Pyrenean Shepherd Long-haired

Pyrenean Shepherds are considered a very ancient breed, perhaps one of the oldest French herding dog breeds. However, their exact origin is not known: they are probably descended from an Asian ancestor, like all European herding dogs. Pyrenean Shepherds are practically unknown to dog circles until the early twentieth century. Originally from the Pyrenees, these dogs were then used as herd-driving dogs. The morphological type (size and coat) varies enormously from one valley to another, although its temperament is identical. During World War I, Pyrenean Shepherds are used in large numbers by the army as liaison dogs. Between 1921 and 1925, the first standard is written by M. Bernard Sénac-Lagrange. Two breeding clubs are founded to promote the breed and write the first standards: the Club of Pyrenean Shepherds (CCBP) created by M. Poey in 1920 and the Meeting of lovers of Pyrenean dogs (RACP) in 1923 by M. Bernard Sénac-Lagrange. The CCBP is integrated into the RACP in 1946, which is now the only breeding association for the breed. With 535 registrations in the French Stud Book (LOF) in 2012, Pyrenean Shepherds, all varieties combined, represent the ninth most popular dog breed in Group 1 'Herding and Drover Dogs (except Swiss Drover Dogs)'.

The FCI standard of the breed describes the long-haired Pyrenean Shepherd as courageous, resourceful, capable of initiative and very devoted to its master, willing and energetic, often suspicious of strangers. Its decisive and sensitive character requires firm and consistent education: a master who is too lax can turn the long-haired Pyrenean Shepherd into a very difficult dog to live with. Long-haired Pyrenean Shepherds in general are considered dynamic, intelligent, cheerful, loyal to their master and loving to play with children.

The long-haired Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog, light and lively in appearance. The height at the withers is 42 to 48 cm for males and 40 to 46 cm for females. The body is longer than that of the smooth-faced Pyrenean Shepherd and fits in a rectangle. 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. Well fringed with hair, it barely exceeds the back line in action. If legislation allows it, tail docking may be applied. The head is triangular in shape, with a skull as long as it is wide moderately developed, almost flat and with a little marked stop. The straight muzzle is shorter than the skull; it tapers in the form of a wedge without being pointed at the end. The eyes of dark brown color are slightly almond-shaped, neither prominent nor too sunken. Walleyes are admitted for merle subjects. Fairly short and moderately wide at the base, the ears are triangular in shape, ending in a point, drooping and very mobile. They can be partially erect. The coat is long or medium-length, well provided, almost flat or slightly wavy. The texture is described in the International Canine Federation standard as 'holding the middle between goat hair and sheep wool'. Locks or cords called 'cadenettes' or plaques called 'mattes', formed from a mixture of dry and woolly hair, can form on the rump and thighs or even on the chest and elbows for cadenettes. The coat is shorter and less full on the muzzle. It must not cover the eyes. The colors admitted for the coat are gray, fawn in all shades including charred fawn, black as well as brindled and merle (coats also called 'harlequin' and 'slate blue'). White markings are admitted in quite large quantities for the black coat (up to a third), in very limited quantities for other colors.

The long-haired Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog that easily gains weight. It can be prone to skin problems generally linked to an overly sedentary lifestyle.