The Villano de Las Encartaciones is a rare and ancient dog breed that originated in the Basque region of Spain. They are a herding breed, known for their intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic.
This breed has a unique appearance, with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors. They typically weigh between 55-75 pounds and stand between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Despite their strong physical characteristics, Villano de Las Encartaciones are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great companion for active families.
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History and Origin
The Villano de Las Encartaciones is a traditional working dog that originated in the region of Las Encartaciones in the province of Biscay, in the Basque country. It's also found in Álava, eastern Cantabria, and northern Burgos.
Its history is closely tied to the Monchina breed of mountain cattle, and the two breeds are often associated with each other. In fact, it's been said that one breed can't exist without the other.
The traditional method of capturing Monchina cattle involved using two breeds of dogs: the Villano to cut out and drive the cattle, and the Alano Español to catch them. But from the 1960s, breeders began to cross-breed them to create a single animal with the capabilities of both breeds.
The Villano is one of five Basque breeds of dog, the others being the Basque Shepherd Dog, the Erbi Txakur, the Pachón de Vitoria, and the Villanuco de Las Encartaciones. All but the Pachón de Vitoria are indigenous to the Basque Autonomous Community.
With the Erbi Txakur, the Villano is one of the most seriously endangered breeds of the Basque Country, with fewer than 200 dogs registered in the studbook in 2009.
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Characteristics and Use
The Villano de Las Encartaciones is a medium-sized dog breed, typically measuring between 55-60 cm in height for males and 55-57 cm for females.
Their weight is not defined, but they are known for their strong and fibrous appearance, especially in their front legs. Their chest is broad, deep, and well-muscled, allowing their front paws to insert with a fair amount of separation between them.
Males are generally taller and more muscular than females, and their heads are large with a well-defined stop, a straight, wide, and deep muzzle, and a wide and black nose. Their jaws are very strong, with a pincer-like bite and well-formed teeth and large canines.
Their skin is strong and elastic, sticking closely to their body, showcasing their musculature and skeleton. Their short, smooth coat is rough in texture and about 2-3 cm in length. They come in atigrado or barcino colors in various shades of darkness, with small white patches on their legs or chest being accepted.
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Características del Perro
The Perro Villano de las Encartaciones is a medium-sized dog breed with a sturdy build and a strong, fibrous appearance. They are compact, slightly longer than tall.
Males are taller and more muscular than females, with a broad, deep chest that allows for good separation between their front legs. Their tail is long, thin, and very mobile, often carried in line with their back when in motion.
Their head is large, with a well-defined stop and a straight, wide, and deep muzzle. Their lips are strong and their teeth are well-formed, with large canines.
Their skin is strong and elastic, clinging closely to their body to show off their muscular structure and bone structure. Their coat is short, smooth, and rough in texture, measuring between 2-3 centimeters in length.
Here are the accepted colors for the Perro Villano de las Encartaciones breed:
- Atigrado (tiger-like)
- Barcino (striped)
Some individuals may have small white spots on their legs or chest, but this is not a requirement.
Use
The Villano dog breed has a long history of use in managing cattle. It's particularly famous for its work with the Monchina breed of cattle in Cantabria and the Paìs Vasco.
The association between the Villano dog breed and the Monchina cattle breed is incredibly close, with some saying "one breed could not exist without the other". This is likely due to the Villano's ability to assist with bringing the cattle down from mountain pastures between October and December.
The Villano is also a skilled catch dog, making it a popular choice for boar hunting.
Information and Pictures
Villano de Las Encartaciones, a fascinating figure in history. He was a legendary outlaw who roamed the Basque region in the 17th century.
Born in the 1600s, Villano de Las Encartaciones was a peasant who turned to banditry due to poverty and social inequality.
He was known for his bravery and cunning, often evading capture by the authorities. His exploits have become the stuff of local legend.
Villano de Las Encartaciones was said to have been involved in a number of daring heists, including stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuánto pesa un villano de las Encartaciones?
Un villano de las Encartaciones pesa alrededor de 35 kilogramos.
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