Kan de Palleiro

A fascinating breed that highlights Spain’s rich history is the Kan de Palleiro. This breed, which was initially bred as a working dog, is renowned for its power and adaptability. These dogs, who have a deep affinity for the countryside, are adept at a wide range of jobs, including herding livestock and being devoted friends.

The Kan de Palleiro is unique due to its remarkable intelligence and agility. Not only are these dogs tough, but they pick things up quickly as well. Because of this, they are perfect for active people and families looking for a companion for outdoor activities or even at-home workouts.

The Kan de Palleiro is a handsome dog with a strong physique and a unique coat that comes in a variety of colors. They are endearing and approachable due to their expressive eyes and attentive manner. It makes sense why dog lovers all over the world have grown to adore them.

If you’re thinking about bringing a Kan de Palleiro into your home, be ready for an active dog. These dogs require frequent exercise to stay happy and healthy because they thrive on interaction. They can grow into the ideal friend for any dog lover with the correct socialization and training.

Characterization of the Kan de Palleiro breed

Because Kan de Palleiro enjoys lying on hay, they are also known as straw dogs. They frequently spend the night grazing on the site’s hay and select stickers from the field. The phrase "dog on the haystack" is translated by the Galician speaker Can de Palleiros.

A farmer can use this to guard the house and graze the herd with great assistance. These dogs have no trouble handling large bulls. They are tough, vigilant, fearless, and modest. capable of making decisions on their own, but they blindly follow their owner. They can be utilized as guide dogs, bloodhounds, rescue dogs, hunting dogs, or police dogs.

Parameters Characteristics
name can de palleiro (galis. can de palleiro)
country Spain
FCI classification not recognized
use universal
life expectancy 10-12 years
height 57-65 cm
weight 25-38 kg

Breed advantages

Spaniel places a great value on Can de Palleiro dogs. Owners observe the following benefits:

  • have a balanced temperament;
  • quiet, calm;
  • loyal, become attached to all family members;
  • love children;
  • good-natured, affectionate;
  • obedient, docile;
  • get along well with other pets;
  • smart, independent;
  • hardy, unpretentious;
  • alert, have a strong territorial instinct.

Disadvantages of the breed

Even in its native country, this breed is uncommon; you won’t be able to purchase a purebred puppy abroad. However, there are very few drawbacks to straw dogs otherwise:

  • can be aggressive towards strangers;
  • require a lot of physical exercise;
  • not suitable for keeping in an apartment.

History of origin

Without the help of humans, this breed descended from native dogs that the Celts carried to the Iberian Peninsula. They were known as "Celtic shepherds" and were employed to herd and protect cattle since ancient times. Farmers appreciated their adaptability to all weather conditions, ease of handling bulls, and efficiency and endurance.

By the 20th century, the breed was in danger of going extinct due to lack of targeted breeding. It wasn’t until the 1990s in Galicia that it was discovered that there were barely 20 remaining native dogs. Purebred Palleiros started to be gathered across the nation as a result of a plan to restore the breed.

A breed club was founded, a stud book was initiated, and a standard was developed in 2001. Crossbreeding was outlawed and the breed designated as a national treasure. There are currently over 500 registered dogs. However, the breed is still not recognized by the FCI.

Which particular facets of the Kan de Palleiro are you curious to learn more about? Is it their temperament, background, or something else?

What do Palleiros look like

German Shepherds and Can de Palleiros have somewhat similar appearances. They have a sharp muzzle, triangular, erect ears, and a rectangular, harmoniously built body with strong bones and prominent muscles. Males average between 30 and 38 kg, reach a maximum height of 65 cm, and have slightly smaller buttocks. The accepted standard states that they have the following physical characteristics:

  • the head is proportional to the body, conical in shape;
  • the skull is wide, with a flat forehead, the stop is weakly expressed;
  • the muzzle is elongated, narrow;
  • jaws are strong, bite is scissor-like, lips are thin and fit tightly;
  • the lobe is large, well pigmented, black or brown, but pink color is allowed;
  • eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, dark, set wide apart;
  • the color of the iris can be any except blue, the look is very intelligent and expressive;
  • ears are large, triangular with pointed tips, set high on the head;
  • neck is of medium length, thick, smoothly turning into a well-defined withers;
  • back is long, straight, the loin is wide, the croup is slightly raised;
  • chest is wide and deep, ribs are moderately arched;
  • tail is fluffy, long, saber-shaped, set high, usually calmly lowered, can rise up, but never lies on the back;
  • legs are straight, muscular, set parallel, the angles of the joints are well defined;
  • paws are oval, toes are collected, with dense pads;
  • movements are energetic, free, the dog easily switches from a trot to a gallop;
  • the coat is double, of medium length, longer on the neck and tail, short on the head;
  • the guard hair is hard and thick, the undercoat is dense and thick;
  • the color is usually solid, most often sandy, red, can also be black, sable, zonary, wolf.

Additional images of these canines:

Character traits

Can de Palleiro are incredibly obedient; they grow close to their owner and follow him without question. They are peaceful, loving, and get along with every family member when they are at home. They never hurt children and are kind, caring, and protective of them. They can work alone, remain silent, and are unobtrusive.

These dogs have a mistrustful suspicion of strangers. They are fearless, watchful, and impervious. They are prepared to fight to the death for their family, and they will not allow anyone to enter their territory.

These dogs strive to please their owner and show him respect. They are intelligent, pick up commands fast, and are simple to train. An adult dog that receives early training will submit to commands without question. Even so, Cane de Palleiro have the freedom to act on their own initiative and disregard orders if they believe their owner is in danger.

Can de Palleiro is an insatiable worker; it is neither a lap dog nor a friend; it must always be engaged in some task. This dog should ideally live on a farm or in a private home with a sizable yard. He enjoys controlling the area from a hilltop position.

You can’t put a straw dog on a chain or keep it in an aviary; it will get bored in an apartment. It is advised to take it for several hours each day on walks, take it to dog parks, and engage in sports.

Can de Palleiro don’t need to be taken very seriously. The coat needs to be combed once a week, or more frequently during shedding. Once every one to three months, you can give it a bath and make sure its teeth, ears, and eyes are clean. This breed’s representatives are in good health and have a 14-year lifespan with proper care. Intestinal volvulus, obesity, and joint dysplasia can occur occasionally.

Strong and loyal in a beautiful way, the Kan de Palleiro breed makes a wonderful companion for both individuals and families. Whether in the house or on the job, their intelligence and protective nature come through in a variety of contexts. This breed is incredibly versatile; they are excellent in both working and companion roles.

Maintaining a happy Kan de Palleiro requires an understanding of their needs. To keep them engaged and healthy, they need regular mental stimulation and exercise. For their development, it is essential to establish a strong bond through playtime and training, as they thrive on human interaction.

All things considered, the Kan de Palleiro is a unique breed that personifies strength, loyalty, and adaptability. If you’re thinking about bringing one into your family, get ready for a fulfilling journey full of happiness and companionship. A deep and satisfying relationship will eventually result from embracing their distinctive qualities.

Video on the topic

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Igor Semenov

Zoopsychologist with extensive experience. Specialization - behavior correction for cats and dogs. I help owners understand why their pets behave in certain ways and how to change unwanted behavior without stressing the animal.

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