Pyrenean Shepherd

Pyrenean Shepherds are small, lean, sinewy dogs. These dogs are energetic, athletic dogs that move with flowing gaits and a mischievous attitude to match their stamina.

Pyrenean Shepherds are always on alert and ready for action.

There are two different varieties of Pyrenean Shepherds: rough-faced and smooth-faced. Both varieties have hair that's almost flat or slightly wavy; their hair's texture is harsh and described as being between the wool of a sheep and the hair of a goat.

Rough-faced dogs have long or demi-long coats. Dogs with long hair have more furnishings, and their woollier hair may cord, especially on the elbows, rump, and thighs. Dogs with demi-long hair have culottes on their backsides.

On smooth-faced dogs, short, fine hairs cover the muzzle. It grows longer on the sides of the head, blending into a modest ruff. Smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherds have fine, soft hair on their bodies that grows to a maximum of three inches long on the ruff and culottes and two inches long on the back.

Pyrenean Shepherds come in various shades of fawn from tan to copper, shades of grey from charcoal to silver to pearl grey, and merles of diverse tones. Their coats can also be brindle, black, and black with white markings (though the white should not cover more than 30 percent of their bodies).

These small dogs have long bodies with level backs; short, rounded loins; and sinewy forelegs. Their tails may be docked, natural bob, or long.

Pyrenean Shepherds have straight, narrow muzzles and can have cropped or uncropped ears that are wider at the base and stand erect. They have dark brown, almond-shaped, expressive eyes that lend an intelligent, alert, mischievous expression.

Pyrenean Shepherds trace their origins back to the Pyrenees Mountains along the border between France and Spain. There, the dogs earned their name, navigating rugged terrain to move sheep between grazing areas.

According to local lore, Pyrenean Shepherds were the original dogs of cavemen who lived in the mountainous region. Historical accounts cite Pyrenean Shepherds and shepherds working side-by-side throughout Medieval times.

The dogs often worked in tandem with Great Pyrenees; the Great Pyrenees guarded flocks, and then the Pyrenean Shepherds moved them. During World War I, the small, surefooted breed worked in the military as couriers and search and rescue dogs.

Thanks to their skills during the war, Pyrenean Shepherds and Great Pyrenees lovers founded a club dedicated to the breeds' preservation: Reunion des Amateurs des Chiens Pyreneens. The French Kennel Club recognized the Pyrenean Shepherd as a breed in 1926.