Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Pyrenean Shepherd is an ancient herding breed that developed in the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees, where it was traditionally used for managing and guarding flocks. These dogs accompanied shepherds in harsh climates, working at high altitudes and navigating difficult terrain. They were prized for their endurance, bravery, quick reactions, and ability to make independent decisions when working with sheep. The primary role of the Pyrenean Shepherd was to energetically control the flock, prevent animals from straying, and protect them from small predators. In the 20th century, the breed received official recognition and spread beyond its native region thanks to its high trainability, versatility, and unique combination of compact size and working ability.
General Appearance
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-to-medium, lightly built but strong dog of dry, firm constitution. The outline is slightly elongated, with a well-balanced body and lean, defined muscles. The head is triangular with a lively, alert expression. Ears are set high and very mobile. The chest is deep and moderately narrow. The back is straight and firm, the loin short. Limbs are dry, steady, with good angulation. Feet are compact and oval. The coat is dense, of medium or longer length, slightly wavy and forming a distinct texture. Movement is quick, free and light, reflecting a dog bred for long periods of work. Overall, the breed gives an impression of agility, vigilance and endurance.
Important Proportions
The Pyrenean Shepherd must maintain a balance of lightness and strength. Height at the withers is slightly less than body length, emphasizing the elongated outline. The head is proportional to the body, neither coarse nor overly refined; the muzzle is shorter than the skull. The chest is deep but not broad, providing large lung capacity essential for mountain work. Limbs are long enough, with correct angulation for agility and sustained running. The tail is of moderate length or naturally short. The neck flows smoothly into the body. All proportions must highlight functionality, speed and endurance. Excessive heaviness or looseness is considered a fault.
Temperament and Character
The Pyrenean Shepherd is lively, energetic, observant and possesses a strong working temperament. Exceptionally attentive to its handler, it reacts quickly to commands and is capable of independent decision-making in difficult conditions. The character is balanced but highly active, with strong motivation for work. The breed is not aggressive, but shows natural caution toward strangers. With family and children, it behaves affectionate and devoted. Due to its intelligence and quick learning, the breed excels in herding, sports and search-and-rescue work. Shyness, excessive nervousness or apathy are unacceptable, as the breed must remain confident, responsive and energetic.
Head
The head of the Pyrenean Shepherd is light, dry and triangular, proportional to the body. The skull is moderately wide and slightly rounded between the ears, with a smooth transition to the muzzle. The stop is visible but not overly pronounced. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, tapering toward the nose yet retaining depth. The nose is dark and well pigmented. Lips are thin, dry and tight. Jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. Cheeks are moderate and never coarse. The expression must be lively, attentive and intelligent — an essential breed feature. Coarse, overly light, poorly pigmented or excessively short heads are faults.
Foreface
The foreface is dry, expressive and well defined. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, straight, slightly shorter than the skull. The bridge of the nose is straight. The nose is black or very dark, with wide-open nostrils. Lips are thin and tight, without drooping. Jaws are powerful, with a full dentition. The contour of the lips is clean, reinforcing the dry type. Skin on the muzzle is smooth, without wrinkles. The expression must reflect attentiveness, alertness and quick situational assessment — typical of a mountain herding dog. Narrow muzzles, light pigmentation, excessive looseness or coarse lines are serious faults.
Eyes
Eyes of the Pyrenean Shepherd are medium-sized, slightly oval and set straight, expressing liveliness, cleverness and alertness. The color is typically dark brown, though slightly lighter shades are acceptable; rich tones are preferred. Eyelids are tight and well fitting. The gaze is bright, quick and expressive — a key breed trait. Eyes must not be round, bulging or overly large. Blue eyes, heterochromia, weak eyelid pigmentation, or signs of entropion or ectropion are disqualifying. Correct eyes emphasize the energetic, attentive, working temperament of the breed.
Ears
Ears are thin, triangular, high-set and highly mobile. They lie close to the sides of the head or lift slightly when the dog is alert. The tips may be slightly elongated, giving the breed a characteristic light expression. Length should be moderate; oversized, heavy or low-set ears are undesirable. The ear hair is longer, forming a natural decorative fringe typical for the breed. Incorrect set, size or thickness, or coarse ears detract from type. Correct ears enhance the breed’s lively, energetic expression.
Neck
The neck is dry, long enough, flexible and muscular but not coarse. It is set high and blends smoothly into the withers and back, allowing the dog to hold its head freely in working posture. The neck must support agility and ease of movement. Skin is tight, without dewlap. A short, thick or weak neck disrupts balance and adds heaviness. A correct neck emphasizes the dry, light type and supports quick, agile work over uneven terrain.
