Pyrenean Shepherd
Smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd
Alternative names
Berger des Pyrénées Petit Berger Pyrenees Sheepdog
Country of origin
France
Classification
FCI: Group 1 Section 1 KC(UK): Pastoral AKC: Herding (FSS) ANKC: no CKC: Group 7 (Herding) NZKC: no UKC: Herding Dog Breeds
Breed standards (external links)
FCI, KC(UK), UKC
Notes
The AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) designation is for rare breeds not currently eligible for AKC registration.

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-small dog that was bred originally in the 1700s for herding. It often worked as an active herder together with the Great Pyrenees, who acted as the flock's guardian.

Rough-faced variety having fun

Rough-faced face detail

It is not yet a well-known breed outside of its native France, but its size, intelligence, and attractive coat make it appealing. After one of its breed won the World Agility Championship for midsized dogs in 2003, it gained more attention as an intelligent performance dog for dog sports.

The coat has two basic varieties, smooth-faced (or smooth-haired) and rough-faced (or long-haired).