Hierran Wolfdog

Hierran Wolfdog
Other names Perro de Pastor Herreño[1]
Origin Canary Islands (Spain)
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Hierran Wolfdog or Perro de Pastor Herreño[1] is a dog breed found on the Island of El Hierro, in the Canary Islands (Spain). The islanders know it as a grazing hound named "lobito" or "perro lobo".[2]

Although its origin is unknown, dogs similar to wolves existed in 15th century in the Canary Islands, called "cancha" by aborigins. It is generally believed to be of wolfdog ancestry.

Origin

Theoretically, the Canary Islands are named after the various canines who lived there. There is a type of dog on almost every island, and islands share several. As livestock play an important role on the islands, there are several sheepdogs.

The origin is still uncertain, but the Hierran Wolfdog has been present for the last two centuries and probably came with the first settlers to the island, an issue that is still under study. At the arrival of the Spanish conquest, the chaplains accompanying the Conquistadors wrote about the presence of "wild dogs like wolves, but they are small".[3]

This dog has achieved its preference among the shepherds of the island.

Appearance

The Hierran Wolfdog is robust, strongly built and rectangular structure. It's like the wolf in terms of constitution, movement, coat, colors and mask. The head is wedge-shaped and the ears are triangular and erect. The tail is implanted high, at rest is straight and pendant and in alert it takes as sickle. The hair is straight and very flat with a dense undercoat. The coat can range from yellow gray (or cream) to silvery gray. Although predominantly gray, white examples can also be found.

Temperament

Hierran Wolfdogs are known to have a great temperament. They are very restless, highly resistant, and easily disciplinable with quick reflexes. It is quite wary of strangers, but does not attack without reason. It shows great loyalty to its master and to all family members. It was used for grazing tasks.

Specific care

It requires regular brushing, more abundant with seasonal changes, especially in autumn and spring, which moves its hair.

Historically, the Hierran Wolfdog has been considered to be a healthy and athletic breed with strong endurance.

Standard

  • Withers: 54.7 for males, 52'6 cm for females.
  • Weight: 18–22 kg.
  • Coat from a yellowish gray to silver-gray. In winter its hair is longer.
  • Average life: 12–14 years.
  • Character faithful dog to the owner, but wary of strangers, but does not make aggressive with them. Its skills grazing make it a dog accustomed to seek balance in the others.
  • Relationship with children: fit, although is convenient to perform works socializing with children outside the family, to get used to them.
  • Relationship with other dogs: can be dominant with other dogs.
  • Skills: company dog and herding dog.
  • Space needs: not being a large dog, it can adjust to living in an apartment without problems, but requires large daily walks.
  • Feeding of the Hierran Wolfdog: 400 g. full dry food (ration of maintaining a sedentary adult living in the house).
  • Arrangement regular brushing.
  • Maintenance cost: moderate.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "PATRÓN RACIAL DEL LOBITO HERREÑO. Perro de Pastor Herreño" (PDF). Real Sociedad Canina de España. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  2. ↑ Digital Magazine of Hierran Folklore Manuel Pérez Ramírez, "El perro lobo herreño", February 17, 2009.
  3. ↑ The Border Collie Museum: The Herding dogs of Spain
  4. ↑ Standard of the lobito herreño. Real Sociedad Canina de España.
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