Pyrenean Shepherd
I chose this dog for
Cooper, my Nonni’s doggy
The Pyrenean Shepherd or "Pyr Shep" has herded sheep in the
Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France for centuries. The breed
comes in two coat types – Rough-Faced and Smooth-Faced.
Colors include shades of fawn from tan to copper, as well as
charcoal to silver to pearl grey. Although tentative with
strangers, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a very lively, cheerful
disposition, and is a superb canine athlete who excels at agility
and other dog sports.
A Look Back
The breed first distinguished itself outside its native mountains
with its service to French troops during World War I. Hundreds,
perhaps thousands, of Pyr Sheps gave their lives for the cause as
couriers, search and rescue dogs finding injured soldiers after
battles, and accompanying guards on their rounds.
Some Pyr Sheps came to North America in the 19th century
accompanying flocks of imported sheep. Pyr Shep fanciers imported
breeding stock in the 1970’s and 80’s, establishing the
foundation for the breed in America today.
Right Breed for You?
This breed will thrive in the home of an active family. The
Pyrenean Shepherd is dominated by his love for his work. As a
companion, he is very active and enthusiastic and insists upon
being involved in the day's activities whatever they may be. The
Pyr Shep coat does not require much maintenance beyond a thorough
brushing every few weeks
•Herding Group; AKC recognized in 2009.
•Ranging in size from 15 to 21 inches tall at the
shoulder.
•Livestock herder.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is the smallest of the French herding dogs.
The breed comes in two varieties: Rough-faced and smooth-Faced.
Rough-faced males are 15 ½ (39 cm) to 18 ½ (47 cm) inches at the
withers, and rough-faced females are 15 (38 cm) to 18 (46 cm)
inches. Smooth-faced males are 15 ½ (39 cm) to 21 (53 cm) inches at
the withers, and smooth-faced females are 15 ½ (39 cm) to 20 ½ (52
cm) inches at the withers. The weight is between 15-32 lbs
(7–15 kg), aiming for lithe and muscular, never fat.
The Puzzle
N42 58.ABC W070 55.DEF
ABC = ADD the numbers. Pyr Shep fanciers imported breeding stock in
the 1970’s and Range in size up to 21 inches tall at the
shoulder MINUS 1000.
DEF = ADD the numbers. Rough-faced males are 15 ½ to 18 ½ inches at
the withers, and rough-faced females are 15 to 18 inches.
Smooth-faced males are 15 ½ to 21 inches at the withers, and
smooth-faced females are 15 ½ to 20 ½ inches at the withers. The
weight is between 15-32 lbs. Then SUBTRACT 31 ½