1. Rough-Faced Smooth-Faced
Pyrenean Shepherd
Welcome to the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America’s Judges Study group presentation on the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Rough-Faced Smooth-Faced

2. Pyrenean Shepherd
For centuries the Pyrenean Shepherd, or Pyr Shep as we call him, has been used in the rugged Pyrenees Mountains of France as the constant companion and helper to the area’s shepherds. Wherever the shepherd went, his little dog went too.

3. Pyrenean Shepherd Pyrenees Mountains
The Pyr Shep was used primarily for moving large flocks of sheep through remote pastures, over extremely rugged terrain, but also made themselves useful for general farm chores and rodent control. Often the dog would be out with the shepherd for months at a time, even all year, moving hundreds of miles in search of better pastures. It was an isolated life. The Pyr Shep was expected to be suspicious of any strangers who might appear. Their natural inclination is to raise an alarm first and ask questions later.
Pyrenees Mountains

4. Pyrenean Shepherd Pyrenees Mountains
In the pastoral economy of the mountain regions, the well-being of the population depended on the health and safety of its flocks. In the spring, the flocks would be taken into the high mountains to spend the summer grazing on the high meadow grass.
Pyrenees Mountains

5. Pyrenean Shepherd Pyrenees Mountains
At the end of autumn, the flock would generally be returned to the village for the winter, and the sheep would be milked every day.
Pyrenees Mountains

6. Pyrenean Shepherd Pyrenees Mountains
The distinctive Ossau-Iraty Brebis cheese was made from the milk. And the wool was shorn & made into a variety of textiles.
Pyrenees Mountains

7. Pyrenean Shepherd Pyrenean Co-Workers
The success of this pastoral practice required the help of two different breeds of dogs. The Great Pyrenees guarded the flocks against predation by wolves and bears, whereas the Pyrenean Shepherd was used solely for herding and moving the flock from one area to another. The two breeds co-existed in the mountains and villages, but each had its own unique function.
Pyrenean Co-Workers

8. This separation of responsibilities allowed the shepherds to focus on dogs with a high degree of herding instinct, soundness and type. Since the Pyrenean Shepherd was not required for protection, small size was valued. Smaller dogs were quicker and more sure-footed on the windy crags. These dogs also required less food, allowing the shepherd to keep more dogs, and thus a larger flock.

9. Pyrenean Shepherd
A natural breed, the Pyr Shep contains a range of acceptable variation, rather than just one stereotyped ideal. However, that range of variation is very specific, and dogs falling outside the range of acceptable variation should be faulted to the extent of the deviation.

10. Archeological excavations suggest the breed’s forerunners were already herding sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains at least 6,000 years ago, and possibly much longer. The breed is described in medieval manuscripts, and the Pyr Sheps’ close relationship with their owners is mentioned in transcripts of Renaissance-era inquisitions.

11. Pyrenean Shepherd
The little dogs are depicted in dog manuals from the middle ages, and in eighteenth-century scientific texts. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century engravings and lithographs of the breed show a similar range of variation to that seen today, including the distinctive ear crop.

12. Pyrenean Shepherd
Members of the breed distinguished themselves in their service during WWI. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of Pyrenean Shepherds gave their lives for the cause. They were used as couriers, as search and rescue dogs finding injured soldiers after battles, and to accompany guards on their rounds. J. Dhers, officer in charge of war dogs, remarked that the Pyrenean Shepherd was "the most intelligent, the most cunning, the most able, and the fastest" among all the breeds used. The French kennel club (SCC) officially recognized the Pyr Shep in 1923, and they began competing, and winning, at breed shows and herding trials.
WWI

13. Pyr Sheps in the USA
The breed was first introduced into the US on a permanent basis in the mid 1970s. Since then it has grown in this country through importation and selective breeding. Pyr Sheps became a part of AKC’s Foundation Stock Studbook in 2001, and began competing in companion events in 2004.

14. Agility
Our dogs have done extremely well in these events as we have earned numerous titles in Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Herding, and Agility. In fact, our agile little dogs demonstrated their prowess early on when a Pyr Shep won the 16-inch championship at the 2006 AKC/Eukanuba Invitational Agility Championship, and that was only our second year of eligibility! Our third year is off to a good start as two Pyr Sheps made the finals at the AKC Agility nationals, with one of them taking top honors in the 16” division.

