Can de Palleiro

General Appearance

The Can de Palleiro is an Indo-European, rustic, burly, shepherd-like breed, with a straight profile, well balanced, medium size, about 60-62 cm at the withers, balanced proportions, and a strong build, with thick bones and a strong skeleton giving it hardiness, agility, and fitness. Females are somewhat smaller, lighter and more delicate and elongated in proportion.

Temperament and behavior

Suitable as a shepherd and guard dog, it is versatile, going with and guiding cows as well as taking care of the house. It is an intelligent guardian, presenting a strong and reserved front with strangers. It is brave and herds well with a good bite, features that make it a great partner in driving and guarding cattle. Its strong loyalty to its master and the people of the house, as well as its sweet and quiet disposition make it a pleasant companion. It should be emphasized that the mental balance and stability of this animal is mostly determined by the breeder, so this individual should be extremely caring, encouraging the selection of individuals that are balanced and sufficiently socialized.

Physical characteristics

Head The head is strong, with an approximate length of 4/10 the height at the withers. It is in the shape of a horizontal pyramid, with dense bone. The skull is flat and long, with gently marked brow ridges and basins orbital negligible. The front nasal depression is not very clear. The nose and muzzle are medium and narrow, proportionate to the size of the head. The lips are normal and tight, no higher than the base of lower gums, with no tendency to be pendulous. The jaws are strong, with complete dental arch orthognathic with scissor bite. The eyes are of medium size and lively expression, varying in color from dark brown to black - even honey-colored or yellow in some specimens, with blue being a rarity. The eyelids are black. The ears are set high, large and erect, and slightly open.

Neck It has a muscular neck, proportionate to the head and trunk, at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizon, most evident when the dog is in action. The skin does not produce a double chin.

Trunk The whole body is of average size, but slightly elongated. The shoulders are large-boned, and sturdily attached to the neck. The back angles slightly downward, and is short, broad, and strong, with a rounded croup. The chest is long and deep, ¼ perimeter exceeds the height at the withers, with strong ribs that are neither flat nor sharp. The abdomen is short and angles slightly upward to the thighs. The tail is thick and dense. When moving, the tail is lifted, but otherwise it curves under and then away from under the rump.

Extremities The limbs are straight and well set, featuring a strong bone structure.

The forelimbs are strong, well-set, and parallel. The scapula forms an angle of 45° to the horizon, joining with the arm at right angles (shoulder joints). The arms are strong and muscular. The elbows are not far apart or tight near the chest, allowing for freedom of movement. Forearms are straight, its thickness decreasing gradually at the paws or metacarpals. The joints are well developed and strong. The pasterns are well proportioned, with good bone development. The feet are oval, but with a tendency to be rounded, with short, thick fingers that are tightly closed, with very hard pads and short strong nails, which may be dark or white, depending on the coat color.

The hind legs are strong and parallel, with perfectly straight bones and evident angles. The thighs are broad, muscular, and flexible. Knees are high, and hocks are strong, sturdy, and parallel. Feet are oval and rounded, with thick, short fingers that are tightly closed, with very hard pads and short strong nails, which may be dark or white, depending on the coat color. The presence of a spur and sixth nail is relatively common, although not desirable.

Movement The movements are agile and strong. The movement is the usual way, changing to a trot and/or canter without effort if the job requires it.

Skin The skin tends to be thick without sagging, conforming to the body and head.

Coat (color) The coat is generally uniform in color, and may be sand, cinnamon, brown, tan, and even black. Sometimes individuals may have bi-color coats (yellow hairs with black tips), mixed undercoat and dark yellow, or yellow on the neck, throat, chest, and limbs of darker individuals, as in the cases of some specimens of this color, sometimes referred to as "wolf". Unusual markings and large white particularities are uncommon. A white coat or a white coat with striking features is uncommon.

Hair The hair is thick, dense, and stiff, as it lives near the house during the winter, but is usually out with the cattle or the livestock.

Height at the withers. Males 59-65 cm, females 57-63 cm. Weight. Males 30-38 kg, females: 25-33 kg.

Some known, but uncommon defects

Defects cause more or less pronounced decrease of any given function of the animal and may be total, partial, or regional, depending on the degree to which it undermines the essential skills and agility of the animal:


 * Lameness in limbs
 * Docked or cropped ears and tail
 * Absence of teeth
 * Injured eyes resulting in loss of vision
 * Mental abnormalities
 * Anatomical defects associated with undesirable genes
 * Instabilities and imbalances in temperament
 * Extreme shyness
 * Aggression without provocation
 * Epilepsy
 * Monorchism and cryptorchidism
 * Hip dysplasia
 * Progressive retinal atrophy
 * Incorrect dental arches - overshot or undershot
 * No more than two premolars
 * Albinism