Body
The body is moderately elongated, light yet strong, with well-developed musculature. The chest is deep but narrow, ribs long and well arched. The back is straight, firm and fairly long; the loin is short, slightly arched and muscular. The croup is moderately sloping and well developed. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, reinforcing the dry outline. The topline is stable and harmonious. The body must reflect endurance, agility and suitability for mountain work. Looseness, narrowness, weak backs or coarse proportions are unacceptable.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set low, carried downwards with a slight curve at rest. In motion, it may rise above the backline but must not curl. Naturally short tails or true bobtails occur and are allowed. The coat on the tail is dense and forms a characteristic light plume. The tail acts as a balance aid during abrupt turns — essential for herding work. High-set, overly long, thin, excessively short (without natural cause) tails or kinks are faults. A correct tail complements the breed’s lightweight silhouette.
Forequarters
Forequarters are dry, strong and long enough to provide free, light movement. Shoulder blades are long, well sloped, fitting closely. Upper arms are muscular, with well-defined but moderate angulation. Elbows point straight back, without turning in or out. Forelegs are straight, dry and firm. Pasterns slightly sloped, resilient. Feet are oval, compact, with tight pads. The forequarters must enable mobility and stability on mountain terrain. Deviations such as turned elbows, weak pasterns, short limbs, insufficient bone or coarseness undermine the breed’s lightness.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are dry, strong and well developed, without heaviness. Thighs are long and muscular, providing power and stamina. Stifle joints are strong, with well-balanced angulation ensuring agility and stability on uneven ground. Lower legs are moderate in length, lean and muscular. Hocks are low-set, firm, neither turning in nor out. Rear pasterns are vertical and springy. Feet are oval with tight toes; rear dewclaws may be present. Cow hocks, straight angulation, weak joints or narrow stance impair mobility and are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is light, quick, springy and very economical. At the trot, the dog moves freely with good reach in front and active drive from the rear. The topline remains stable. The breed must show sharp acceleration, rapid turns and exceptional agility — all necessary for herding in rugged terrain. Short steps, paddling, crossing, swaying or weak drive are serious faults. Correct movement demonstrates endurance, speed, lightness and confidence.
Coat
The coat is dense, thick and either medium-long or long, with a slightly harsh texture. The outer coat may be straight or slightly wavy, never curly. The undercoat is moderate but sufficient for mountain climate protection. On the muzzle the coat is shorter and closer; on the body it forms light fringes, especially on thighs and tail. Coat type varies between smooth-faced and long-haired varieties, but the structure must remain functional and dry. Soft, fluffy, overly long, sparse or excessively fine coats are incorrect.
Permitted Colours
The Pyrenean Shepherd comes in many shades: fawn, grey, charcoal grey, reddish, brindle and parti-coloured variations. Black masks or facial shading are common. White markings on chest, feet or tail tip are allowed but must not distort the overall type. Colour must be even and clean, enhancing the breed’s outline. Washed-out patches, weak nose or eyelid pigmentation, excessive white or solid black are undesirable. Colour should reinforce expression and maintain the natural mountain working type.
Size
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-to-medium working breed, yet strong enough for prolonged mountain work. Males stand 40–48 cm at the withers; females 38–46 cm. Weight varies by coat type and build, but the dog must remain light, dry and agile. Proportions are paramount: body length exceeds height slightly, and limbs must be long enough for quick, maneuverable movement. Excess heaviness, looseness, smallness or insufficient bone are faults. Size must harmonize with functionality and working purpose.
Faults
Faults include deviations diminishing the breed’s lightness, agility or expression. Weak bone, excessive coarseness, looseness, short or poorly angled limbs, narrow chest, weak back, short muzzle or poor pigmentation reduce type. Incorrect movement such as short steps, stiffness, paddling or weak drive are significant faults. Behaviourally, shyness, nervousness, lack of initiative or undue aggression are undesirable. Any trait impairing herding ability or mobility is considered a fault.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifications include serious deviations incompatible with breed type: marked shyness, unjustified aggression, unstable temperament, blue eyes, heterochromia, significant depigmentation of nose or eyelids, severe bite faults, missing multiple teeth, serious cranial or limb deformities, paralysis or congenital defects. Incorrect coat type — curly, lacking undercoat, excessively soft — is unacceptable. Coat colours not allowed by the standard, excessive white, or structural faults impairing working function also lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a working mountain breed, and evaluation must prioritize functionality. Puppies may develop unevenly; temporary disproportion is normal if it does not affect health or movement. The dog must show confidence, responsiveness, quick reactions and stable temperament. The coat must retain its natural structure; artificial straightening or shortening is not permitted. Particular attention is given to angulation and body proportions, which ensure speed and maneuverability. Weakness, apathy or nervousness are critical deviations. True type combines lightness, endurance and working energy.
Conclusion
The Pyrenean Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent and highly functional working dog, preserving the essential traits of a mountain herding breed. It is distinguished by its light build, quick reactions, lively movement and strong attachment to its handler. With proper training, it becomes a reliable partner in herding, sports and active work. The typical Pyrenean Shepherd should convey agility, responsiveness and correct proportions, along with an expressive head. The harmony of lightness, stamina and mental sharpness makes the breed unique. It requires activity, attentive handling and conditions that allow it to express its working abilities. The Pyrenean Shepherd remains a devoted, hardworking and vivid breed.