15. Herding
The Pyr Shep is a hardy little dog still actively used today in France and this country as a sheepherder. He is dominated by his love for his work and he displays the same devotion to his master as most other herding breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd looks as mischievous and lively as his personality. Always at the ready, he is continually alert and aware of everything going on around him. Highly trainable and responsive, she is hardly ever still!

16. Smooth-Faced Rough-Faced
2 Varieties
As we will discuss in detail, the Pyr Shep is seen in two coat varieties; the Rough-Faced and the Smooth-Faced. In addition to coat differences, there are also several physical differences distinguishing the two varieties. Both varieties can be born within the same litter.
Smooth-Faced Rough-Faced

17. Smooth-Faced Rough-Faced
Appearance
The essence of the breed is to be found in its type. Excellence of type in expression, conformation, and movement are to be valued much more highly than any specific structural perfection.
In general appearance, the Pyr Shep is a small, lean, lively dog whose personality is reflected in the vibrant expression of his triangular head and wind-swept face. His athleticism can be seen in his flowing gate, best described as “shaves the earth.” His coat is uncoiffed, his substance is light-boned, and his shape is that of a horizontal rectangle. In temperament, his high energy and mischievous attitude show that he is always on alert and ready to help his “shepherd.” However, he can also be somewhat distrustful of strangers.
Smooth-Faced Rough-Faced

18. Always examine on the table
Height
Rough-Faced Males: 15 ½ - 18 ½ Females: Smooth-Faced Males: 15 ½ Females: 15 ½ - 20 ½
The size of the Pyr Shep differs between the two varieties. Rough-Faced males must measure between 15 ½ to 18 ½ inches at the withers; females are between 15 to 18 inches. The Smooth-Faced variety can be somewhat taller as those males measure 15 ½ to 21 inches tall; females are 15 ½ to 20 ½. Any entry that measures under the minimum height or exceeds the maximum by more that ½ inch must be disqualified.
Due to his size, we ask that you always examine the Pyrenean Shepherd on a table.
Always examine on the table

19. Lightly-boned & sinewy
Substance
Lightly-boned & sinewy
Because this is a high energy, hard working breed, an absolute minimum of weight is desired. There should be just enough flesh to cover his bones. When you put your hands on his body, his ribs should be easily felt. The dog in good working condition is lightly boned and sinewy.

20. Smooth-Faced : Nearly square Rough-Faced : Clearly longer than tall
Proportions
Smooth-Faced : Nearly square
Rough-Faced : Clearly longer than tall
The proportions of the two varieties are also different. The Rough-Faced Pyr Sheps are clearly long in proportion to height – measured from point of shoulder to ischium. The Smooth-Faced dog should appear to be nearly square.

21. Head - triangular, rather small, top nearly flat, almond eye not obscured by hair, high set ears
The head of the Pyr Shep is generally triangular in shape and is rather small in proportion to the size of the dog. It is well filled under the eyes and the top skull is nearly flat. Her eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in color. The eyes must be readily visible and not obscured by hair. Partially or completely blue eyes are only acceptable in merles. Eye rims are always black. If the Pyrenean Shepherd is missing pigment on the eye rims or has blue eyes in any coat color other than merle, the dog must be disqualified.

22. Head Expression – Alert, Intelligent, Mischievous
Correct Natural Ear
Faulty Natural Ears
The expression is intelligent, alert, and cunning, even a little mischievous. Ears may be either cropped or uncropped. Both are equally acceptable. They are rather short and are set on top of the head. Ears that are cropped are cut straight across and stand erect. Those that are uncropped are semi-prick with one-third to one-half falling straight forward, or to the side in the case of a rose ear. A naturally erect ear is a serious fault.

23. Head Expression – Alert, Intelligent, Mischievous
The skull is almost flat on top, gently rounded on the sides, and has only a slight development of the occiput. The planes of the skull and muzzle are nearly parallel and there is no marked stop. The sides of the skull blend into the muzzle giving the head a triangular wedge shape.

