One of the amazing representatives of the canine family is considered to be the Pyrenean Shepherd. Indeed, looking at this seemingly ugly and inconspicuous animal, it is difficult to guess in it a magnificent guard and rescuer. What else should you learn to a potential owner of a dog of this breed?
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Description and characteristics of the breed
The standard distinguishes two pedigree varieties of these animals: a long-haired Pyrenean shepherd and a smooth-faced Pyrenean shepherd. The latter dogs differ from the long-haired dogs in larger sizes, as well as short and smooth hair. The long hair of long-haired shepherds even covers the face of the animal, without closing the view, however. Longhair individuals are the smallest representatives of the French Shepherd. They are distinguished by their impressive resistance to frost, which has been formed over many centuries. Accustomed to being outdoors for a long time, this shepherd can easily withstand any weather. Always alert, these animals notify the owner of a loud bark about any suspicious situation.
Note! The presence of two breed variations is explained by the fact that the villages in which these animals were bred were located in France and Spain and were divided by the Pyrenees mountainous terrain. These geographical objects were located at a considerable distance from each other, which led to the fact that the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog does not have a single breed.
Origin history
For a long time, these animals were not widely known outside the villages in the vicinity of the Pyrenees, which are considered their home.
Shepherd dogs received universal recognition after the end of World War II. During this period, they were actively used as guard and search and rescue dogs, as well as couriers. The acute sense of smell helped them quickly and successfully find the wounded. When the war was over, dog handlers finally turned their eyes to a seemingly unremarkable medium-sized dog, distinguished by tenacity, fidelity, loyalty and intelligence.
Another event contributing to the publication of the Pyrenean Shepherd dogs was the victory of one of the representatives of this breed at the World Agility Championship in 2003. This fact played a significant role in the further popularization of these animals - the official recognition of the breed and the formation of the standard.
Life span
Being hardy animals, the Pyrenees have good immunity.
But still, the breed may be prone to hereditary diseases, including:
- eczema;
- hip dysplasia;
- pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
Subject to appropriate maintenance and proper care, animals can live 10-12 years.
Pyrenean Shepherd Dog Breed Standard
Description of the breed Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is accompanied by specific requirements for standards:
- Smooth-haired dogs can grow up to 40-53 cm, long-haired - up to 47 cm. The weight of animals ranges from 7-15 kg.
- The head of the shepherd is noticeably smaller than the body, the face of the animal is short, the skull is flat. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is hardly noticeable.
- The physique is asymmetrical. The backbone is light, the muscles are developed.
- The tail can be short and long, located below the back.
- Ears are cropped and set high.
- The scissor bite is straightforward, however.
Smooth-haired representatives of the breed have short hair. In long-haired dogs, strands of hair resemble pigtails in shape and are arranged like tiles. On the muzzle, the hairs grow backwards, giving the animal an overview. On the same part of the body are a kind of mustache and beard.
The standard provides for gray, black, reddish-black color of animals. White suit is considered a vice. The nose should be exclusively black.
When choosing a puppy of a Pyrenees dog, all of the listed requirements of the breed standard should be considered. In order to purchase a purebred animal, you should contact a trusted nursery with breeders who value their reputation. In such cases, you can be sure that patients or non-standard individuals did not participate in the breeding process.
Dog's purpose
Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is a shepherd dog breed bred for the protection and protection of livestock. These animals exhibit a high ability to work, because they need to constantly pour out energy. Due to the fact that in recent decades the functionality of dogs as guards of the herd has become less in demand, Pyrenees are actively used in sports and rescue operations. In addition, these dogs are great nannies, because they like to play and look after even tiny babies.
To this day long-haired Pyrenean shepherd dogs are used in the mountains as shepherds. These dogs can handle the most difficult living conditions. The animals are distinguished by truly inexhaustible performance, for which the Pyrenees are appreciated by the owners.
Maintenance, care and feeding
It is advisable to keep Pyrenean Shepherd dogs in a private house with an adjoining plot. Accustomed to live in an apartment since puppyhood, this animal will be able to adapt to crowding. However, one should not forget that doggies need active physical activity and walks.
The hair of shepherd dogs, especially long-haired ones, requires a certain amount of care, as these dogs tend to molt. Nevertheless, this does not mean at all that the owner will have hard work - it is enough to comb the hairs 1-2 times a week, giving this lesson about 15 minutes.If you neglect this procedure, the dog's hair can fall into tangles. During molting, the pet should be combed out more thoroughly and more often. Also, do not forget that after walks in which the Pyrenean likes to climb into bushes and grass, thorns can cling to his coat. After completing each promenade, the pet should be carefully examined, removing stuck objects from the hairs.
Important! You should also pay attention to the ears and eyes of the animal, periodically inspecting and cleaning them.
In food, the shepherd of this breed is unpretentious and the diet can be made at the request of the owner. The dog can be fed natural food or prepared food. When choosing the latter, you should pay attention to the composition: it should include all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the dog. If the pet eats natural food, all the necessary elements must be purchased separately by the owner (vitamins can be purchased at the veterinary pharmacy).
The first time after buying a puppy of the Pyrenees Shepherd, you should adhere to the diet introduced by the breeder. The transition to a new type of food should be gradual and smooth.
Attention! Under no circumstances should you mix natural food and prepared food. The dog must adhere to one diet selected for her.
Pros and cons of the breed
Of the positive qualities of the Pyrenees Shepherd can be identified:
- courage;
- fidelity;
- endurance;
- love for children;
- good security.
The breed has a number of minuses, for example:
- Independence, bordering on self-will. Because of this, the process of training the Pyrenees may be difficult.
- Possible health problems. These dogs are often susceptible to joint diseases in some cases - dysplasia.
The Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is an excellent example of a shepherd dog, which is also effective in search and rescue operations. Perhaps a more loyal and faithful companion is hard to find. The big pluses of these animals are also considered their love for children and impressive endurance.
