COUNTRY: Spain
WEIGHT: 45-60 pounds
HEIGHT: 19-22 inches
COAT: Short (pelo corto) or medium (pelo largo)
COLOR: Usually dark brindle or black
OTHER NAMES: Ca de Bestiar
GROUP Flock Guard
This is a livestock guardian and farm dog originating on the Balearic Islands of Spain. He is a bit smaller than the Portuguese Cao de Castro Laboreiro, but otherwise closely resembles that breed and may, therefore, have a similar history. Their true background is unknown. They have the temperament and mental characteristics of the flock-guarding dogs, but are dark, small and smooth-coated. The breed was brought to the Balearics on early trade routes through the Mediterranean. Since these dogs were isolated on islands, either crossing with other types occurred or a mutation appeared, giving the Perro de Pastor the ability to withstand extreme heat. Whether they were shipped around the Iberian Peninsula to Portugal or the other way around is unknown.
Unknown outside Spain, the Perro de Pastor is quite common there and is seen everywhere on farms and in rural villages. Farmers produce a litter when they need a replacement and give or barter the remainder to their neighbors. Although type is set, there are few breeders or exhibition dogs. In fact, the farmer who owns one might be quite surprised to find out he owns a pure breed. To him, it's just a "farm dog."
The Perro de Pastor is effective and extremely territorial, combining aggression and courage to make any rural family feel safe. He is good and loyal with his owners, but is rarely a house dog. A limited number have been exported to Brazil and a few breeders support the Pastor dog there. No more than a handful of breeders who live on the Iberian Peninsula produce pedigreed specimens. His dark coat requires little care, and the ears and tail remain natural. His rose ears fold back into his neck ruff. The FCI recognizes the breed, listing both the short-coated and long-coated varieties. Today, the long coat is rarely seen and may already be gone. The dogs are universally shorthaired and dark for ease of care.
WEIGHT: 45-60 pounds
HEIGHT: 19-22 inches
COAT: Short (pelo corto) or medium (pelo largo)
COLOR: Usually dark brindle or black
OTHER NAMES: Ca de Bestiar
GROUP Flock Guard
This is a livestock guardian and farm dog originating on the Balearic Islands of Spain. He is a bit smaller than the Portuguese Cao de Castro Laboreiro, but otherwise closely resembles that breed and may, therefore, have a similar history. Their true background is unknown. They have the temperament and mental characteristics of the flock-guarding dogs, but are dark, small and smooth-coated. The breed was brought to the Balearics on early trade routes through the Mediterranean. Since these dogs were isolated on islands, either crossing with other types occurred or a mutation appeared, giving the Perro de Pastor the ability to withstand extreme heat. Whether they were shipped around the Iberian Peninsula to Portugal or the other way around is unknown.
Unknown outside Spain, the Perro de Pastor is quite common there and is seen everywhere on farms and in rural villages. Farmers produce a litter when they need a replacement and give or barter the remainder to their neighbors. Although type is set, there are few breeders or exhibition dogs. In fact, the farmer who owns one might be quite surprised to find out he owns a pure breed. To him, it's just a "farm dog."
The Perro de Pastor is effective and extremely territorial, combining aggression and courage to make any rural family feel safe. He is good and loyal with his owners, but is rarely a house dog. A limited number have been exported to Brazil and a few breeders support the Pastor dog there. No more than a handful of breeders who live on the Iberian Peninsula produce pedigreed specimens. His dark coat requires little care, and the ears and tail remain natural. His rose ears fold back into his neck ruff. The FCI recognizes the breed, listing both the short-coated and long-coated varieties. Today, the long coat is rarely seen and may already be gone. The dogs are universally shorthaired and dark for ease of care.