Garafiano Shepherd Dog

The Garafiano Shepherd Dog is a breed not yet recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), but registered with the Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSC). It's a large, shaggy, noble-looking dog breed, originally bred for herding.

This breed is also a good companion for sports activities, since it enjoys exercise and the outdoors. It also stands out for its loyal personality. Want to know all the details? Let's get into it.

History of the Garafiano Shepherd Dog

This breed is native to the island of La Palma, part of the Canary Islands archipelago. The island covers just 706 square kilometers and has been isolated for years. Because of this, the Garafiano Shepherd developed with little interference from other breeds.

It takes its name from the town of Garafía, where this shepherd dog is common. The area has few roads and relies heavily on livestock farming. The Garafiano Shepherd serves as a watchdog for that livestock.

Although it hasn't yet been accepted by international federations, a breed standard exists through the RSC, along with a Spanish Association for the Garafiano Shepherd Dog.

Garafiano Shepherd Dog (Image aeppg.es)

Physical Characteristics of the Garafiano Shepherd Dog

This is a medium-to-large dog. It's tall with a short neck, a muscular, solid build without being bulky.

The head is conical, ending in an elongated muzzle with a black nose and black lips. The ears are high-set and pointed.

The eyes are slanted, brown, with black eyelids. Its expression is good-natured and attentive. The tail curves without reaching the back, carried gracefully with thick fur.

The coat is long, coarse, and thick. It appears longer around the ears, the back of the legs, the neck, and the tail. The color is fawn or yellow, though some dogs can be melanistic, meaning the coat is brown or black.

Puppies show a brown coat with white patches on the chest and toes.

Height between 57 and 64 cm in males and between 55 and 62 cm in females Weight between 28 and 35 kg in males and between 24 and 30 kg in females Long, thick coat, entirely fawn or yellow Good-natured, protective temperament, wary of strangers Good health Estimated life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years

Garafiano Shepherd Dog (Image aeppg.es)

What Is the Breed's Personality Like?

The Garafiano Shepherd Dog is ideal if you have children at home, since it loves to play. Its protective personality also makes it an excellent watchdog.

It's wary of strangers, barking and showing a defensive attitude. This is good if you want it to watch over the house, though it's worth socializing it so it's friendly with visitors and other pets.

It's easy to train and learns quickly. If you want it to accompany you on walks, watch over the countryside, or be a house dog, proper training for these tasks will be enough. It gets along well with other pets and rarely shows aggressive behavior.

Care a Garafiano Shepherd Dog Needs

Its long coat needs several brushings a week, between 2 and 3. This can be adjusted depending on how much hair it sheds, but it's essential to keep it up regularly. It's worth getting a brush for long-haired dogs and watching for tangles forming.

Exercise is one of its main needs. It should be walked every day for more than an hour; it needs long walks and games with other dogs. Physical activity strengthens family bonds, but also prevents the dog from developing destructive tendencies and keeps it fit.

As for health, no congenital or hereditary diseases are known in the breed. It has a sturdy constitution and will develop few health problems if we keep up with annual vet visits, the vaccination schedule, and proper deworming.