Post on 19-Jan-2018
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Rough-Faced Smooth-Faced
Pyrenean Shepherd Welcome to the Pyrenean Shepherd Club of Americas
Judges Study group presentation on the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Rough-Faced Smooth-Faced 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 areas shepherds.Wherever the shepherd went, his
little dog went too. 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 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 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 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 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
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.
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. Archeological excavations suggest the
breeds 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. 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. 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 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 AKCs Foundation Stock Studbook
in 2001, and began competing in companion events in 2004. 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.
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!
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 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 Always examine on the
table
Height Rough-FacedMales: 15 - 18 Females: Smooth-FacedMales: 15
Females: 15 - 20 The size of the Pyr Shep differs between the two
varieties.Rough-Faced males must measure between 15 to 18 inches at
the withers; females are between 15 to 18 inches.The Smooth-Faced
variety can be somewhat taller as those males measure 15 to 21
inches tall; females are 15 to 20 .Any entry that measures under
the minimum height or exceeds the maximum by more that 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
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 dogs
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 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 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.
Pyrenean Shepherd -Body
Smooth-Faced variety: appears more square with more level topline
The hair on the front of the Smooth-Faced dogs 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 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 Pyrenean Shepherd -Coat
The quality of the Pyrenean Shepherds coat is more important than
its abundance.The Rough-Faced dogs 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 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. 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
Short, fine hair on muzzle & fronts of legs
Smooth-Faced The Smooth-Faced Pyr Sheps 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. This dogs 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 dogs 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
Pyrenean Shepherd -Colors
Brindle Brindle Pyr Sheps come in a variety of colors, including
various shades of fawn, brindle, Pyrenean Shepherd -Colors Grey
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 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 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
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. Passionately attached to owners
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a very versatile herder who works from
instinct to satisfy all of the shepherds 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. Disqualifications In closing, lets review the seven
breed disqualifications: Individuals under the minimum height at
the withers: Rough-Faced - males under 15 inches, females under 15
inches. Smooth-Faced - males and females under 15 inches.
Individuals exceeding the maximum height at the withers by more
that inch: Rough-Faced - males above 19 inches, females above 18
inches. Smooth-Faced - males above 21 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, lets review the seven breed disqualifications: Individuals
under the minimum height at the withers: Rough-Faced - males under
15 inches, females under 15 inches. Smooth-Faced - males and
females under 15 inches. Individuals exceeding the maximum height
at the withers by more that inch: Rough-Faced - males above 19
inches, females above 18 inches. Smooth-Faced - males above 21
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. 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