Basque Shepherd Dog Breed Overview

The Basque Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized herding dog originating from the Basque region of Spain and France. They have a muscular build and a short, dense coat that's usually black and white in color.

Their intelligence and high energy levels make them an excellent choice for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They're also highly trainable, which is why they're often used as working dogs.

One of their most notable characteristics is their strong herding instinct, which can sometimes be a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. With proper training and socialization, however, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

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The Basque Shepherd Dog is a traditional breed that has been working with humans for thousands of years. They originated from sheepdogs brought over from mainland Europe to the Basque region of Spain many thousands of years ago.

Remains of what is thought to be ancestors of today's Basque Shepherd Dog were found in 12,000-year-old caves from the Neolithic period. This finding provided essential information to historians studying the ancient Basque people.

The breed was not selectively bred for certain traits or characteristics, and instead was allowed to naturally reproduce, without human intervention. This is why it's classically described as a 'Landrace breed'.

The Basque Shepherd Dog has traditionally been divided into two categories: the Smooth-Haired Gorbeiakoa and the Rough-Haired Iletsua.

Here are some key characteristics of each:

In the 1950s and 60s, extermination campaigns eliminated many of the Iberian wolves in the area, and nearly all registered Basque Shepherds today still work livestock on a daily basis.

The Basque Shepherd Dog is a sturdy breed with a strong, rectangular body that's typically 10-20% longer than it is high. Its oval eyes can be brown or amber, and its triangular ears are either pendent or folded.

The breed's coat is one of its defining features, with two main varieties: the Gorbeiakoa and the Iletsua. The Gorbeiakoa has a soft, smooth coat that's moderately long, while the Iletsua has a rougher and wirier coat.

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Both varieties come in a range of colors, including fire-red, fawn, cinnamon-coloured, and fawn. If the Gorbeiakoa is red, it often has a darker muzzle.

Dogs typically stand between 47-61 cm at the withers, while bitches are slightly smaller. The weight range for dogs is 18-36 kg, with bitches weighing slightly less.

Here's a comparison of the two varieties:

The Basque Shepherd Dog has a rich history of use in herding and guarding. For centuries, shepherds in the Basque Country have relied on this breed to protect and manage their flocks of sheep.

It's been used for a variety of tasks, including guarding farmhouses. This versatility has made it a valuable asset to farmers and shepherds alike.

The breed has also been successful in traditional Basque sheepdog trials, known as txakur probak. These trials have been a long-standing tradition in the Basque Country.

In fact, the Basque Shepherd Dog has even competed in international sheepdog trials, including those held at Oñati in south-western Gipuzkoa since 1950.

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The Basque Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized herding dog originating from the Basque region of Spain and France.

They typically weigh between 30-45 pounds and stand between 19-22 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their intelligence and strong work ethic make them a popular choice for herding livestock.

The Basque Shepherd dog has a unique coat that requires moderate grooming. A quick daily brush is all you need to remove tangles and debris from their somewhat thick, dirt-resistant coats.

Bathing should be done sparingly, only a few times a year, as frequent bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. This can lead to a poor-quality coat.

Their ears are particularly prone to ear infections, especially those with hanging ears, so it's essential to keep them clean. You should pay special attention to their ears to prevent any issues.

Teeth and nail care should be introduced at a young age to ensure your Basque Shepherd dog cooperates with regular brushing and nail clipping. A weekly schedule for teeth brushing and monthly nail clipping is recommended.

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The Basque Shepherd Dog is an extremely bright breed, known for being quick to learn and eager to please their master. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, and can get bored if training sessions are too repetitive.

Their natural instinct to herd and guard can sometimes make them wary of strangers, but they quickly warm up once they feel safe. This makes them excellent guard dogs, but also means they need socialization from an early age to get along with other pets.

Basque Shepherds are typically very affectionate and outgoing with family members, and are happiest when they're physically close to their loved ones. They're especially good with young children due to their sweet and gentle nature.

Their territorial instincts can sometimes make them overly protective, especially around smaller children, so it's essential to teach them to be gentle and not too rambunctious. With proper training and socialization, they can learn to be calm and respectful around kids.

Overall, the Basque Shepherd Dog is a rewarding pet for a dedicated and involved owner who can provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive.

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The Basque Shepherd Dog's Landrace heritage is a major factor in its good health. They have a good life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

As a relatively healthy breed, they are far less prone to genetic diseases compared to modern breeds. They can live for a long time with proper care.

However, like any breed, they can be prone to some health issues. They can be prone to some of the following issues: hip dysplasia, eye problems, and other potential health issues.

Overall, with regular check-ups and proper care, the Basque Shepherd Dog can live a long and healthy life.

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The Basque Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized breed with a strong build, weighing around 50 pounds and standing between 18 and 25 inches tall. Their body shape is somewhat square, with a chest that's moderately wide and deep.

They have strong, straight legs and long, wide skulls with fairly long and light muzzles. The Iletsua variety tends to grow a little taller and are more slender than the Gorbeiakoa variety.

Their ears are medium-sized and triangular, often folding forward. Both varieties have black noses and eyes that are either brown or amber. The Gorbeiakoa variety has almond-shaped eyes, while the Iletsua variety has oval eyes.

Their coat is typically short to medium-length, coming in shades of red, although some may be more blonde or fawn colored. The Iletsua variety has a slightly longer coat with coarser fur, usually in blonde or fawn, but can also come in shades of red.

Here are the possible coat colors for the Basque Shepherd Dog:

The male Basque Shepherd Dog stands at 52 to 58cms at the withers, while the female is noticeably smaller at 46 to 53cm. They weigh between 17 and 36kg when fully grown.