Dogs have long been faithful companions for humans. However, in addition to the role of a pet, these animals can become guards and assistants for their breeder. The Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is a breed that combines all of the above qualities, in the light of which it has earned popularity among breeders around the world.
Origin history
Among the many breeds of dogs of French origin, it is worth highlighting the Pyrenean Shepherd, which for quite some time has been used by humans as an assistant. Previously, these small animals were in demand as guards for pastures with sheep.
The endowment of dogs with these functions is due to such traits as energy, developed intelligence, vigilance and willingness to defend their territory at any second.
Modern representatives of this breed are also used as shepherds, in addition, the Pyrenean shepherd dogs actively participate in competitions, and also conquered many breeder hearts, in the light of which they have become wonderful and faithful companions to humans.
The history of the origin and formation of the breed has more than a dozen years, since Similar dogs in the south of France have been encountered for centuries. Images of animals, as well as references to shepherd dogs, are found in chronicles and canvases dating from the 16th century. A special role in the development of the breed and the consolidation of unique qualities was played by the isolation of the region, which made it possible to maintain and consolidate the natural gene.
The Pyrenean Shepherd dogs were actively bred, and the features of climate and life determined the natural selection among these individuals, highlighting only the strongest and most enduring ones. Previously, animals of different sizes and exterior were found, but in a natural way the phenotype came to a common denominator, subsequently highlighting two types of dogs:
- long-haired shepherd dogs;
- smooth-faced representatives of the breed.
During the war, a club was created in the homeland of animals to help preserve the breed.
The first standard for dogs was established in 1926, later there was a gradual resettlement of animals around the world. In 1956, a standard was approved separately for short-haired and long-haired dogs, which stood out for their size and exterior.
In the XIX century, shepherds came to America with sheep, the talents of animals were appreciated, so the breed began to quickly gain popularity among farmers. Also, due to their qualities, the animals were involved in the breeding of other dog breeds, in particular, the Australian Shepherd.
Long-haired dogs were appreciated during the war, at which time they were used as detective dogs, couriers, and also orderlies on the battlefield.
Soldiers preferred to use animals as assistants, due to their reaction, intelligence and stamina. Today, the Pyrenees Shepherd dogs are world famous participants in such competitions as rallies, flyball, agility, diving.
Breed description
At the moment, the functions of a shepherd are less in demand, however, shepherds continue to be valued in the farm as a universal assistant.
Now for the purebred long-haired shepherd the following standards are defined:
- the growth of males should be within 39–47 centimeters, while the size of a bitch may be 2-3 cm less;
- the animal should not weigh less than 7 and more than 12 kilograms.
As for the smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd, then:
- the growth of the male animal will vary between 42–53 centimeters, while in the bitch it can be from 40 to 50 centimeters;
- Dogs can weigh between 10-15 kilograms.
Four-footed pets of this breed can be considered long-livers: on average, with good care, they are able to live about 15 years.
According to their external characteristics, dogs of this breed are characterized by their small size and proportionally folded body. The head should be medium in size, the auricles will be semi-permanent, set rather low.
The eyes are large, the pupils are colored dark, the nose will also be dark. The presence of a “mask” on the face is not a deviation from established standards. The neck is medium in size, the back without bends. The limbs of the animal are straight, well developed, the chest is not wide, moderately deep. The tail is medium in length, mostly lowered, however, during the movement it will stand high and straight.
Depending on the coat, the exterior of the shepherd comes with long and short hair.
Both varieties belong to the same breed. However, according to the description, a smooth-faced sheepdog will have short hair on its neck, head, including muzzle, and it will also be excellent on its stomach, legs and tail. On the body, the length of the coat should not exceed 10 centimeters.
As for the long-haired animal, the dog of this species will be completely covered with thick and long hair, including eyes. The length of the coat can reach 15 centimeters, and the muzzle should contain a “beard” and “mustache”.
Regardless of the length of the coat, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs can have the following color:
- grey;
- pale yellow;
- the black;
- blue;
- brindle;
- beige;
- marble.
Spotting on dog hair is not considered culling according to standards introduced for the breed. They can be located on the chest, head or limbs.
Four-legged pets of this ancient breed are distinguished by excellent immunity, therefore they are extremely ill. However, animals may be susceptible to the development of pathogenic processes. Among them are the following:
- hip dysplasia;
- pathology of the organs of vision;
- dislocation of the joints.
Nature and behavior
Pets of this breed are distinguished by active temperament, as well as resourcefulness, courage and devotion towards their breeder. To strangers, the animal shows some suspicion, but without unnecessary aggression. The dog likes to bark, sometimes this character trait manifests itself beyond measure.
Puppies and young animals can be stubborn at this age, which should be taken into account in the process of upbringing and training.
The shepherd has good contact with children, however, does not experience pronounced paternal or maternal feelings for them. The animal can be trained to look after the kids, then it will serve as a shepherd in the family, not letting them go beyond the designated boundaries. For the Pyrenees shepherd, the owner will be only one owner, however, she can feel a favorable attitude to all family members without exception.
Shepherd dogs are capable of teamwork with other dogs, the pet also gets along well with other animals, but conflicts are possible with dogs of the same sexassociated with attempts to take a leading position.
Maintenance and care
The pet of this breed stands out for its activity, so it will require a lot of free space for life. Country houses are suitable for Pyrenees, in which the breeder will have the opportunity to equip a spacious enclosure for the dog. Good health and thick coat allow the animal to live outdoors without problems.
For the Pyrenees shepherd dogs, which are planned to be kept in the apartment, it is necessary to ensure a daily walk in the fresh air with physical activity. To maintain good shape, the pet will need to spend at least 2-3 hours in the air. Since dogs are very mobile, it is recommended to play games with them; it is also allowed to take a shepherd for jogging or cycling.
Particular attention when maintaining dogs of this breed will require animal hair. The task of the owner of the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is regular combing of a pet. Ear brushing and clippingAs a rule, in animals that spend a lot of time in the fresh air, the claws grind on their own. You can use cotton pads to clean your ears. A healthy dog should not have any secretions in its ears. The presence of such will be evidence of the development of hearing infections.
Trimming and a variety of haircuts for shepherds do not. An exception are situations where in a long-haired variety, hard fibers irritate the cornea of the eye. In this case, it is better to cut the extra hair.
It is recommended to bathe a dog no more than once every 2-3 months. To maintain oral health, Pyrenean Shepherds should brush their teeth weekly.
The dog needs routine vaccination. Usually, the first vaccine is given at the age of 6–9 weeks, then after a month and a half. In the future, Pyrenean shepherds are vaccinated every year, in addition, deworming is carried out.
Breeders who plan to further breed the breed are advised to select a mating partner, taking into account the variety of the dog. The bitch will be ready to mate after the third estrus.
Feeding
Shepherd dogs are omnivorous, so the breeder will not have problems with food. But for strong immunity, the animal will need to correctly plan the diet, since a lack of vitamins will adversely affect the health of the pet. In most cases, the Pyrenees are fed with dry industrial feed.
For this breed, it is important that the product contains a high percentage of meat, in addition, the feed must be additionally enriched with minerals and vitamins.
When choosing a diet with the use of dry food, it is impossible to give the animal natural food besides this product.When transferring to another type of feed, this should be done gradually, paying attention to the reaction of the animal organism and its behavior.
When choosing a natural diet for a dog, it should be noted that the following products should be present on the menu:
- meat, offal;
- dairy products - cottage cheese, sour cream;
- egg yolks;
- seafood.
It’s worth planning your pet’s menu in such a way so that protein products account for 2/3 of the total volume.
The rest of the diet will consist of vegetables, fruits and herbs. Vegetables can be given to dogs raw. Porridge is not a natural food for the Pyrenean Shepherd, therefore, will not bring real benefits to its health. But cereals are important, from the point of view of energy value, therefore, for the introduction into the diet of a pet, it is allowed to use buckwheat, rice, millet with obligatory alternation. Breeders are advised to add one spoonful of unrefined vegetable oil to the dog’s food to replenish the supply of polyunsaturated acids.
Feeding a two-month-old shepherd puppy will be four times a day, from 4 months the pet can be transferred to three meals a day. When the dog is 10 months old, he can be fed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.
Clean drinking water should always be freely available, especially when feeding with dry feeds of industrial production.
Parenting and training
Pyrenean Shepherd dogs have a well-developed intellect, in addition, the ability to learn is genetically embedded. These features of the animal will allow the breeder to quickly teach his pet basic commands. Dog obedience is largely dependent on the amount of time a breeder spends communicating with his pet. It is important not just to walk with the shepherd, but to actively interact through the game or training.
Pyrenees need early socialization, so immediately after acquiring a puppy, you must begin to teach the rules of behavior in the house, the pet must learn its nickname, know where its place is.
It is also recommended that dog breeders of this breed use the pet as a participant in various sports. This will have a positive effect on training and discipline, in addition, the dog will have the opportunity to realize his potential in terms of innate activity. Today, the Pyrenean Shepherd dogs participate in grazing, searching, agility competitions.
You can evaluate the vital activity of the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog and get additional advice from experts on keeping a pet in the video below.
