Lobito Herreño
The Lobito Herreño is a rare dog breed from El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain. The Lobito Herreño comes from El Hierro , Canary Islands , Spain, typically weighs Males, and has a short, thicker in winter coat. Individual Lobito Herreños vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- El Hierro , Canary Islands , Spain
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- short, thicker in winter
- Colour
- usually grey, also reddish, both with pale mask; white or cream permitted
About the Lobito Herreño
The Lobito Herreño is a rare dog breed from El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain. Males weigh around 20-30 kg and stand 40-50 cm tall.
Use
Like other pastoral dogs, it was traditionally used to assist the shepherd with the movement and management of the flock, and was suspicious of strangers but faithful to its master. With the disappearance of the pastoral way of life, it is increasingly kept as a companion dog . : 14
Overview
The Lobito Herreño or Perro de Pastor Herreño is a Spanish breed or type of pastoral dog . It is found mostly on the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands , but also on Gran Canaria , La Palma and Tenerife . It is not recognised as breed by the Real Sociedad Canina de España , but in 2021 was one of three breeds or types listed as a grupo étnico canino , which the society defines as a regional dog population with consistent form and function evolved through functional selection. The other two dogs in this group are the Podenco Orito Español and the Carea Castellano-Manchego . The society published a draft breed standard for the Lobito Herreño in 2013. The breed society is the Asociación para la Recuperación del Perro Lobo Herreño .
History
It is not clear whether or to what extent the modern dogs of the Canary Islands derive from dogs already present in the islands before the arrival of the Castilian conquistadores at the start of the fifteenth century. The origins of the Lobito Herreño are unknown; it is suggested that it derives from dogs brought to the archipelago in or after the eighteenth century. : 433 In 2013 the Real Sociedad Canina de España included it on its list of grupos étnicos caninos , which the society defines as a regional dog population with consistent form and function evolved through functional selection; in the same year it published a draft breed standard . In 2021 the Parliament of the Canary Islands passed a resolution declaring the principal indigenous animal breeds of the islands to be a "cultural, genetic and ethnographic heritage". The text of the resolution included the four internationally-recognised dog breeds of the islands – the Pastor Garafiano , the Perro Majorero , the Presa Canario and the Podenco Canario – but not the Lobito Herreño, although this had been discussed in Parliament. The Lobito is not the only breed for which recognition is being sought in the Canaries; others are the Podenco Enano , also of El Hierro, and the Ratonero Palmero of La Palma.
Characteristics
The Lobito Herreño is of wolf-like and primitive appearance. It is of medium size, with a height at the withers of some 52–54 cm and weight in the range 18–22 kg according to the draft breed standard. A study in 2009 of fifty-five animals on El Hierro found average heights and weights of 52.6 cm / 21.1 kg for bitches and 54.7 cm / 21.9 kg for dogs. : 12 The coat is usually grey, but may also be reddish, both colours with pale masking round the mouth and eyes; solid white or cream is also permitted, these colours without masking. The tip of the tail is black.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Lobito Herreño?
The Lobito Herreño is a medium-sized dog of wolf-like and primitive appearance. It stands at a height of 52-54 cm at the withers and weighs between 18-22 kg. The breed is known for its consistent form and characteristics, which are typical of a pastoral dog.
Is the Lobito Herreño a good family dog?
As a pastoral dog, the Lobito Herreño is bred for herding and working. Its energy levels and needs may not be suitable for all families, especially those with young children. However, with proper training and socialization, it can make a loyal companion for active families who can provide the necessary exercise and attention.
What health problems do Lobito Herreños have?
Limited information is available on the specific health issues affecting the Lobito Herreño. However, as a medium-sized breed, it may be prone to general health issues common in dogs of this size, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Lobito Herreño puppy cost?
Unfortunately, there is no reliable information available on the cost of a Lobito Herreño puppy. As the breed is not recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de España, it may not be widely available or bred commercially. Potential owners should be prepared to work with breeders or owners directly and may need to negotiate prices.
Where do Lobito Herreños come from?
The Lobito Herreño comes from El Hierro , Canary Islands , 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 Lobito Herreño, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.