Pyrenean Shepherd vs Damchi - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Damchi is originated from Bhutan but Pyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain. Damchi may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Pyrenean Shepherd. Damchi may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Damchi and Pyrenean Shepherd has almost same life span. Damchi may have more litter size than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Damchi and Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Bhutan
Spain
Height Male:
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Height Female:
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi
Pyr Shep
Colors Available:
Tan, Black, Brown, Red, Fawn
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
Coat:
Long, silky and soft
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The exact origin of the Damchi isn’t particularly well documented but those who are interested say that the Damchi actually dates back as far as the 17th century, descending from different ancient Terrier- and Spaniel breeds.

It appears the dog comes from the Himalayan village of Damchi. The former King of Bhutan owned a Damchi and this dog has been featured on one of the country’s postage stamps. Today it is a loved dog in Bhutan, Asia while a few are found in Germany.

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.

Description

The Damchi is a small to medium breed dog and is part of the toy group. The dog stands up to 43cm tall and can weight 13kg.

His silky coat comes in different colors such as black and white or tan, brown and fawn. He has a lot of long soft fur but its a dog that doesn’t shed much. He has ears which are high set and which flop down and the tail is long and feathery, curling over the back of the dog.

People who know the dog say that they are similar looking to the Tibetan Spaniel, although the Damchi is a bit longer and more sturdy.

Temerament:

Known also as the Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi, the Damchi is an active dog that is intelligent and devoted to its human family, although he is known to be aloof with strangers.

Known for his playful, jaunty nature, he is a small dog that is full of character, wanting to be with- and to please his human family. Sweet and gentle, he gets on well with children and pets in the home and will turn out to be a good watchdog too.

They are intelligent dogs and easy to train and will easily respond to tasks given to him. He will benefit from being trained and socialized. He becomes obedient and will easily adapt to life in the city or the country, so long as he is close to his human family, providing them with ongoing entertainment.

He is a social, friendly breed that can suffer with separation anxiety and he will simply pine away if he is left in the backyard and ignored.

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.

Characteristics

The Damchi dog is such a robust, amicable little canine friend for anyone who appreciates his characteristics. Loving, loyal, social and friendly, the Damchi is one hang of a little dog.

He is fairly low maintenance, he won’t eat you out of the house and he isn’t a sickly dog. When you think of all the wonderful years of friendship he offers, anyone who chooses him won’t have one single regret.

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.

Health Problems

The Damchi is known to be a robust dog who doesn’t suffer from many health problems, but there are some common health issues that are good to know about so that you can get your pet some help.

Some of the common health problems are hip dysplasia, hypoglycemia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, epilepsy and dental disease.

Hypoglycemia:

A drop in blood sugar can be brought on by stress and this condition is more prevalent in toy breeds. If you find your Damchi lethargic, battling to walk properly or shivering, be aware of this drop in blood sugar as it can send your little dog into a fatal coma.Get him to the vet immediately.

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.

Caring The Pet

The Damchi is an active breed, who loves to be involved with everything his family is involved in. He will need to be provided with games and exercise as he is full of beans and will just love to go with you on your walks. Indoors or outdoors, he is always looking out for a game.

Grooming:

The Damchi has a long coat and to keep it silky and shiny it will require brushing twice a week to ensure no tangles and matting.

Dental disease is more prevalent in small dogs so prevent plaque build-up by ensuring you brush your pets teeth 2 or 3x a week.

Diet:

Your Damchi might have entertained you so much you may want to just give him one treat after the next. Be careful of feeding a small dog too much as a leaner dog lives a healthier, longer life free of many diseases.

Make sure you have your pet with you for 12, 13 or 14 years by ensuring he gets a bowl of nutritious food according to his size and age. With a well planned diet which consists of kibble, some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and chicken you’ll be doing your pet a tremendous favor by promoting good health. Never leave your pet without a bowl of fresh, cool water.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyrenean Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Pyrenean Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Damchi vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Damchi vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Damchi vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Damchi vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Damchi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Damchi vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Damchi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Damchi vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Damchi vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Damchi vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Damchi vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Damchi vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Damchi vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Damchi vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Damchi vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Damchi vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Damchi vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Damchi vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Damchi vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Damchi vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Damchi vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Damchi vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Damchi vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Damchi vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Damchi vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison