Pyrenean Shepherd Smooth-faced

Pyrenean Shepherds are considered a very ancient breed, perhaps one of the oldest French herding dog breeds. However, their exact origin is unknown: they are probably descended from an Asian ancestor, like all European herding dogs. Although the illustration of the 'herding dog' in Buffon's Natural History is sometimes considered to represent a smooth-coated Pyrenean Shepherd, Pyrenean Shepherds were practically unknown to dog circles until the early twentieth century. Originally from the Pyrenees, these dogs were then used as livestock herding dogs. The morphological type (size and coat) varied enormously from one valley to another, although its temperament was identical. During World War I, large numbers of Pyrenean Shepherds were used by the army as liaison dogs. The smooth-coated Pyrenean Shepherd was found mainly in the Pyrenean foothills, where, according to M. Bernard Sénac-Lagrange in 1927, it was 'highly appreciated by horse traders and cattle herders'. The characteristics of the smooth-coated variety quickly formed an annex to the breed standard in the 1920s. Between 1921 and 1925, the first standard was written. With 535 registrations in the French Stud Book (LOF) in 2012, Pyrenean Shepherds, both varieties combined, represent the ninth most popular dog breed in Group 1 'Herding and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)'.

The FCI standard for the smooth-coated Pyrenean Shepherd describes it as lively, malleable and sometimes wary of strangers. It tolerates solitude poorly. Pyrenean Shepherds in general are considered dynamic, intelligent, joyful, loyal to their owner and enjoying playing with children.

The smooth-coated Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog with a light and lively appearance. The height at the withers is 40 to 54 cm for males and 40 to 50 cm for females. The standard of the International Cynological Federation (FCI) indicates that it 'shares the same characteristics as the long-haired Pyrenean Shepherd'. However, the body is shorter than the latter and fits within a square. The distance from the elbow to the ground is greater than half the height at the withers. The bone structure is solid without heaviness and the musculature is lean. Attached rather low, the tail not very long forms a hook at its end; if legislation permits, tail docking may be applied. The limbs are covered with short hair with a slight fringe on the front legs and breeches on the rear legs. The feet are more compact and more arched and the angles more open than those of the long-coated variety. The skull is as long as it is wide. The muzzle, shorter than the skull, is however slightly longer than that of the long-coated or medium-haired Pyrenean Shepherd. The head is covered with short, fine hair. It is triangular in shape, with a slightly marked stop. The eyes are dark brown and slightly almond-shaped. Wall eyes are accepted for merle subjects. Quite short and moderately wide at the base, the ears are triangular in shape, pointed at the end and very mobile. They may be partially erect or drooping. The coat is shorter and finer than that of the long-coated variety. On the neck and withers, the coat measures six to seven centimetres, and on the midline of the back, four to five centimetres. The accepted coat colours are grey, fawn in all shades, black as well as brindle and merle (or harlequin). White markings are admitted in quite large quantities for black coat, in very limited quantities for other colours.

The smooth-coated Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog that easily gains weight. It may be prone to skin problems generally related to an overly sedentary lifestyle.