Standard Schnauzer vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Standard Schnauzer vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed ComparisonPyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain but Standard Schnauzer is originated from Germany. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Standard Schnauzer are having almost same height. Pyrenean Shepherd may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Standard Schnauzer. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Standard Schnauzer has almost same life span. Pyrenean Shepherd may have less litter size than Standard Schnauzer. Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance. But Standard Schnauzer requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Spain
Germany
Height Male:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
16 - 26 kg
35 - 58 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
13 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
2 - 13
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Pyr Shep
Mittelschnauzer, Wire-Haired Pinscher, Schnauzer
Colors Available:
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
black, Pepper-and-salt
Coat:
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
Harsh and wiry when hand stripped, soft when clippered/scissored
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Gentle, Loyal, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

pyrenean shepherdThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

standard schnauzerComing out of Germany in the 14th and 15th century is the Standard Schnauzer or Mittelschnauzer. Both the Giant Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer are descendants of the Standard Schnauzer. The first name for this breed was the Wire-haired Pinscher until 1879. The breed is a working breed that is popular in Europe and was first in a dog show in 1879 in Hanover, Germany. In 1997 they won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York.

These medium size Schnauzers were bred in the Middle Ages to be versatile in working and herding in Germany. There seems to be artwork from the 14th through the 16th centuries featuring this breed of dog as a hunter. It is believed that the common ancestors of the Standard Schnauzer is the German Pinscher and the gray Wolf Spitz, along with the black German Poodle and the Bolognese.

It was 1850 when the breed gained recognition as a purebred with distinct and recognizable features. Those are not all the same features that the dogs of today show. These dogs had thick hair on their face, a double coat that is wiry, and their tails were cropped. These dogs were initially Wire-haired German Pinscher then in 1879, a dog named Schnauzer won Best in Show in Hanover. By 1900, the breed was being called Schnauzer everywhere.

The first breed standard was written under the Wire-haired German Pinscher name in the early 1880’s. This standard allowed for a lot of different colors, but the salt and pepper of today was not introduced until the late 1800’s. Then the standard was rewritten in 1907 for the Standard Schnauzer with this as the dominant color.

The first official Standard Schnauzer imported to the United States came in 1905 even though there is a claim that one competed in the 1899 Westminster Kennel Club in the Miscellaneous Class. Following the first World War, the breed became increasingly popular in the States. At that time the US club was called the Wire-haired Pinscher Club of America in 1925. Both standard and miniature sized schnauzer are included in this club.

The breeds were separated in 1933 and became the Standard Schnauzer Club of America and classified by the American Kennel Club as part of the Working Group. In 1926 they moved the Standard Schnauzer to the Terrier Group. By 1926 the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain was formed.

Description

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

standard schnauzer puppy - descriptionToday’s Standard Schnauzer is a square, robust, medium sized dog. The breed boasts heavy eyebrows and thick beards. They are salt and pepper or black and their coat is wiry and stiff. The breed have excellent muscle tone and a body in proportion height to length. Their build is rugged, and coat is dense.

Characteristics

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

1Children friendliness – yes, they love children and love to play.

2.Special talents include cancer scenting/search and rescue

3.Adaptability is good can live in the apartment/play indoors

4.Learning ability excellent but independent and stubborn

Health Problems

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

standard schnauzer puppies - health problemsThere are a couple of major hereditary health issues faced by the Standard Schnauzer.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Elbow dysplasia– can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Eye disease – cataracts – can diminish eyesight or cause blindness.
  • Heart disease – can be fatal.
  • Epilepsy – can be treated with medication.
  • Skin issues including cancer – various degrees of seriousness.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

standard schnauzer dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy: At 8-12 weeks feed four times a day. At 3 to 6 months feed three times a day. At 6 to 12 months feed twice a day.

2.Feeding the adult – feed one meal a day or two small ones.

3.Points for Good Health – very energetic breed

4. Games and Exercises – The breed is extremely athletic and needs daily exercise. They are playful with dogs and people and they are family dogs. They want to go wherever you go. Hiking, running, jogging and organized activities.

They are great at obedience, agility, flyball, disc dog, herding and tracking. They have also been involved in search and rescue, bomb detection, and cancer detection.

Comparison with other breeds

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  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Standard Schnauzer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Standard Schnauzer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
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  29. Standard Schnauzer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Standard Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Standard Schnauzer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Standard Schnauzer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Standard Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Schnauzer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Standard Schnauzer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Standard Schnauzer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Standard Schnauzer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Standard Schnauzer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Standard Schnauzer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Standard Schnauzer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Standard Schnauzer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Standard Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Standard Schnauzer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Standard Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Standard Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Standard Schnauzer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Standard Schnauzer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Standard Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Standard Schnauzer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Standard Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison