Can de Palleiro - The breed of native dogs of Galicia

It is said that the Can from Palleiro "It is not first at all, but it is second in everything" and it is also said that "the can of Palleiro only needs to speak", referring to the multiple virtues of work that this has Galician dog breed. And is that the Galician shepherd Not only has it proved to be skilled by directing and taking care of or protecting the house or stable, but it can be trained to assume another large number of responsibilities. For just over ten years, breeders have begun to show the qualities of the Can of Palleiro in rescue work in catastrophes, as a guide dog and company dog, and in the detection of drugs, explosives and other police activities. That's why, This breed is very appreciated today and the way to maintain his service dog condition is sought.

• Size: Big.
• Weight: Between 20 and 38kg.
• Hair type: Short and smooth.
• Character: Indifferent and even distrustful character with strangers
• Health: Healthy
• Life expectancy: Between 12 and 15 years.

Palleiro's dog, a dog "created" by the Galicians

The Can of Palleiro has been part of the Galician peasant families for hundreds of years. But it was not until relatively a short time, in 1999, that the Xunta de Galicia He decided to carry out all the necessary studies to define the standard of the original Palleiro CAN. This study was framed in the "Recovery Plan for the native breeds of Galicia", through the Ministry of Agrifood Policy and Rural Development of the Xunta. To perform this work, a Exhaustive search throughout Galicia to locate copies of the Galician shepherd through the livestock areas of the community. In this way, in 2001, the standard of the pure race "Can de Palleiro" was defined, distinguishing it from Palleiro Cross and more common mestizo. The pure palleiro dog was defined, among other features, as a “alobado” dog, meek and very skilled for grazing work. In the search for specimens of this race throughout the Galician geography, the specialists could realize that it was the Galician farmers themselves who made a “natural selection” of the individuals who met the required standard in terms of character and strength for work. The selection of good specimens to cross, which sought not beauty but the efficiency of the dog for grazing work, allowed to obtain litters with the same skills as their parents and maintain the original race. From this initial search, the Official Club of Can de Palleiro, supported by the Xunta de Galicia, for the Promotion of Galician Pastor Breed. This club mainly seeks to maintain the value of the breed for livestock work, although its great value has been seen in other support works. Due to this condition, the training of animals of this breed for the detection of drugs and explosives, such as assistants for rescue work and as guide dogs for blind people, has recently begun. For all these tasks, Palleiro's dog is particularly trained thanks to its docility, fidelity and sense of orientation. During 2018 the campaign was carried out Can from Palleiro, the ideal dog which included online videos and promotions on Facebook and Instagram. With this campaign he wanted Give this indigenous dog breed Out of Galicia's own community, highlighting the value for the work that these dogs have, not only for the regret of cattle, which is their best known capacity, but particularly as animals with a great condition for socialization with children, elders and people with some disabilities, as a form of therapy.

Origin of the Can de Palleiro race

Pure palleiro dog is considered very close to its wild ancestor, that is, with few changes suffered since its domestication. It is considered that its origin is Indo -European and shares a common origin with other shepherd dogs, such as the German, the Dutch, the Belgian, the Picardy and the Portuguese Laboreiro Castro. Regarding his name, the term Palleiro It refers to this Galician shepherd sleep in the haystones of the farms. In addition to this name, Palleiro's Can is also known as Can Do Gando (cattle dog), Can you cows (cows dog) and Can Lobo (Wolf dog), among others.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAN DE PALLEIRO RACE

General aspect

The can of Palleiro or Pastor Gallego is considered among the breeds of medium to large dog. Its general type is rustic and fornid, with pyramidal head, elongated snout and high and erect insertion ears, lupoid type. Its constitution is strong, with wide bones and harmonic proportions. The females are lower and lighter. Its limbs are straight, vertical, which coincide with the strong appearance of these animals. The birth of the tail is high and elevates it when the movement begins, but without winding it, and is thick with abundant hair. The General characteristics of this breed They remember those of the wolves, since there is little separation that exists between them. Despite all rustic characteristics, it is an elegant animal, fast movements. It usually moves with steps, but can start the trot and, even, the gallop of being required in the work you are doing.

