Smooth-faced Pyrenean SheepdogCharacteristics, history, training and care
Smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog. · Томасина / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog is a variety of the Pyrenean Sheepdog, with short, fine hair on the head, a slightly longer muzzle and a squarer body. It was found mainly in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The standard describes it as lively and obedient, sometimes suspicious of strangers.
Quick facts
| Common name | Smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog (Berger des Pyrénées à face rase) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 26 January 1955 (group 1, sheepdogs, with working trial; standard no. 138); the AKC treats it as a variety of the Pyrenean Shepherd |
| Lifespan | 17–19 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 40–54 cm at the withers; 7–14 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 40–52 cm at the withers; 7–14 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Short and fine on the head, semi-long on the body |
| Common colours | As in the long-haired variety: fawn, grey, harlequin, brindle, black |
| Energy level | Very high |
| Suited to an apartment? | Only with a great deal of exercise |
| Temperament | Lively, obedient, sometimes suspicious of strangers |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Average |
| Good with other animals | Average |
| Genetic predispositions | Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, PDA, epilepsy, eye diseases |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says this variety of the Pyrenean Sheepdog was found mainly in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where, according to Bernard Sénac-Lagrange (in the club's 1927 yearbook), it was “much appreciated by horse dealers and cattle drovers”.
Its distinctive features earned it an appendix to the breed standard as early as the 1920s. Otherwise, the standard says it has the same characteristics as the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog.
How the breed developed
- 1920s – It receives an appendix to the Pyrenean Sheepdog standard.
- 1927 – Sénac-Lagrange writes about how highly horse and cattle dealers valued it.
- 26 January 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 13 March 2001 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to train | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★★ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★★ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★★ |
| Good herding dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★★ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. We started from the scores given by the American Kennel Club for the Pyrenean Shepherd and from the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard says it generally has the same characteristics as the long-haired variety. However, the body is slightly shorter and squarer, and the skull is about as wide as it is long.
General appearance
The head has short, fine hair, hence the name, and the muzzle is slightly longer than in the semi-long-haired variety. On the body the hair is semi-long or shorter, longest on the neck and withers (6–7 cm) and along the back (4–5 cm). The legs have smooth hair with light feathering.
| Feature | Smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 40–54 cm; females: 40–52 cm |
| Weight | 7–14 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Short on the head, semi-long on the body |
| Muzzle | Slightly longer |
| Body | Squarer |
The colours are the same as in the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog: fawn, grey, blue mottled with black (harlequin), brindle and black.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as a lively, obedient dog, sometimes suspicious of strangers.
The AKC says Pyrenean Shepherds are very clever, energetic and easy to train, very attached to their owner and eager to please. They enjoy games and intense activities.
Tips for effective training
- Give it work. It needs as much mental activity as possible.
- Use rewards. It is eager to please.
- Socialise it from an early age. It is sometimes suspicious of strangers.
- Try dog sports. It loves intense activities.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it is a dog with a great deal of energy, always alert and ready for action, which needs plenty of activity and a “job”.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Running and intense play | daily | Very high energy |
| Brain games | daily | Mental activity |
| Herding or agility | weekly | Herding instinct |
Tips for a balanced life
- It suits very active people.
- Do not let it get bored.
- Teach it to be quiet from an early age.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The shorter coat is brushed weekly. The AKC says the smooth-faced variety has finer hair than the rough-faced one.
Common health problems
The AKC says Pyrenean Shepherds are a healthy breed with a long life expectancy. Responsible breeders check their dogs for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
| Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | A blood vessel of the heart does not close after birth | Heart murmur, tires quickly |
| Epilepsy | Repeated neurological seizures | Trembling, convulsions |
| Eye diseases | Choroidal hypoplasia and progressive retinal atrophy | Sees less and less well |
Other care
- Check the ears regularly.
- Trim the nails regularly.
- Go for regular check-ups.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kg | 480 kcal | 540 kcal | 120–150 g |
| 10 kg | 630 kcal | 710 kcal | 160–200 g |
| 14 kg | 810 kcal | 910 kcal | 200–260 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- The smooth face. The name comes from the short, fine hair on its head.
- The dealers' dog. It was valued by horse dealers and cattle drovers.
- An appendix to the standard. Since the 1920s it has had an appendix to the breed standard.
- Squarer. Its body is slightly shorter than that of the long-haired variety.
- It lives a long time. The AKC gives 17–19 years.
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog?
It has short hair on the head, a slightly longer muzzle and a squarer body.
How big does it get?
Males measure 40–54 cm, females 40–52 cm.
Is it easy to train?
The AKC says Pyrenean Shepherds are easy to train.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 17–19 years.
