Pyrenean Shepherd Dog Breed
Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd Quick Facts
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Introduction
The Pyrenean Shepherd has been known by many names, including the Pyrenean Sheepdog, the Pyrenees Sheepdog, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog, the Labrit, the Labri, the Chien de Berger des Pyrenees, the Berger des Pyrenees (pronounced ber-JAE day pyr-ray-NAE), the Berger des Pyrenees a Poil Long, the Long-Haired Pyrenean Sheepdog, the Petit Berger (“little shepherd”) and the Pyr Shep. The smallest of all native French sheepdogs, Pyrenean Shepherds have been used to herd sheep and other livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France for centuries. They come in two coat types: Rough-Faced and Smooth-Faced. Historically, their ears were cropped and their tails were docked. However, these practices have largely fallen out of favor, both in France and elsewhere. The Pyrenean Shepherd was officially accepted into the American Kennel Club’s Herding Group in 2009. This sturdy dog continues to be used high in the Pyrenees Mountains to herd sheep and provide constant companionship to its shepherd owners. It also increasingly excels at obedience, agility, flyball and other active competitive dog sports in many different countries.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a very old breed, and unfortunately its origins have been lost in the mists of time. These dogs have lived in the mountains of Southern France since time immemorial. Mythical tales suggest that the breed descends from native Pyrenean bears and foxes, and that this is the original dog of the Cro-Magnon people who painted the cave at Lascaux. Factually, we know that bones of small dogs abound in ancient Neolithic
The Pyrenean Shepherd has a lively, cheerful disposition that is dominated by his love of herding. He is courageous, mischievous, quick-witted, vivacious, enthusiastic, tenacious, smart, sensitive, sure-footed and brave to the point of being fearless. Although small in stature, it is said, that pound for pound, the Pyrenean Shepherd has few equals in the herding and guarding of livestock. The Pyr Shep tends to become passionately attached to his owners, to the complete exclusion of
Pyrenean Shepherds are fairly small, light-boned, sinewy dogs with uniquely triangular heads and endearing, windswept faces. Their ground-covering gait appears effortless and is described as “shaving the earth.” Both the Rough-Faced and Smooth-Faced varieties have somewhat long, weather-resistant double coats. No matter what color or coat type, the Pyrenean Shepherd’s eyes are rimmed in black. Its ears may or may not be cropped (surgically shortened). Double dewclaws, single dewclaws or no dewclaws on the rear
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