Pyrenean Shepherds are also known by their French name, Berger des Pyrénées (pronounced ber-JAE day pyr-ray-NAE). Fanciers of the breed in North America often shorten his name to “Pyr Shep” (to be differentiated from the “Pyr”, which refers to the Great Pyrenees).
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTER
The Pyrenean Shepherd looks as mischievous and lively as his personality. Always at the ready, continually alert and aware of everything going on around him. Two varieties are recognized and born within the same litter— the rough-faced variety (Poil Long) and the smooth-faced variety (Face Rase), with minimal physical characteristics distinguishing the two. Both can be born within the same litter. Their height ranges from 15-18.5” (38-46cm) at the shoulder for the rough-faced and 15.5-21” (40-54cm) for the smooth-faced variety. He is light of frame and averages around 20-25+lbs. (9-12 kilograms).
Rough-Faced Demi-Long Blue Merle Male & Smoth-Faced Black Female
The rough-faced variety has a long or demi-long coat covering the body and legs. The coat patterning on his face should look as though he is always facing into the wind. Sometimes this coat will be of the texture to naturally cord if not brushed. This is the natural, maintenance-free coat of the farm dogs. The smooth- faced variety should have no traces of long hair on his face. The body coat is shorter with fringes on only the back of the legs. Both varieties generally have double dew claws on their back legs. Their tails have been traditionally docked and ears cropped, but the trend to the natural appearance is becoming more common as this practice is now banned in most of Europe. A good natural ear should not appear any different than a cropped ear and a undocked tail should not unbalance the appearance of the dog by being carried too high. Natural bob-tails are also not uncommon.
The most common colors are fawn, fawn with a charcoal over- lay, brindle and gray with a black mask. It also comes in solid black and merles. Often the color will change as the dog ages.
The Pyr Shep is an unusual little dog. His ancient roots in the isolation of the Pyrénées Mountains have truly created a unique character. He is still used today as a sheep herder and displays an extreme devotion to his master and a great willingness to please. Socialization is of the utmost importance as he must learn to interact with people, pets and the goings-on of society. He needs a strong master to guide him and teach him appropriate behavior. A properly socialized and trained Pyr Shep is a joy to own, and will amaze you with their intelligence and talents, as well as provide even the most seasoned dog trainer an education in canine behavior and management.
Fawn Female
They are a very high energy dog and enjoy the outdoors. If you have a spare hour each day to take a walk in the countryside the Pyrenean Shepherd is an ideal companion. Playful and impish by nature, he gets along well with children, as well as with other family pets, although he often sees the need to take control and be a little bossy or possessive. Many of his personality characteristics stem from his background as a working farm and herding dog. Diverting his energies to extracurricular activities is necessary, as he needs to be kept busy, along with lots of off-leash exercise. The breed thrives knowing he has a job to do and a purpose to his owner. His world is focused on his family and to be left out is distressing for him, so his character and behavior will not be at its’ best if he is left alone for long periods of time. The breed requires clear boundaries and structure. He views your household rules as you being in control of his environment, and this results in him having more trust and respect for you. Too many liberties encourage him to think his humans are not in control of his world.
WORKING AND PLAYING WITH YOUR PYRENEAN SHEPHERD
The Pyrenean Shepherd is classed as a loose-eyed herding dog. His purpose was to take the sheep, with the shepherd, back and forth to the grazing pastures each day. He generally works close to the flock with little direction given by the shepherd. At the barn the farmer will also use his Pyr Shep to sort out individuals in the flock for milking or other purposes. The Pyr Shep is a versatile all-purpose sheepdog who may be used successfully with sheep, as well as cattle and poultry. He will use every means within his little body to control the sheep successfully (unlike the Border Collie’s use of strong eye contact). The herding instinct is still very strong in all Pyr Sheps, and his intelligence allows him to figure out what needs to be done, and then he will jump in and help.
Rough-Faced Brindle Male
The Pyrenean Shepherd is very quick in his movements, but at the same time very obedient and extremely manageable. After you have developed a strong bond and mutual trust with your Pyr Shep, he will possess a desire to please you above all else. Pyr Sheps are very high drive and love action. They love games, and love to show off their speed and power. You must provide them opportunities to indulge these propensities; to keep them mentally and physically fit.
The breed’s tremendous jumping ability and balance enable them to leap high jumps with almost no effort. They respond enthusiastically with motivational training and clicker training. The breed is extremely nimble, can turn on a dime and amaze you with the heights they can jump. They are naturals when it comes to doing Agility and Flyball.
Several Pyr Sheps in France have been #1 in Tracking, Ring Sport 1 & 2, Cani-Cross, Search and Rescue, and even Truffle Hunting. Other activities like Conformation Showing, Rally, Obedience, Disc Dog, Free- style Dancing and Dock Diving, are all fun activities that this athletic, energetic breed can excel in. The breed is very long-lived, so many years of fun can be expected.
This little dog will continually amaze his owner with his talents. As a farm dog he proved for centuries how invaluable he was to the daily running of a farm, no matter what type of livestock was placed under his care. Today, while still proving his worth as a farm dog, we are broadening his horizons and his intelligence continues to meet the challenges we ask him to face in his changing world. His loyalty and devotion to his owner is unsurpassed and in realizing his unique character the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America has amassed a membership of sincere fanciers wanting to protect this little treasure.