Dog Breeds
The Pyrenean Shepherd
2009 - New Breed Accepted by the AKC
The Pyrenean Shepherd or "Pyr Shep" has herded sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France for centuries. The breed comes in two coat types – Rough-Faced and Smooth-Faced. Colors include shades of fawn from tan to copper, as well as charcoal to silver to pearl grey. Although tentative with strangers, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a very lively, cheerful disposition, and is a superb canine athlete who excels at agility and other dog sports.
Listed in: Herding Group - Livestock herder, sheep dog
Ranging in size from 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder.
History
The breed first distinguished itself outside its native mountains with its service to French troops during World War I. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Pyr Sheps gave their lives for the cause as couriers, search and rescue dogs finding injured soldiers after battles, and accompanying guards on their rounds.
Some Pyr Sheps came to North America in the 19th century accompanying flocks of imported sheep. Pyr Shep fanciers imported breeding stock in the 1970’s and 80’s, establishing the foundation for the breed in America today.
Temperament
This breed will thrive in the home of an active family. The Pyrenean Shepherd is dominated by his love for his work. As a companion, he is very active and enthusiastic and insists upon being involved in the day's activities whatever they may be. They are one of the easiest to train dog breeds.
Upkeep
The Pyr Shep coat does not require much maintenance beyond a thorough brushing every few weeks. The Pyr Shep is generally a very healthy breed.
Health
• Major concerns: hip dysplasia
• Minor concerns: None
• Occasionally seen: heart anomalies, seizures, eye anomalies
• Suggested tests: Hip
• Life span: 9 - 15 years
Form and Function
A small, sinewy, lean, lively dog whose sparkling personality and quicksilver intelligence are reflected in the vibrant expression of his unique triangular head and windswept face. A superb athlete, his beautiful, flowing gait "shaves the earth." Uncoiffed, light-boned and built as a horizontal rectangle, his high energy and intelligent, cunning, mischievous attitude show that he is always on alert, suspicious, ready for action. An ardent herder of all kinds of livestock, his vigilant attitude and great vivacity of movement give this little dog a highly singular gait and appearance, characteristic of no other breed. The Pyr Shep is naturally distrustful of strangers, but when well-socialized from a young age, he or she has a very lively, cheerful disposition. The two varieties, Smooth-Faced and Rough-Faced (including both demi-long and long-haired coat types) are born in the same litters.
Disqualifications
.. Individuals under the minimum height -
Rough-Faced: males - under 15 ½ inches at the withers, females - under 15 inches at the withers.
Smooth-Faced: males - under 15 ½ inches at the withers, females - under 15 ½ inches at the withers
.. Individuals exceeding the maximum height by more than ½ inch.
Rough-Faced: males - more than ½ inch above 18 ½ inches at the withers, females - more than ½ inch above 18 inches at the withers.
Smooth-Faced: males - more than ½ inch above 21 inches at the withers, females - more than ½ inch above 20 ½ inches at the withers
.. Missing pigment on eye rims.
.. Blue eyes in an individual of coat color other than merle.
.. Nose other than black.
.. Overshot or undershot bite.
.. White coat color exceeding 50% of the body.
For more Information, Breeders and Puppies - http://www.buhund.org/
Rough-Faced & Smooth-Faced Fawn Dogs pictured
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