 to
18 inches (38 to 46 cm). Smooth-faced males are 15 1/2 to 21 inches (39 to 53 cm
) at the withers, and smooth-faced females are 15 1/2 to 20 1/2 inches (39 to 52
cm) inches at the withers. The weight is between 15 32 pounds (7 15 kg), aiming for
lithe and muscular, never fat.[citation needed]
The head is of small proportions in comparison to the dog, with a rather flat sk
ull, and a somewhat short, triangular muzzle. The face is expressive and intelli
gent, with dark eyes, except in the case of merles or slate grey coat colour. Tr
aditionally the dog's ears are cropped. If natural, the Pyrenean Shepherd should
have semi-prick or rose ears. Naturally prick ears are not correct for the bree
d, and may indicate an outcross.[citation needed]
The body is long and lean, and should reflect the natural energetic athleticism
of the dog. The legs are well proportioned, with lean, well-angulated, well-letdown hocks typical of a sure-footed mountain breed. The tail can be docked short
, a natural bob-tail, or naturally long with a crook in the end, so long as its
carried below the topline at rest and in motion.[citation needed]
Coat
The coat has two basic varieties, smooth-faced and rough-faced (demi-long or lon
g-haired). The smooth-faced variety has short, fine hairs on the muzzle, with a
modest ruff around the face and neck, and some feathering along the legs, tail,
and belly. In contrast, the rough-faced has longer hair on the muzzle and face,
though never enough to cover or obscure the eyes or create a bearded effect, and
demi-long or long, coarse hair over the rest of the body. The rough-faced dog c
an also form cords over his hindquarters and front legs.[citation needed]
Color
Shades of fawn are most typical for the breed, either with or without black mask
and overlay. Also very common are brindles and various shades of grey. Less com
mon are merles of various kinds (blue merle, brindle merle, fawn merle), and bla

ck. All colors allow for some white at the head, chest, and feet, but solid colo
rs are preferred.[citation needed]
Temperament
Rough-faced variety having fun.
Pyrenean Sheepdog playing with a toy goose.
The Pyrenean Shepherd was designed to be a sheepdog, and as such is full of the
same sort of energy that other herding dogs have, but in a surprisingly[opinion]
small package. This adaptive dog wants to, and can, do all the jobs on the fiel
d, and is a natural herder. A dog that needs a job, its cleverness makes it idea
l for other work and dog sports such as flyball, competitive obedience, and agil
ity. This dog is good with, and protective of, children with whom they were brou
ght up.[citation needed]
Pyr Sheps are "one-man" dogs, attached and dedicated to their owners, with a des
ire to follow them around the house to help with daily chores. They sense every
mood and often seem to be able to read their masters' minds, as they are constan
tly watchful. Because of this, they are extremely trainable.[citation needed]
Their natural wariness, while valuable in a herding dog that might need to alert
their shepherd of strange animals or people, combined with their herding bossin
ess, can lead to shyness or aggression in even the most friendly puppy if not pr
operly managed. Frequent socialization from a very young age can help counter th
is trait.[citation needed]
Activities
Pyrenean Shepherds can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, fl
yball and tracking events. On January 1, 2009 the breed finally became eligible
to compete in herding events in the US. Herding instincts and trainability can b
e measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Pyr Sheps exhibiting basic herding i
nstincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.[2]