Can de Palleiro (Palleiro dog, straw dog)

The Can de Palleiro, sometimes referred to as the Palleiro dog or straw dog, is an uncommon and historic breed that comes from rural Galicia, Spain. This breed, which was once primarily used as a farm dog, is renowned for its intelligence, loyalty, and strong working instincts.

For centuries, farmers have relied on the Can de Palleiro to safeguard their property and manage livestock, despite its lack of recognition outside of its native country. It is ideal for the hard work of farming because of its rugged appearance and rustic nature.

Since the breed’s population has decreased as a result of the abandonment of traditional farming methods, efforts have been made to preserve and protect it in recent years. Nevertheless, dog lovers’ interest in the Can de Palleiro has endured due to its reputation as a devoted and trustworthy friend.

Information about the breed

Name:	Can de Palleiro (Palleiro dog, straw dog)
Classification:	Shepherd, guard dog
Purpose:	Shepherd dog, guard dog, guide dog, rescue work
Homeland:	Galicia (Spain)
Weight:	25-33 kg (females), 30-38 kg (males)
Height:	57-63 cm (females), 59-65 cm (males)
Life:	10-14 years
Color:	Sandy, red, brown, black
Price:	380$

Photo can de palleiro

Characteristics

Interesting facts and characteristics

• The Can de Palleiro is a small breed, the entire population in Galicia includes no more than 500 dogs (according to unpublished data, more than 1,700);
• The Palleiro dog is a shepherd dog, but currently they are considering using it in rescue services, the police, and as a guide dog;
• The breed received its name for its habit of choosing a stack of straw or a hayloft for rest – "can" means "dog" in translation, and "palleiro" "haystack, barn";
• In May 2001, the Can de Palleiro received national recognition in Galicia;
• The Straw Dog was endangered, but the situation is gradually changing. In 2022, the Spanish kennel club La Real Sociedad Canina de España classified the breed as being in the process of recovery;
• Can de Palleiro live outdoors, so their fur is thick, especially in winter;
• The straw dog is versatile – it does an excellent job not only as a shepherd, but also as a guard;
• The Can de Palleiro is not recognized by many international cynological federations, this also applies to the FCI (International Cynological Federation);
• The straw dog copes well with a herd of up to 100-200 heads and large bulls (they can weigh about 400 kg).

History of origin

The historical region of Galicia, located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, is the birthplace of the straw dog. The majority of Can de Palleiro’s population, who are revered as a national treasure, resides there. They originated in Europe, and the following breeds are thought to be related:

1. Cao de Castro Laboreiro (Portugal);
2. Belgian, Dutch, German, Picardy (France) Shepherds.

Traditionally, the Palleiro dog served as a shepherd and a guard dog in rural areas. The breed is in danger of going extinct because its population has drastically declined since the mid-20th century. The Council for Agricultural Development and Food created a plan to revive the Can de Palleiro breed after the Galician regional government expressed interest in the idea in 1999. They started by looking for the group’s surviving representatives. In 2001, they launched a state stud book and published an official standard.

A non-profit organization called Club da Raza Can de Palleiro was established in 2002. It works to maintain and promote the Palleiro dog while keeping an eye on its standards. The association reviews litters, works with genetic testing, and assists prospective owners in locating breeders.

Appearance

Can de Palleiro is a medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned, powerful build. From the outside, it resembles a wolf. Males and females differ in height and weight, a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism.

Head and neck

The Can de Palleiro has a powerful head that resembles a short pyramid. The length is roughly 2.5 times shorter than the height at the withers, so it is proportionate to the body. When seen from above, the dog’s wide skull and medium-sized, narrow muzzle are both flat. The definition of the superciliary arches is smooth. There is little expression of the change from the forehead to the muzzle.

A straw dog has a medium-sized, narrow nose. The coat’s color determines the color of the earlobe, which can be beige, pink, brown, or black.

The lips are dry, normal in size, and fitted tightly. It is not normal to sag.

The animal has a robust neck that is in line with its body and head. When it is still, it has a 45° tilt with respect to the horizontal; as it moves, it gets higher. Dewlap is absent.

Eyes

The medium-sized dog’s slightly slanted eyes were straw in shape. Depending on the coat color, the hue can be dark brown, yellow, honey, or amber. The animal has an animated, expressive, and perceptive appearance.

Ears

The ears of the Can de Palleiro are large and erect. They are elevated. The ear tips have a rounded shape. There is a lot of cartilage.

Teeth

The Can de Palleiro possesses a complete set of teeth and powerful jaws. Scissor-shaped bite is what’s desired.

Torse and tail

Despite the Can de Palleiro’s wide skeleton, it has harmonious proportions. Women have shorter, slimmer bodies.

The Straw Dog is distinguished by its somewhat longer format. The back has a strong, broad, and well-defined wither. It is short. The croup is sloping and somewhat elevated, and the loin is strong and broad. Strong ribs support a long, deep chest. The abdomen is drawn in.

The tail of the Can de Palleiro is thick at the base and taper towards the tip. It has long joints that extend to the hocks and is thickly coated in hair. The tail is lowered when at rest and rises upward during movement without folding over the back.

Limbs

A straw dog’s limbs are vertical and straight, and its bone structure is robust. Strong and dry are the front legs. The scapulohumeral joint forms a right angle, and the shoulder blades are positioned at a 45° angle. The forearms are straight and get thinner as they approach the metacarpus. The wrists have good development and strength.

The hind legs have distinct angles and are parallel and robust. The fingers are short, thick, and firmly closed. The pads have a lot of hardness.

The paws are oval, with a tiny hint of roundness. The dog has short, powerful claws that are frequently dark in hue. If the coat is light, they might be white.

Breed representatives frequently have a dewclaw. Although unwanted, its presence is acceptable.

Color and coat

The skin of the straw dog is thick and formfitting. The double coat has a moderate length and thickness. To the touch, it feels rough. It has a dense and thick undercoat.

While there are multiple coat color options, one-color coats are the most common:

1. Sandy;
2. Red;
3. Brown;
4. Black.

Straw dog colors, commonly referred to as wolfish hues, are also permitted. The body hair in this instance has a dark tip and a light base, with the limbs, belly, and lower portion of the muzzle being lighter in color.

Movement style

Can de Palleiro possess strength and vitality. Typically, the dog walks, but it can readily transition to a trot or gallop if needed.

Character

Can de Palleiro are calm, intelligent, and mentally sound. Within the family, the dog is extremely devoted to its owner and follows all of his instructions. It also behaves in a calm and submissive manner. She gets along with other animals and shows good behavior toward children, especially those in school.

The straw dog is highly executive, autonomous, and capable of making decisions on its own. She takes some getting used to, but she behaves restrained around strangers.

Education and training

Can de Palleiro is a natural at handling the responsibilities of a shepherd because it runs in the family. Early socialization and training are required for normal relationships with people and other animals.

Stubbornness is not typical of the straw dog, who is a clever dog. Representatives of the breed are relatively easy to train, but the owner needs to take the lead. It’s crucial to have a firm grip, be consistent, and give clear directions. Treats and verbal praise are required rewards.

The Can de Palleiro is a rare Spanish breed distinguished by its strong work ethic, loyalty, and protective instincts. It is also referred to as the Palleiro dog or straw dog. This clever and hardy breed, which was first developed in Galicia as a herding dog, is now valued for its skills as a working dog and as a devoted family member. The Can de Palleiro has been around for a long time, but it is still not well known outside of its native country, though it is beginning to be appreciated for its adaptability and tenderness.

Care

Can de Palleiro are used to living outdoors; they are not suited for apartment living. The ideal property would be a private home on a large plot of land—a farm. The animal requires daily exercise in the open air when it is not working as a shepherd. At least twice a day, you must walk with it, alternating between activity and rest.

The care of the straw dog is modest. It should be combed once a week, or twice a week when there is shedding. For this, a furminator works best. As needed, but no more than once a month, wash the animal. Haircutting is not allowed since it could hurt the dog.

Brushing your teeth once a week is sufficient. Treat the dog with hard treats to help get rid of plaque. Regular examinations and cleanings are performed on the eyes and ears.

Both natural food and premium ready-made food for large breeds are appropriate for a straw dog. In the event that you select the latter, the animal requires roughly 500–600 g daily. It is advised to feed the dog in multiple doses, with a clearly defined schedule. Make sure there is always access to fresh, clean water. You won’t need extra vitamins and minerals if you choose premium prepared foods. Meat, not poultry, should be the foundation of natural food. In addition, serve vegetables, cereals, and offal.

Health

Can de Palleiro is in good health; no known genetic illnesses affect him. Similar to other large breeds, there is a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal issues.

It’s critical to determine the appropriate portion size for an animal based on its size, age, and activity level because overfeeding can lead to obesity and its associated consequences. A possibility is bloating. Overindulging, consuming fermentable foods, and engaging in physical activity right after eating can all set it off.

Choosing a puppy

You should base your decision on the Can de Palleiro puppy’s described physical attributes. Make sure to verify the availability of all required paperwork, the date of the veterinarian’s examination, and the status of the vaccinations. Purchasing a puppy from breeders via clubs is a safer option. Club da Raza Can de Palleiro is the place to make reservations for a Can de Palleiro puppy in Galicia.

How much does a Can de Palleiro puppy cost?

There are not many straw dogs, so it is challenging to locate a puppy. Even in their native country, there aren’t many of them, and the breed is hardly ever found outside of it. A puppy typically costs 350 euros.

Can de Palleiro is a useful guard or shepherd. This dog needs enough room in a private residence. For it to work, the owner must take the lead; otherwise, the animal will follow and be loyal to him.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Galicia, Spain
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Short and dense, weather-resistant
Color	Fawn, brindle, or black
Temperament	Loyal, protective, and calm
Good with families	Yes, especially with children
Exercise needs	High, requires daily activity
Lifespan	12-14 years
Training	Intelligent, but requires firm handling

With strong roots in Galicia, the Can de Palleiro breed is renowned for its intelligence, adaptability, and loyalty. It was first developed as a working dog and is still a great companion for both families and farmers.

Though not as well-known outside of its native country, the Can de Palleiro is highly regarded for being both gentle and protective, particularly toward children. For those looking for a versatile dog, it’s a great option because of its calm temperament and hardworking nature.

All things considered, anyone searching for a dependable and loyal companion should give serious consideration to the Can de Palleiro due to its exceptional traits and rich history.

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