Fur

As we mentioned above, Palleiro's dog is strongly related to other pertor breeds of European origin with those who share the short hair. In addition, the hair is dense and dense, which allows it to live in external conditions, as in the haystones of the farms. The colors are usually uniform, from sand colors, cinnamon, passing through chestnuts to blacks. There are also specimens with a fur very similar to that of the wolves, yellow with black tips. Some may be white or with obvious white features, but these are not considered adequate in the race.

Palleiro Can Temperament

By its character, Palleiro's dog is recognized as one of the best dog breeds for demanding work, but also as a faithful partner of life. Its balance and stability allow you to be the ideal pastor dog for cattle grazing and to be the ideal pet. Noble, intelligent and balanced, it can also have a strong character when defense is needed. At home it is quiet and sweet, highly recommended to share with children and as a company of elders.

Palleiro Can Care

Hygiene

It could be said that The Galician pastor is one of the best dog breeds That they can be taken, in addition to the qualities of the worker that shows, the cost of its maintenance is quite economical, since it is an animal with few requirements and of very good health. Due to its origin in northern Europe, the greatest care that must be taken with a dog of the Can of Palleiro's breed is in terms of brushing hair, which must be frequent due to its abundance.

Feeding

When he is an adult, the PALLEIRO CAN FOOD Nor is it very demanding, since it only requires between 500 and 600 g of dry food per day, without major specifications. There are some indications for food for puppies, in order to prevent common joint diseases in large -race dogs, such as Panosteitis. The supply of condoprotectors that serve to treat or prevent conditions that may derive in joint problems or cartilage in adulthood is recommended. As always, the recommendation is to go to the veterinarian so that you can recommend the specific amounts and type of food that your pet needs.

Space and exercise

Due to its large shepherd size and its dynamic character, Palleiro's dog preferably needs wide spaces in which he can run and exercise.

Health

It is very difficult to get information related to diseases in the Galician shepherd since, among its qualities, its good health stands out. This condition seems to respond to careful selection that has been made to get healthy dogs and with the characteristics of character and behavior that requires the condition of pure race. However, this does not release it from the possibility of suffering some of the most common diseases in large -race dog puppies, such as Panosteitis already appointed, if the necessary care is not given during their development. PANOSTEITIS is a disease that affects large breed puppies, because during their development they increase weight faster than what they take to strengthen the legs that that weight must support. The lack of adequate development and strengthening of the legs according to the weight can cause joint pain and damage to the cartilage of the limbs of the puppies, with possible consequences for their adult life.

Puppy care

Despite the good health that characterizes Galician shepherds, as we have seen they can suffer some of the most common diseases in large breed dogs if they are not given adequate care from their puppies stage. For that, you must start taking care of your diet. They must be provided Specific food for large breed puppies, following the indications given by the manufacturer in terms of quantity. In addition, the corresponding amount must be distributed at least three shots per day. As we mentioned, food can be supplemented with products made of condoprotectors. By providing adequate food, your weight can also be controlled, since it is preferable that the puppy is thin to be overweight that can affect the least developed limbs. Due to the weakness they can present in the extremities, the puppy should be avoided by slippery floors, which climbs and down stairs and that perform excess exercise that can be caused by injuries with subsequent consequences. The constant observation of their movements, the way of walking and even their mood can give signs that it requires the supervision of a veterinarian.

The Palleiro Can in danger of extinction?

No, while the Official Club do Palleiro and the Xunt muiñeiras (Typical Galician dance) or Meigas (Bruges). The interest that these institutions have put in recovering this breed so pure and that they feel so of them has made it currently being close to eliminating it from the list of animals in danger of extinction. Even, He currently has his genealogical book as a native race of Galicia, which predicts a good future to its recovery. At the beginning of the second half of the last century, the impure crosses that were made between the Can of Palleiro and other breeds of European shepherds led to their almost extinction, but today the demand of individuals of Pure Galician pastor has again led to a great rise of the race. A Pure Galician shepherd puppy Since it is a race that is still in recovery, a verification at eighteen months of age must be made in order to guarantee the purity of the animal. For now, there are no risks for the Can of Palleiro Can, although the livestock activity is decreasing its importance in its region of origin, Galicia, has made several specimens live in other Spanish communities and even in other countries such as Holland, France, Norway, Argentina, Brazil or Australia. Besides, New virtues of the Galician pastor are discovered every day, especially in the detection of odors, so its usefulness in other activities increases its demand every day. Another reality is that its use as a company animal is being valued, so they begin to live more and more in the cities that, apparently, they are adapting. Discover other races here: