Basque Shepherd Dog

Published A Few Days Ago
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fast facts

About Basque Shepherd Dog

Height
18-24 inches
Weight
37-80 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
active singles, active families, house with a yard, herding
Temperament
active, protective, loyal, hearty, gentle
Comparable Breeds
Catalan Sheepdog, Pyrenean Shepherd
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Basque Shepherd Dog Basics

While many working breeds can adapt to family life, the Basque Shepherd Dog is one of the few that is actually well suited for being a family pet. Though this breed excels at herding and guarding livestock, it also loves to spend time with family and gets along incredibly well with children. If you are looking for a family-friendly breed that is unlike any other dog you’ve ever seen, consider the Basque Shepherd Dog.

If you are looking for a family-friendly breed that is unlike any other dog you’ve ever seen, consider the Basque Shepherd Dog.

Origin

The Basque Shepherd Dog is a landrace breed which means that it hasn’t been subjected to the same degree of selective breeding as many modern breeds. This breed originated in the Basque Country and has been used by local shepherd for hundreds of years to help them care for their sheep and cattle. The Basque Shepherd is such an ancient breed that skeletal remains dating back 12,000 have been found of the breed’s ancestors. Though this breed has been around for thousands of years, it was only recently recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain in 1996 after it was officially differentiated from similar breeds like the Catalan Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Pedigree

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The Basque Shepherd Dog is a landrace breed so it has been around for many centuries. This breed is descendant from ancient sheepdogs native to the Basque Country and has only recently been recognized by the Royal Canine Society of Spain.

Food/Diet

As a medium to large-breed dog, the Basque Shepherd Dog should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for medium or large breeds. This dog is also a herding breed, so he may respond well to an active or working breed formula. You still need to be careful about overfeeding, however, to prevent obesity.

The Basque Shepherd Dog is a talented herding breed.

Training

The Basque Shepherd Dog is a talented herding breed and intelligent which means that he responds very well to training. This breed loves having a job to do but will also excel in training for various dog sports including flyball, tracking, obedience, agility, and more. Early socialization and training is recommended for this breed due to its high energy levels and its propensity for mischief. The Basque Shepherd Dog would never intentionally harm someone, but its frenetic activity can sometimes get it into trouble. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement training.

Weight

The Basque Shepherd Dog is a medium to large dog, standing 18 to 24 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 37 to 80 pounds at maturity. Males of the breed tend to be larger than females.

Temperament/Behavior

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The Basque Shepherd Dog is the quintessential family dog. These dogs are full of energy but they are also people-oriented. This breed loves to spend time with family and, though they can be a little territorial, they would never hurt anyone. This breed gets along well with children but may require early socialization and training to get along with cats and other household pets.

Common Health Problems

As an ancient breed, the Basque Shepherd Dog is relatively unbothered by genetic health problems. Like all dogs, however, the Basque Shepherd Dog is prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, cancer, eye problems, ear infections, and heart defects. They may also be prone to bloat as a larger breed.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Hanoverian Hound is between 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

As a herding breed, the Basque Shepherd Dog is highly active and energetic. This breed requires a long daily walk as well as plenty of outdoor space to run. Without adequate daily exercise not only can this breed become overweight, but he is also likely to develop destructive behaviors out of boredom.

The Basque Shepherd Dog is the quintessential family dog.

AKC

The Basque Shepherd Dog is not currently recognized by the AKC or any other major breed clubs. It was only accepted by the Royal Canine Society of Spain in 1996.

Coat

The Basque Shepherd Dog has a medium-length coat that is shorter on the face and a little longer on the body and under the tail. This breed frequently exhibits a golden yellow coat, though they also come in various shades of copper, red, blue, and black. Although the Basque Shepherd Dog’s coat is fairly long, it is smooth and easy to groom. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and to help control shedding.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Basque Shepherd Dog is 6 to 9 puppies, with 7 being the most common. Basque Shepherd Dog puppies can be born in a wide array of different colors and color combinations, though they all have one thing in common – they are energetic and full of life from the moment they are born. Early socialization and training is recommended for Basque Shepherd Dog puppies to keep their high energy levels and their mischievous natures under control.

Photo credit: javitrapero/Bigstock; raweenuttapong/Bigstock

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