Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)

The Smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog worked alongside the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, but rather than guarding the flock it herded it, moving fast and low to the ground. At only around 15 kilograms, it is one of the smallest French herding breeds, yet remarkably quick and agile. The shorter hair on its face, which gives the breed its name, sets it apart from the long-haired variety, while the body coat stays medium length. Shepherds valued it for working full days without tiring, reading even the faintest hand signal. The breed remains first and foremost a working dog rather than a show piece, and many in France still work with flocks today. Energy levels run very high, making it a poor match for a sedentary household. Alert and quick to react, it can be prone to excess restlessness indoors. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced): how old in human years?

38–48 cmHeight
8–15 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

FCI group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
FCI section: Section 1: Sheepdogs
FCI: 138
Country of origin: France

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

2/5

At a glance

Height

Males 40–48 cm

Females 38–46 cm

Weight

Males 8–15 kg

Females 8–15 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short-faced, medium body coat (medium-length)

Temperament & Family Life

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)'s average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)'s energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 2/5
Prey drive 3/5
Hunting instinct 2/5

Guarding & Alertness

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)'s guarding and alertness traits are high.

Guarding instinct 3/5
Watchfulness 5/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)'s grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 2/5

Living with the Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced)

While you are still looking for your shoes, it has already lapped the garden three times, checked the gate and loudly informed the neighbour's cat that it has been seen. This small French herder was bred to work flocks in the mountains, and its energy seems bottomless: it needs real exercise every day, not a stroll round the block. Running, lively games, agility, herding practice or long hikes suit it far better than an afternoon on the sofa.

It is quick and clever, but not always obedient on the first ask: it learns eagerly when sessions are short and interesting, and it notices boredom faster than you do. Consistency, patience and praise work better than a heavy hand. Alertness runs in its blood, and it will announce every arrival out loud, at some length, so in a home with thin walls and sensitive neighbours, teaching it to settle is worth starting early.

With its own people it is devoted and wants a part in everything the family does; it gets on with children who treat it respectfully, and with other dogs once properly introduced. It is reserved with strangers and in no hurry to make friends, so take the puppy out among people early and often. A flat is a tight fit; it is happiest with an active family, a garden and an owner who likes moving as much as it does.

Grooming and coat

The Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth-faced) has short, flat hair on its face, so you won't spend your mornings hunting for its eyes under a fringe. The body coat is of medium length, a little fuller on the neck, the backs of the hind legs and the tail, and it sheds only lightly. Once a week, go over it with a brush and a wide-toothed comb, paying attention to the spots behind the ears and the "trousers", where dry grass and burrs collect after a walk.

It rarely needs a bath: dried mud mostly drops off on its own and the rest brushes out. After outings, check the paws and between the toes, look into the ears weekly, and trim the nails if they don't wear down by themselves. Red skin, a bad smell from the ears or sudden scratching are reasons to talk to your vet.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (15 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 185 g of dry food a day, from €10,09 a month For a neutered, normally active 11,5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog