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Carea Leonés

The Carea Leonés is a rare Spanish dog breed originating from the province of León. The Carea Leonés comes from Spain. Individual Carea Leonéss vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Breed at a glance

Origin
Spain

About the Carea Leonés

The Carea Leonés is a rare Spanish dog breed originating from the province of León. Known for its distinctive appearance and loyal nature.

Overview

The Carea Leonés or Perro Leonés de Pastor is a traditional Spanish breed of herding dog from the historical region of León in north-western Spain. It was added to the Catálogo Oficial de Razas de Ganado de España – the national register of animal breeds – in 2016, and a breed standard was published by the Junta de Castilla y León in 2018.

History

The Carea Leonés is the traditional herding dog of the historical region of León in north-western Spain. It was included in the Catálogo Oficial de Razas de Ganado de España – the national register of animal breeds – in 2016, : 56905 and a breed standard was published by the Junta de Castilla y León in 2018. In 2026 it was among the sixteen Spanish breeds considered by the Real Sociedad Canina de España to be vulnerable .

Characteristics

The Carea Leonés is of medium size: bitches stand from 45 to 52 cm at the withers , dogs from 48 to 55 cm ; body weights are usually in the ranges 15–25 kg and 16–27 kg respectively. : 532 : 5 The outer coat is of medium length and is either straight or slightly wavy; the under-coat is thick. The coat may be either solid black or grey merle (black spots on a grey base, sometimes with white spots also); in either colouration, fawn markings above the eyes, on the face and on the insides of the legs may or may not be present. The eyes are always dark in black-coated dogs, but paler in those with merle colouration; in these there may also be heterochromia , resulting in bluish-white areas in one or both eyes.

Considering a Carea Leonés? Research breeders carefully, ask for health clearances, and consider adoption first. Check local shelters and breed-specific rescues before buying from a breeder.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key characteristics of the Carea Leonés?

The Carea Leonés is a medium-sized herding dog with a medium-length outer coat that can be straight or slightly wavy. The undercoat is thick. The breed comes in solid black. Males stand 48-55 cm tall at the withers and weigh 16-27 kg, while females stand 45-52 cm tall and weigh 15-25 kg.

Is the Carea Leonés a good family dog?

As a herding breed, the Carea Leonés is highly energetic and requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, they can make suitable family pets for active families. However, they may not be the best fit for very young children due to their strong herding instincts.

What health problems do Carea Leonéss have?

As a relatively new breed, there is limited information available on specific health issues affecting the Carea Leonés. However, herding breeds are generally prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.

How much does a Carea Leonés puppy cost?

The cost of a Carea Leonés puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. There is no established breed standard for puppy prices, but expect to pay between €500-€1,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Where do Carea Leonéss come from?

The Carea Leonés comes from Spain. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.

Related breeds

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Carea Leonés, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.