Pastor Garafiano

Aliases Garafiano, El Perro de Pastor Garafiano, Garafiano Shepherd, Perro Pastor Garafiano, Garafiano Spanish Shepherd Collie Weight (Males) previously 28-35 kg, now 35 to 46 kg Weight (Females) previously 24-30 kg, now 25 to 35 kg Height (Males) previously 57-64 cm, now 60-70 cm Height (Females) previously 55-62 cm, now 55-65 cm Color brown yellow ("lion color"), yellow, gray Origin Old Island breeds crossed with Spanish dogs Group(s) Working Dogs (Shepherd Dogs), Companion Dogs

History

It is a distinct native dog breed, originally from the region of Garafía, on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. It was used by shepherds to gather the herds of goats, for which it has a special aptitude, due to its ability to safely navigate very steep and rocky areas.

It has a very uniform characteristics because it has only been carried out a functional selection. His main ability is the grazing of goats and sheep in the rugged terrain, by the geography of La Palma. It places its origin to pre-Columbian times, although the crosses with other breeds after the conquest have contributed to the development of the breed.

For a time, this breed was on the verge of disappearing, due to interbreeding with other breeds of dog. Successive crosses, especially from the 1960s, with other breeds of dogs are proof of the need to work towards their recovery, with few pure specimens left. Today, this breed is very abundant on the island and the future looks promising due to the increasing interest in these animals not only by shepherds, but also of people seeking a pet. With a registry that has been in use since 1982 A.D., this breed had a population of 900 specimens in 1996. Of these, 800 were males and 100 were females, 95% of whom produced pure bred pups. The breed was officially recognized in 2003.

This breed is well adapted to steep mountains and is very rustic in nature. It does well as a shepherd dog, and is highly intelligent, loyal, and sensitive (gentle). It is very good with children.

Features

They are medium to large dogs. They are long, moderately-proportioned, and well-balanced. The hindquarters are usually 1-3 cm higher than the shoulders. The body is long and strong, not too short, with a deep, broad chest and slightly arched ribs. Their hair is long thick, with a woolly undercoat.

Head They have a relatively short neck and small, conical head compared with the rest of the body, which is strongly built. The face is slightly domed, with brown eyes, and ears far behind his head, slightly hanging, as those of a Smooth-Coated Collie. The ears may be upright or folded, showing its inner side. The nose is always black. Its almond-shaped eyes are slanted and brown, slightly to the front of the head. Its muzzle is short, with a soft stop.

Legs The legs are strong, well set, further highlighting its scale. Sometimes spurs develop.

Hair The coat is tawny or brown. Puppies are born brown, sometimes with white hairs or spots on the chest, paws, or tip of the tail, usually disappearing with growth, as they change color as adults.

The hair is very dense and reasonably long, and may be soft or rough. It tends to be longer at the base of the ears, neck, flaps, tail, and edges of the legs. The tail has dense hair, taking the form of saber being slightly curved, but never over the back.

Temperament The temperament of the pastor garafiano is docile and friendly. These signs show a typical attitude: barking, folding wing, tail movements, and turns in the head angling the mouth in the form of a smile. Appearance is pleasant and quiet but becomes very active while you perform any physical activity.

The breed is sometimes called Garafiano Spanish Shepherd Collie, but it is unclear whether his physical appearance or because of his heritage. Some fans of this beautiful breed claim that only a limited number of pure Garafiano dogs are found today, thanks to numerous crosses with other varieties during the 20th century, as the German Shepherd and Collie. There is also a theory that all Garafiano intersections with straight ears, but this statement is not very popular, due to the fact that there's actually more Garafiano with ears than Garafiano with tiporen. There is also a variety of kortharigen, but the longhaired type is the most common and appreciated.

The Garafiano

The breed was primarily used in defense and surveillance of the herd (goats, Cabra Palmera). They had to travel long distances, which is why they are light-weight. This also keeps them from losing great amounts of energy. They are highly adaptable, self-assured, and intelligent. This breed is a very energetic and requires a lot of movement. The ever-watchful and docile Garafiano is easy to train and makes a good watchdog and a fine family companion. They get along well with children and other dogs. The Garafiano is obedient and friendly.

Tail

The tail is long and saber-shaped. It hangs down in a slight curve when the dog is at rest. It is moderately raised when the dog is in motion. Foot pads are thick and sturdy.