The Pyrenean Shepherd (known in France originally, and also in non-AKC registries such as the UKC, as the Berger des Pyrénées, and in Spain as the Pastor de los Pirineos) is a medium-small breed of dog native to the Pyrenees mountains in southern France and northern Spain, bred since at least medieval times for herding livestock, especially sheep. It worked as an active herder together with the Great Pyrenees, another breed, which acted as the flock’s guardian.
History
After the first World War, the Pyrenean Shepherd, or “Pyr Shep”, gained national recognition in France for their valiant work as couriers, search and rescue dogs, watchdogs, and company mascots.
The smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd in its harlequin or blue merle colouration may have been one of the foundation breeds for the Australian Shepherd when sheepherders 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.
The Pyr Shep is not yet a well-known breed outside of its native France and Spain, but its size, intelligence, and attractive coat make it appealing. After one of its breeds won the World Agility Championship for midsized dogs in 2003, it gained more attention as an intelligent performance dog for dog sports.
On 24 January 2015, a male Pyrenean Shepherd, GCh (Grand Champion) La Brise Sun Bear, a dog (i.e., male), was awarded an AKC all-breed Best In Show (BIS). This was the first BIS since having been formally recognized by the AKC for competition (within the Herding Group).
The first Pyrenean Sheepdogs were registered with the Kennel Club (UK) in 1988 and the Pyrenean Sheepdog Club of Great Britain was formed in 1992 by a small number of enthusiasts.
Appearance
The Pyrenean Shepherd is the smallest of the French and Spanish herding dogs. The breed comes in two varieties: Rough-faced (Poil Long) and smooth-Faced (Face Rase). Rough-faced males are 15 1⁄2 to 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.
The head is of small proportions in comparison to the dog, with a rather flat skull, and a somewhat short, triangular muzzle. The face is expressive and intelligent, with dark eyes, except in the case of merles or slate grey coat colour. Traditionally 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 breed and may indicate an outcross.
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-let-down 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.