BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
UKC Ch Weskeys Arielle de La Brise, CKC pointed *Breeze*
Photo courtesy of Weskeys Kennels |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
NOTE 1: — Effective 1 January 2007, the Pyrenean Shepherd is approved to participate in AKC Herding Events. See http://www.akc.org/reg/fss_news.cfm for full details. The Pyrenean Shepherd entered the AKC's Foundation Stock Service in 2001, began showing in the Miscellaneous Class in 2006, and joined the Herding Group on January 1, 2009.
NOTE 2: — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
France
Height:
15-19 in (38-48 cm)
Weight:
18-32 lb (8-14 kg)
Breed Profile:
The Berger des Pyrénées (also known as the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Pyrenean Sheepdog) is the traditional working companion of the larger Great Pyrénées. Working together, they help the shepherd with his herd of sheep or other livestock. The breed is rare outside of his homeland of France, but his popularity has grown significantly since the early 1970's.
He is a hardy, assertive, tough herding dog with incredible energy. Ever vigilant and alert, he never misses anything that is going on around him. He has a devoted and obedient nature making him ideal to be included in all family activities. He excels at herding, agility, flyball, tracking, protection, obedience, and rescue work, to name a few.
The Pyr Shep is naturally suspicious of strangers so early and extensive socialization is important. This natural trait along with his affection and devotion to his family make him a very good watch dog. He is bright, inquisitive and intelligent, cunning and mischievous in attitude and expression.
The Pyrenean Shepherd comes in two varieties — the Smooth-Faced and the Rough-Faced. Both types come in various colours.
Health Issues
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a very healthy breed. However, like all breeds there are certain genetic disorders that have been found including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and PRA.
If you are considering the adoption of a Berger des Pyrenees puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances, this should include hip x-rays and eye testing. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Pyrenean Sheepdog (Long Haired) Breed Standard
- FCI-Standard No 141 (Pyrenean Sheepdog Long-Haired)
- FCI-Standard No 138 (Pyrenean Sheepdog Smooth-Faced)
Grooming Information
Although the two varieties of Pyr Shep coats appear to require a lot of maintenance, the coats are actually quite easy to keep in good condition. Weekly brushing is recommended, especially for the long-haired coat which can cord if not brushed.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
As with all breeds, proper training and socializing is important and due to the Pyrenean Shepherd's natural suspicion of strangers, early socialization is highly recommended.
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Herding Dogs — A section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
