Dogs have long been faithful companions for humans. However, besides the role of a pet, these animals can become guards and helpers for their breeder. The Pyrenean Sheepdog is a breed that combines all of the above qualities, in light of which it is popular among breeders around the world.
History of origin
Among the many breeds of dogs of French origin, it is worth mentioning the Pyrenean Sheepdog, which has been used by man as an assistant for a long time. Previously, these small animals were in demand as guards for pasture with sheep.
The empowerment of dogs with these functions is due to such traits as vigor, developed intellect, vigilance and readiness to defend their territory at any second.
Modern representatives of this breed are also used as shepherds, in addition, the Pyrenean shepherds actively participate in competitions, and also conquered many breeders' hearts, in the light of which they became excellent and loyal companions to man.
The history of the formation and formation of the breed has more than a dozen years, because similar dogs in the south of France have been dating for centuries. Images of animals, as well as mentions of shepherd dogs are in the annals 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 characteristics of climate and life led to natural selection among these individuals, highlighting only the strongest and most enduring. Earlier there were animals of different sizes and exterior, but naturally the phenotype came to a common denominator, subsequently distinguishing two types of dogs:
- long-haired shepherd dogs;
- smooth-faced representatives of the breed.
During the war in the homeland of animals, a club was created that promotes the preservation of the breed.
The first standard for dogs was established in 1926, later there was a gradual resettlement of animals around the world. In 1956, the standard was approved separately for short-haired and long-haired dogs, which stood out for their size and exterior.
In the XIX century, shepherd dogs 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 valued during hostilities, at this time they were used as detective dogs, couriers, and orderlies on the battlefield.
Soldiers preferred to use animals as assistants, thanks to their reaction, intelligence and endurance. Today, the Pyrenean shepherds are world-famous participants in such competitions as rally, flyball, agility, jumping into the water.
Breed description
At the moment, the functions of the shepherd are less in demand, however, shepherd dogs continue to be valued in the farm as a universal assistant.
Now for the purebred long-haired shepherd the following standards are defined:
- growth of males should be within 39–47 centimeters, while the bitch may be 2–3 centimeters smaller;
- the animal must not weigh less than 7 or more than 12 kilograms.
As for the smooth mord of the Pyrenean shepherd, then:
- the height of the male animal will vary within 42–53 centimeters, while in a bitch it can be from 40 to 50 centimeters;
- dogs can weigh in the range of 10-15 kilograms.
Four-legged pets of this breed can be considered long-livers: on average, with good care, they can live for 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 of medium size, the auricles will be semi-erect, set on 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 the established standards. The neck is medium in size, the back is without bends. The limbs of the animal are straight, well developed, the chest is narrow, moderately deep. The tail is average in length, mostly lowered, however, in the process of movement, it will stand high and straight.
Depending on the coat, the exterior of the shepherd dog comes with long and short hair.
Both species belong to the same breed. However, according to the description, a smooth-eyed shepherd will have a short coat around the neck, head, including the face, in addition, it will be excellent on the belly, legs and tail. On the body the length of the hair should not exceed 10 centimeters.
As for the long-haired animal, the dog of this variety 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 wool, Pyrenean shepherd dogs can have the following color:
- Gray;
- pale yellow;
- the black;
- blue;
- brindle;
- beige;
- marble.
The presence of stains on dog hair is not considered a culling according to the standards introduced for the breed. They can be located on the chest, head or limbs.
The four-legged pets of this ancient breed stand out for their excellent immunity, so they rarely get sick. However, animals may be subject to the development of pathogenic processes. Among them should be highlighted:
- dysplasia of the hip joints;
- eye pathology;
- dislocation of the joints.
Character 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 too much aggression. The dog loves to bark, sometimes this character trait manifests beyond measure.
Puppies and young animals can be stubborn at this age, which should be taken into account in the process of education and training.
