Pyrenean Shepherd Dog: features and content

Dogs have long become faithful companions for humans. However, in addition to the role of a pet, these animals can become guards and helpers for their breeder. The Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is a breed that combines all of the above qualities, in light of which it has earned popularity among breeders around the world.

Among the many breeds of dogs of French origin, it is worth highlighting the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog, which has been used by humans as an assistant for quite some time. Previously, these small animals were in demand as guards for pastures with sheep.

Modern representatives of this breed are also used as shepherds, in addition, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs actively participate in competitions, and have also won many hearts of breeders, in light of which they have become wonderful and loyal companions to humans.

The history of the emergence and formation of the breed has more than a dozen years, since similar dogs in the south of France met from time immemorial. Images of animals, as well as references to shepherd dogs, are found in chronicles and canvases dating back to the 16th century. Isolation of the region played a special role in the development of the breed and consolidation of unique qualities, which made it possible to maintain and consolidate the natural gene.

The Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs were actively bred, and the peculiarities of the climate and life determined natural selection among these individuals, highlighting only the strongest and hardiest. Previously, there were animals of different sizes and conformation, but naturally, the phenotype came to a common denominator, subsequently identifying two types of dogs:

• long-haired shepherd dogs;
• smooth-faced representatives of the breed.

In the 19th century, shepherd dogs came to America along 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.

The soldiers preferred to use animals as helpers due to their reaction, intelligence and stamina. Today, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs are world famous participants in such competitions as rallies, flyball, agility, and diving.

At the moment, the functions of a shepherd are less in demand, however, shepherd dogs continue to be appreciated in the farm as a universal assistant.

The following standards are now defined for the purebred long-haired shepherd dog:

• the growth of males should be in the range of 39–47 centimeters, while the size of a bitch may be 2–3 centimeters less;
• the animal must not weigh less than 7 or more than 12 kilograms.

As for the smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd Dog, then:

• the growth of a 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.

The four-legged pets of this breed can be considered centenarians: on average, with good care, they can 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 of medium size, the ears will be semi-erect, 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 is 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, in the process of movement it will stand high and straight.

Both varieties belong to the same breed. However, according to the description, a smooth-faced shepherd dog will have short hair on the neck, head, including the muzzle, and it will also be excellent on the belly, 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 variety will be completely covered with thick and long hair, including the eyes. The length of the coat can be up to 15 centimeters, and the muzzle must contain a "beard" and "mustache".

Regardless of the length of the coat, the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs can have the following color:

• Gray;
• pale yellow;
• black;
• blue;
• brindle;
• beige;
• marble.

The presence of stains on the coat of dogs is not considered a cull according to the standards imposed 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 rarely get sick. However, animals can be susceptible to the development of pathogenic processes. Among them should be highlighted:

• dysplasia of the hip joints;
• pathology of the organs of vision;
• dislocation of the joints.

Pets of this breed are distinguished by their active temperament, as well as resourcefulness, courage and devotion towards their breeder. The animal shows some suspicion towards strangers, but without unnecessary aggression. The dog loves to bark, sometimes this character trait is manifested beyond measure.

The shepherd dog is in good contact with children, however, it does not have pronounced paternal or maternal feelings for them. The animal can be trained to look after babies, then it will play the role of a shepherd in the family, not letting them out of the designated boundaries. For the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog, only one owner will become the owner, however, she can have a favorable attitude towards all family members without exception.

Shepherd dogs are capable of teamwork with other dogs, also the pet gets along well with other animals, but conflicts with dogs of the same sex are possibleassociated with attempts to take a leading position.

The pet of this breed stands out for its activity, so it will need a lot of free space for life. Country houses are suitable for the Pyrenees, in which the breeder will have the opportunity to equip a spacious aviary for the dog. Good health and thick coat allow the animal to live outdoors without any problems.

For the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs, which are planned to be kept in the apartment, it is necessary to provide daily walking in the fresh air with physical activity. To maintain good shape, your pet will need to spend at least 2-3 hours in the air. Since the dogs are very mobile, it is recommended to play games with them, it is also allowed to take the shepherd for jogging or cycling.

The fur of the animal will require special attention when keeping dogs of this breed. The task of the owner of the Pyrenean Shepherd Dog is brushing your pet regularly. Ear cleaning and nail trimming done as neededAs a rule, in animals that spend a lot of time in the fresh air, the claws grind off on their own. Cotton pads can be used to cleanse the ears. A healthy dog ​​shouldn't have any discharge in the ears. The presence of such will indicate the development of infection of the hearing organs.

Trimming and various haircuts are not carried out for shepherd dogs. Exceptions are situations when, in the long-haired variety, the hard villi irritate the cornea of ​​the eye. In this case, it is better to trim the excess hairs.

Bathing the dog is recommended no more than once every 2-3 months. To maintain oral health, Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs should brush their teeth weekly.

The dog needs routine vaccinations. Usually the first vaccination is given at 6-9 weeks of age, then after a month and a half. In the future, Pyrenean shepherd dogs are vaccinated every year, in addition, deworming is carried out.

Breeders planning to engage in further breeding of the breed are advised to select a mating partner, taking into account the type of dog. The bitch will be ready to mate after her third heat.

Herding dogs are omnivorous, so the breeder will not have any nutritional problems. But for strong immunity, the animal will need to correctly plan the diet, since a lack of vitamins will negatively affect the health of the pet. In most cases, the Pyrenees are fed industrial dry food.

When choosing a diet option using dry feed, you cannot give natural food to the animal in addition to this product.When switching to another type of food, this should be done gradually, paying attention to the reaction of the animal's body and its behavior.

When choosing a natural diet for a dog, it should be borne in mind that the following foods should be present on the menu:

• meat, offal;
• dairy products - cottage cheese, sour cream;
• egg yolks;
• seafood.

It is worth planning your pet's menu in such a way that so that protein products make up 2/3 of the total.

The rest of the diet will consist of vegetables, fruits and herbs. Vegetables can be fed raw to dogs. Porridge is not natural food for the Pyrenean Sheepdog, so it will not provide real health benefits. But cereals are important from the point of view of energy value, therefore, for introducing into the pet's diet, it is allowed to use buckwheat, rice, millet with mandatory 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, 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 industrial dry food.

The Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs have a well-developed intellect, in addition, the ability to learn is genetically inherent. These features of the animal will allow the breeder to quickly teach his pet the basic commands. A dog's obedience is largely dependent on the amount of time the breeder spends communicating with his pet. It is important not just to walk with the shepherd dog, but to actively interact through play or training.

Also, breeders of dogs of this breed are recommended to use their 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 fulfill its 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 tips from experts on keeping a pet in the video below.