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These tough, lean and lively cowboys, renowned for their vigorous and free-flowing movement, come in two coat varieties: rough and smooth faces. Above the muff of the ruff is profuse, “wind-blowing” hair and usually a hard coat; Smooth people have short hair, finely textured coats and a slightly long, pointed muzzle. Both varieties of this sinuous, rectangular breed come in many colors and patterns. Pir Shapes see the world
The Pyrenean Shepherds descend from an ancient line of shepherds known since ancient times as the shepherds of the Pyrenees (the mountains forming the natural border between France and Spain). One cannot say with certainty how long pyr sheeps have been moving herds from one pasture area to another between the Pyrenean slopes and valleys, but this is a task that they still do in their homeland today. The Pir Shapes often teamed up with the Great Pyrenees, the powerful herd-parent breed of the region.
A small, sinful, lean, lively dog whose dazzling personality and sharp-witted wit is reflected in the lively expression of his unique triangular head and wind-driven face. A brilliant athlete, his graceful, flowing gait “cuts the earth.” Bisexual, light-hearted and constructed as a horizontal rectangle, his high energy and intelligent, clever, mischievous attitude show that he is always alert, suspicious, ready for action. An ardent shepherd of all kinds of animals, his vigilant attitude and great vivacity of movement gives this small dog a highly eccentric gait and presence, which is characteristic of no other breed.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
Pir shape requires weekly brushing to keep its coat free of mats and tangles and to look its best. His curvy appearance comes from his double coat – a soft undercoat and a protective outer coat – featuring a combination of straight and short to medium long hair. The stiff outer coat can be shed to a great extent, while the soft undercoat can mat very easily. The coat can be combed out and left to grow, or can be corded at will. Cleaning the ears and trimming the nails is an important part of their routine.
Pir Shape is very smart, energetic and trained. They try to please and are extremely attached to their owners. He likes sports and intense activity opportunities. Instead of eye contact as in some other breeds, Pir Shapes were bred in herds using their bodies. With an intuitive knowledge of their boss’s wishes, they will enthusiastically respond to clicker training and other positive, reward-based methods. The breed is a great candidate for agility, rally, obedience, dock diving, freestyle work, and almost any fun dog sport.
Pir Shape is a high-energy dog who is always alert and ready for action. Since many Pir Shapes today do not get the chance to do what they were originally born to livestock – they are always eager to put their abundant energy into other interesting challenges and activities. Doing a lot of activity and jobs is important for the mental, emotional and physical health of the breed.
The Pyrenean Shepherd must perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a healthy breed with a long expected lifespan. Responsible breeders screened their stocks for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar subluxation, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), epilepsy, and eye defects such as choroidal hypoplasia (CH) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Dedicated breeders carry out genetic testing on all potential breeding stocks with the aim of reducing certain conditions from the breed’s gene pool and eventually eliminating the expectation.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: