Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)
Also known as Berger des Pyrénées face rase, Berger des Pyrénées
- Height at the withers
- 40 to 54 cm
- Weight
- 10 to 15 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A variety of the Pyrenean Sheepdog recognizable by its head covered in short, fine hair, hence its name, the Smooth-faced is a little shorter in the body and wears a medium-length or shorter coat on the body. Lively, biddable and tireless, sometimes wary of strangers, it is a working dog that needs plenty of activity and consistent training.
History and origins
This variety was found mainly in the Pyrenean foothills, where livestock dealers and cattle drovers valued it highly. Its distinctive traits earned it an appendix to the Pyrenean Sheepdog standard as early as the 1920s, in the days of Bernard Sénac-Lagrange. Today the FCI recognizes it as a breed in its own right (standard no. 138), and it is looked after by the same breed club as the long-haired variety. Much rarer than the latter, it has about 75 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) a year.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patent ductus arteriosus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: fawn (light to dark, with or without dark overlay), gray (light to dark), harlequin (slate blue), brindle, black, black with white markings.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) FAQ
How big does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) get?
The Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) stands 40 to 54 cm at the withers and weighs 10 to 15 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