24. Muzzle Smooth-Faced Rough-Faced Muzzle too short Muzzle too long
The length of the muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. In Smooth-Faced dogs, the muzzle is slightly longer and more pointed than in the Rough-Faced dogs. This is emphasized by the dog’s distinctive smooth face with its short, fine muzzle hair. In Rough-Faced dogs the hair on the end of the muzzle and chin is naturally short and it lengthens as the muzzle widens towards the skull. This longer hair is what gives the Rough-Faced Pyr Sheps their characteristic windswept appearance.
Muzzle too long
Smooth-Faced
Rough-Faced

25. Scissors bite preferred
Pyrenean Shepherd
A nose that is any color other than black is a disqualification.
Lips are black and tight fitting. Full dentition is preferred. Incisors should meet in a scissors bite, though a level bite is acceptable. If the bite is over-shot or under-shot, the dog must be disqualified.
Lips tight fitting
Scissors bite preferred
Disqualification:
Nose other than black

26. Pyrenean Shepherd -Body
Shoulder blades: rather long
Back: level
Loin: arched, higher than shoulder blades
Croup: short, oblique
Neck: rather long, well-arched
Turning now to the body, the Pyr Shep should have a rather long, well-arched neck that flows smoothly into the shoulders. The tops of the rather long shoulder blades clearly project above the line of the back. The back is strong and level. There is a slight arch over the loin that is slightly higher than the tops of the shoulder blades. In the Rough-Faced variety, the coat accentuates the appearance of the arched loin. The topline appears much more level in the Smooth-Faced dogs. The croup in both varieties is rather short and oblique. The tail may be docked, a natural bob, or naturally long; all are equally acceptable. The naturally long tail must not rise above the level of the back. It is set on rather low, has a crook at the end, and is well furred. On the underside of the dog, the chest descends only to the elbow and the flank is well tucked up. The shoulders are moderately angulated with rather long shoulder blades. The upper arm is somewhat shorter than the shoulder blade and leads down into the light-boned, finely made forelegs.

27. Pyrenean Shepherd -Body
Smooth-Faced variety:
appears more square with more level topline
The hair on the front of the Smooth-Faced dog’s legs is short and on the Rough-Faced variety the hair is longer. Pasterns are strong and sloping. The feet are oval, though the Rough-Faced dog may have a slightly longer foot that is not as cupped as her Smooth-Faced littermate

28. Hind feet characteristically toe out slightly
Hindquarters
In the hindquarters, the stifle is well bent connecting a rather short upper thigh to a long lower thigh. Hocks are short, well angulated, and often close together. The foot of the Smooth-Faced dog is a little shorter and more cupped than her Rough-Faced sister. The hind feet characteristically toe out slightly and this is not to be faulted. Both varieties can have double, single, or no dewclaws on their rear legs. All are acceptable. However, all things being equal, the dog possessing dewclaws must be preferred.
Rather short upper thigh, long lower thigh, short hock, well angulated.
Hind feet characteristically toe out slightly

29. Pyrenean Shepherd -Coat
The quality of the Pyrenean Shepherd’s coat is more important than its abundance. The Rough-Faced dog’s coat can be made up of long or demi-long hair. It will lie almost flat or be slightly wavy.
Quality of coat is more important than abundance

30. Muzzle and leg hair is shorter than on long-haired dogs
Rough-Faced: Demi-Long
Muzzle and leg hair is shorter than on long-haired dogs
Demi-long coated dogs have hair on the end of the muzzle and the chin that is naturally short and it lengthens as the muzzle widens toward the skull. The longer hair on the sides of the muzzle and cheeks is swept back giving a windblown look. Demi-long dogs have fringes on the elbows and culottes on the rump. They do not carry as much coat as the long-haired dogs do.

