Dog Breed

Basque Shepherd Dog

RareFarmhand
Primary image of Basque Shepherd Dog dog breed
Full Name
Basque Shepherd Dog
Alternate Names
Euskal Artzain Txakurra, Perro de Pastor Vasco, Perro Vasco
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Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
40 - 60 pounds
Description

The Basque Shepherd is an ancient dog breed from the Basque region in Spain, where they are still found much more commonly than in other parts of the world. In fact, it is estimated that there are only around a thousand purebred Basque Shepherds in the world today. There are two variations of the Basque Shepherd- the smooth-coated Gorbeiakoa and rough-coated Iletsua.

The Basque Shepherd is an excellent farm dog, but can also make a perfect family companion dog. They can be reserved at times, but are playful around family and other dogs. They are generally healthy dogs and typically live 13 - 15 years.

We are currently working to partner with breeders and families who own Basque Shepherds to bring awareness to this amazing breed.

Origin
Spain
Bred For
Basque Country (Spain)
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog good with children?

    Yes, the Basque Shepherd Dog is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Basque Shepherd Dog naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Basque Shepherd Dog is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Basque Shepherd Dog is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Basque Shepherd Dog is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Basque Shepherd Dog is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog like to cuddle?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog like to play?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog will almost always be ready for play! The Basque Shepherd Dog is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog make a good service dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog good for first-time owners?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Basque Shepherd Dog be trained?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog does not have high levels of training potential. There are exceptions, but the Basque Shepherd Dog is not typically seen in competitions or as a service dog or police dog.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog shed a lot?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog easy to groom?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog requires some grooming, but less than the average dog breed. Typically you will not need to take the Basque Shepherd Dog to the pet salon, and occasional combing at home should be enough.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog need a lot of exercise?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Basque Shepherd Dog to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Basque Shepherd Dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Basque Shepherd Dog bark? Does the Basque Shepherd Dog bark too much?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog occasionally barks, but only for specific reasons such as when they need something, for protection, etc.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog a good guard dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog good at staying alone? Is the Basque Shepherd Dog independent?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog a good apartment dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Basque Shepherd Dog
    Size

    How big is the Basque Shepherd Dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog is below average when it comes to size. They are not a "toy" breed, but it is still significantly easier to travel with them.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Basque Shepherd Dog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Basque Shepherd Dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog can do very well in hot weather. Owners should still be aware of over-heating as this is one of the most common reasons for dogs going into the emergency room, but overall the Basque Shepherd Dog can do well in hot climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Basque Shepherd Dog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Basque Shepherd Dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog does not tolerate cold weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Basque Shepherd Dog if you live in a very cold weather climate. Even if your home is warm, it can be inconvenient to go on walks, and you may need to have a sweater for your Basque Shepherd Dog.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog try to run away?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog has huge wanderlust, meaning that it's natural for them to want to run away. They are known as escape artists. It's important to test your yard and have a tall fence that cannot be jumped or climbed over. Sometimes the Basque Shepherd Dog is not well suited for being off-leash, even if they are well trained.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog a healthy dog? The health of a Basque Shepherd Dog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Basque Shepherd Dog is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Basque Shepherd Dog high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Basque Shepherd Dog?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Basque Shepherd Dog into your home. Can you give your Basque Shepherd Dog enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Basque Shepherd Dog drool?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Basque Shepherd Dog have a large prey drive? Does the Basque Shepherd Dog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Basque Shepherd Dog may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Basque Shepherd Dog atheltic?

    The Basque Shepherd Dog is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
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Breed Variations

  • Image for the Smooth-coated variation for dog breed

    Smooth-coated

  • Image for the Rough-coated variation for dog breed

    Rough-coated

  1. Working
  2. Ancient
  3. Basque Shepherd Dog
The Basque Shepherd Dog is a purebred dog that belongs to the Ancient sub group, which falls under the larger Working dog breed group.
Working group: Working dogs encompass a wide range of different breeds- but they all were bred to assist people, so they are used to working hard. It is important for them to feel they have a "job" as their roles traditionally have varied from rescuing people to pulling sleds. Because of their large size and intensity, they may be a handful for first time dog owners. On the other side, they can be trained well, so any owner who can exercise and dedicate to training their working dog, will be well rewarded. A common misconception may be that the working dog's jobs are only in physically challenging jobs; actually working dogs can also make excellent service dogs, since they are also kind and attentive to their owners.
Ancient sub-group: These dogs are unique as they are some of the oldest dogs! Dogs in the ancient world have been documented, both for work, and companionship. Dogs have been recorded to be living alongside humans dating as far back as 12,000 BC, which can be seen from temple paintings. Ancient dogs have been recorded in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Persia, and ancient Turkey and India. Ancient dogs are generally medium sized, healthy, and well-rounded. They are friendly but somewhat reserved with strangers- all characteristics that sense for a dog that has survived through thousands of years.

Basque Shepherd Dogs for adoption

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