Shepherd is well contacted with children, however, pronounced paternal or maternal feelings for them are not. The animal can be trained to look after the babies, then it will fulfill the role of a shepherd in the family, without letting them go beyond the marked boundaries. For the Pyrenean shepherd dog, only one owner will be the owner, however, she can feel a favorable attitude towards all family members without exception.
Sheepdogs are capable of teamwork with other dogs, also the pet gets on well with other animals, but with dogs of the same sex conflicts are possibleassociated with attempts to take a leading position.
Maintenance and care
The pet of this breed stands out for its activity, so it will need a lot of free space for life. Country houses will suit Pyrenees in which the breeder will have the opportunity to equip a spacious enclosure for the dog. Good health and thick hair allow the animal to live without any problems on the street.
For Pyrenean shepherd dogs, which are planned to be kept in the apartment, it is necessary to provide daily walking in the open air with physical exertion. To maintain a good shape, your 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 sheepdog for jogging or cycling.
Special attention in keeping dogs of this breed will require animal hair. The task of the owner of the Pyrenean Shepherd is regular pet combing. Cleaning the ears and trimming the claws are done as needed.As a rule, in animals that spend a lot of time in the open air, claws are ground independently. To clean the ears, you can use cotton pads. In a healthy dog, no discharge should accumulate in the ears. The presence of such will be evidence of the development of infection of the organs of hearing.
Trimming and a variety of haircuts shepherd do not hold. Exceptions are situations when the long-haired variety of hard villi 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 good oral health, Pyrenean Sheepdogs should brush their teeth weekly.
The dog needs a routine vaccination. Usually, the first vaccination is given at the age of 6–9 weeks, then after a month and a half. In the future, the Pyrenean shepherd is vaccinated every year, in addition, de-worming is carried out.
Breeders who plan to engage in further breeding are advised to select a partner for mating, taking into account the type of dog. Bitch will be ready for mating after the third heat.
Feeding
Herding dogs are omnivorous, so the breeder will not have problems with nutrition. But for a strong immunity the animal will need to properly plan a diet, since a lack of vitamins will adversely affect the health of the pet. In most cases, the Pyreneans are fed dry industrial feed.
For this breed, it is important that the composition of the product was a high percentage of meat, in addition, the feed must be further enriched with minerals and vitamins.
When choosing a diet option with the use of dry feed, it is impossible to give natural food to an animal other than this product. When transferring to another type of food, this should be done gradually, paying attention to the reaction of the organism of the animal and its behavior.
When choosing a natural diet for a dog, it should be noted that the menu should contain the following products:
- meat, offal;
- dairy products - cottage cheese, sour cream;
- egg yolks;
- seafood.
It is worth planning a menu for a pet in such a way to protein products accounted for 2/3 of the total.
The rest of the diet will consist of vegetables, fruits and greens. Vegetables can be given to dogs raw. Porridge is not a natural food for the Pyrenean Shepherd, so it will not bring real benefits to her health. But cereals are important from the point of view of their energy value, therefore, buckwheat, rice, and wheat with the obligatory alternation are allowed to be introduced into the pet's diet. Breeders are advised to add unrefined one-spoonful of vegetable oil to their food in order to replenish their supply of polyunsaturated acids.
Feeding a two-month puppy of a shepherd will be four meals a day; from 4 months of age, the pet can be transferred to a three-time meal. When the dog is 10 months old, it 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 industrial feed.
Upbringing and training
Pyrenean shepherds have a well-developed intellect, in addition, the ability to learn is genetically incorporated. These features of the animal will allow the breeder to quickly train their pet basic commands. Obedience to a dog depends largely on the amount of time that the breeder spends on communicating with his pet. It is important not just to walk with a sheepdog, but to actively interact through the game or training.
Pyreneans 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, to know where its place is.
Also, breeders of dogs of this breed are recommended to use a pet as a participant in various sports. This will have a positive effect on training and discipline, in addition, the dog will be able to realize its potential in terms of innate activity. Today, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs participate in the shepherding, hunting, and agility competitions.
Evaluate the life of the Pyrenean Shepherd and get additional tips from experts on the content of the pet in the video below.