31. Hair must not veil the eyes
Rough-Faced: Long
Hair may cord, especially on elbows, croup and thighs, but never on the head
Longhaired dogs are often more heavily furnished with woollier hair. The texture is harsh with minimal undercoat. The facial hair should be short on the end of the muzzle, with progressively longer hair on the cheeks and sides of the muzzle giving a windblown look. The hair must not veil the eyes.
Longhaired dogs may cord, especially on the elbows, croup, and thighs, but never on the head
Hair must not veil the eyes

32. Short, fine hair on muzzle & fronts of legs
Smooth-Faced
The Smooth-Faced Pyr Shep’s muzzle is covered with short, fine hairs. The hair on the sides of the head becomes somewhat longer and blends into a modest ruff. Hair on the body attains a maximum length of three inches for the ruff and culottes, and two inches along the back. The fronts of the legs are covered with short, fine hairs and there is often some fringing on the elbows and thighs.

33. This dog’s face was scissored to keep the hair from veiling the eyes
No Scissoring!
Withhold ribbons from any dog whose coat has been scissored, especially on its face.
This dog’s face was scissored to keep the hair from veiling the eyes
We ask that all ribbons be withheld from any dog whose coat has been scissored, especially on its face. The only trimming to be allowed is for minor neatening of the feet. The dog should appear distinctly rustic.
Before
After

34. Pyrenean Shepherd -Colors
Brindle
Brindle
Pyr Sheps come in a variety of colors, including various shades of fawn,
brindle,

35. Pyrenean Shepherd -Colors Grey

36. Pyrenean Shepherd - Colors Blue Merle, Brindle Merle, Fawn Merle
merles, including blue merle, brindle merle and fawn merle. It is not considered a fault for blue merles to be somewhat ruddy or rusty in this breed.
Blue merles, brindle merles and fawn merles may have blue or part blue eyes.
Brindle Merle
Fawn Merle

37. Pyrenean Shepherd Black
Also black, and black with white markings that do not exceed 30% of the body. A little white is acceptable on the chest, head, and feet of all Pyr Sheps.
Black

38. Disqualification: Too Much White
Pyrenean Shepherd
Any dog that exhibits white on 50% or more of its body must be disqualified.
Disqualification: Too Much White

39. Pyrenean Shepherd -Gait
Flowing, harmonious, excellent reach & drive but feet never far from ground, “shaves the earth”
When we begin to move the Pyr Shep at a trot, the dog carries her head rather high. As she increases speed, she will lower her head to the level of her backline and her legs will converge toward the centerline. It is a very flowing, harmonious gait with excellent reach and drive, but no wasted motion— her feet barely leave the ground. The French say that she “shaves the earth.”

40. Passionately attached to owners
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a very versatile herder who works from instinct to satisfy all of the shepherd’s needs. He has a tendency to become passionately attached to his owner, to the complete exclusion of all others. As a result, he tends to be distrustful of strangers.

41. Disqualifications
In closing, let’s review the seven breed disqualifications:
▪ Individuals under the minimum height at the withers:
Rough-Faced - males under 15 ½ inches, females under 15 inches.
Smooth-Faced - males and females under 15 ½ inches.
▪ Individuals exceeding the maximum height at the withers by more that ½ inch:
Rough-Faced - males above 19 inches, females above 18 ½ inches.
Smooth-Faced - males above 21 ½ inches, females above 21 inches.
▪ Missing pigment on the eye rims.
▪ Blue eyes in an individual of coat color other than merle.
▪ Nose other than black.
▪ Overshot or undershot bite.
▪ White coat color exceeding 50% of the body.
In closing, let’s review the seven breed disqualifications:
▪ Individuals under the minimum height at the withers:
Rough-Faced - males under 15 ½ inches, females under 15 inches.
Smooth-Faced - males and females under 15 ½ inches.
▪ Individuals exceeding the maximum height at the withers by more that ½ inch:
Rough-Faced - males above 19 inches, females above 18 ½ inches.
Smooth-Faced - males above 21 ½ inches, females above 21 inches.
▪ Missing pigment on the eye rims.
▪ Blue eyes in an individual of coat color other than merle.
▪ Nose other than black.
▪ Overshot or undershot bite.
▪ White coat color exceeding 50% of the body.

42. Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America
Thank You!
Thank you very much for attending our presentation on the Pyrenean Shepherd. We sincerely hope that you will enjoy judging our rustic little breed.
Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America