Garafian Shepherd
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| Other names | Garafian Shepherd Pastor de Garafía |
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| Origin | Canary Islands (Spain) |
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |
The Pastor garafiano (English for: Garafian Shepherd) is a breed of dog indigenous native of La Palma, Canary Islands. The name receives of the north of the island, of the municipality of Garafía, being the place where the race was more common, although exemplars are found throughout the island. The breed was officially recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de España in 2003.
Contents
History
Since its origins it has been linked to grazing, activity for showing special aptitude, but today it has become very important as pet.
For a time, this breed was on the verge of disappearing due to interbreeding with other breeds of dog. Successive crosses, especially from 1960s with other breeds of shepherd dogs, demonstrated the necessity to work for its recovery and selection from the few pure specimens of the race that kept the shepherds of the island. To avoid this disappearance was created the working group to recovery of the Pastor garafiano, which would become the Spanish association of the Pastor Garafiano Dog. Among the objectives of the association are the censuses, the creation of breeding centers, the participation in dog shows and fairs, etc.
The breed has been brought in samples of indigenous breeds that have been held in the Canary Islands, as well as international exhibitions held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas. The Department of Ethnology of the School of Veterinary of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has conducted several studies on the breed, which were presented at the symposium of indigenous breeds held in Córdoba in March 1992.
The future of the breed looks promising due to the growing interest in these animals not only by shepherds but also people looking for a pet.
Background
This is a distinct canine population, it is a native to the comarca of Garafía, on the island of La Palma, where it was used by shepherds to bring the herds of goats. Because of this, the animal thrives well in steep and rocky areas.
It has very homogeneous characteristics, because it has only been performed a functional selection. Its core competency is the grazing of goats and sheep in rugged terrain, by the geography of La Palma. Its origin lies the pre-Hispanic times, although the crossings with other races after the conquest contributed to the development of the Pastor Garafiano.
Features
Body
Lupoid, medium proportions or moderately rangy, well balanced, medium to large. The rump slightly higher than the cross, rather short neck and small head in relation to the body.
Weight
Specimens typically weigh between 28 and 35 kg for males and between 24 and 30 kg females. These are the weights that were given before, currently in males is given 35 to 46 kg and females 25 to 35 kilos.
Height
The height of the cross of males between 57 and 64 cm, whereas in females between 55 and 62 cm. Currently, these data also changed to be normal in males of 60–70 cm and females 55-65.
Head
Conical, small relative to the body, slightly curved front, which highlights for the somewhat back implantation and separated from the ears, that may be split or prone split to forward. May also appear erect, observing then a tendency to keep them folded to any stimulus, showing its inner face. Always black nose. Oblique eyes, almond shaped, brown eyes and something near. Short lips, collected. Pincer bite. Stop soft and very pronounced.
Legs
The legs are strong, well-positioned, highlighting further for its proportions. Sometimes its have spurs, which are often double and some implanted.
Hair
The coat is tawny or alobada. Puppies are born brown, color changing as adults, appearing in some cases white hairs or spots on the chest, toes or tail tip, usually disappearing to grow.
The hair is abundant and more or less long. Sometimes it is soft while in other cases it is rough. It accumulates at the base of the ears, neck, tails, tail and the edges of the legs. The tail is usually crowded with hair, taking saber shape being slightly curled, but never on the back.
Temperament
The character of Pastor Garafiano is docile and friendly. When it meets strangers shows a typical attitude: barking, folding ears, tail movements and turns in the head showing the corner of its mouth in a smile. It is quiet and restful appearance but it becomes very active while performing any physical activity.
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pastor Garafiano. |
