Race Description
The Pyrenean sheep dog was first bred in France. The
sheepherders in the Pyrenean bred these dogs to accompany them on their
treks in the mountains. As the breed had few needs, and because of their
agility on the arduous mountain trails, the little dogs were ideally
suited to be taken along to keep the flocks together. The breed was
officially recognized there in 1929. Slowly it became known elsewhere and
both for its easy keep and all around usefulness this little shepherd has
become a well liked dog:
Among the Pyrenean sheep dog; two types are
recognized: the long-haired and the short-haired.
(museau normal and face-race)
The long-haired is the better known (and the more common)
The shoulder height of the long-haired bitches is between 38 cm and 46 cm.
The shoulder height of the long-haired males is between 40 cm and 48 cm.
The length of a long-haired Pyrenean sheep dog tends to be greather than its
height:
For the short-haired ones is this:
For bitches up to 52 cm.
For the males up to 54 cm.
The length and height of the short-haired Pyrenean sheep dog are the same.)
Owner
The weight of a Pyrenean sheep dog is between 10 kg and 15 kg.
In France, the ears are trimmed and the tail is cut off to prevent injuries to the dog when it is working in rough terrain. But in most other countries is this already banned and we have had to become accustomed to the different look of the dogs. Occasionally a pup is born with a stubby tail (which is hereditary). When that happens; the veterinarian may issue a certificate attesting that the tail was missing at birth.
Without trim or cut (Owner Van Leuven-De Clercq)
The coat is easily groomed ( it does not need to be cut) by a weekly brushing. After a walk in the woods; it is recommended that little twigs be removed from the coat as they may cause the hair to become entangled.
The Pyrenean sheep dog has generally a thick coat and wavy sometimes woolly hair, comparable with that of a goat. The color can vary greatly but the most common is blond, sandy, carroty (fauve) but all variations in between are acceptable: reddish, red-brown, speckled with black or grey , completely black or grey; and harlequin. A white spot is allowed on the chest; belly or paw but may not predominate. The harlequin is allowed to have a “glass” eye (color blue). Normally the eye should be quite dark and very expressive.
Different color combinations are possible in the same nest
The Pyrenean sheep dog generally has St:Hubertus claws which are not removed. The claws can be single or double but it is not considered a flaw or defect if they are not present.
The claws need to be inspected regularly and trimmed when needed. When the claws grow too long they can easily catch on something (with all the nasty consequences), on the other hand, they can also become ingrown.
The overall picture of the Pyrenean sheep dog is that of a compact, muscular and
alert animal.
Because of its small size; this little shepherd can easily be kept in-doors, however, keep in mind that it needs outdoor exercise, because it is and remains a sheep dog. It enjoys working for its owner, as much as a brisk; free walk. Let it fetch a stick or a ball…its stamina is inexhaustible.
This dog is recommended by avid walkers and nature lovers. It will accompany you on long treks, on flat terrain as well as on the beach or the mountain, in warm or cold weather. It will feel happy and content.
An outside kennel suits the little shepherd just fine as long as the shelter is free of drafts and dampness.
If you want to train it in one of the disciplines, you have a large choice. You can teach it obedience, agility, tracking, fly-ball, cani-cross, disaster rescue, sheep herding…It is truly an all around dog. It enjoys genuine pleasure to work for its owner. It needs a consistent and gentle treatment in its rearing which starts at an early age. It will protect and guard the members of its household just like a “big” shepherd dog, but is reserved and aloof before strangers. Don’t scold it; but start early to get it used to people. Take it outside as often as possible and in all kinds of situations.
As to its health, this little dog has an iron constitution and will not easily get sick. Also as to its feeding, it is satisfied with just a little; thus; don’t stuff it with food, or with all kinds of treats. It is quite happy with a daily portion of kernels. A dog that eats too much and in addition does not have enough exercise will quickly tend to become heavy and ungainly and this is not good for its general health.
Once you get to know this little “god”, it will steal your heart and you will never want another dog:
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