Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-small breed of dog native to the Pyrenees mountains in southern France and northern Spain, bred since at least medieval times for herding livestock, especially sheep. It worked as an active herder together with the Great Pyrenees, another mountain dog, which acted as the flock's guardian. The Pyrenean Shepherd is the smallest of the French herding dogs. The breed comes in two varieties: Rough-faced and smooth-Faced. Rough-faced males are 15 ½ to 18 ½ inches at the withers, and rough-faced females are 15 to 18 inches. Smooth-faced males are 15... ½ to 21 inches at the withers, and smooth-faced females are 15 ½ to 20 ½ inches at the withers. The weight is between 15-32 lbs , aiming for lithe and muscular, never fat. The head is of small proportions in comparison to the dog, with a rather flat skull, and a somewhat short, triangular muzzle. The face is expressive and intelligent, with dark eyes, except in the case of merles or slate grey coat colour. Traditionally the dog's ears are cropped. If natural, the Pyrenean Shepherd should have semi-prick or rose ears.
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