The Basque Shepherd Dog (AKA the Perro de Pastor Vasco) hails from Spain where he has been traditionally utilized as a herding dog and a protector of sheep and other herd animals. He was also used to guard farmhouses. Originally developed on its own without much human intervention, the breed was eventually standardized and then recognized in 1995 by the Royal Canine Society of Spain but is probably much, much older. It is suspected that this breed is in the background of a more well-known breed here in the United States, the Australian Shepherd. Unfortunately, this rare breed is currently endangered with only 700-1000 individuals remaining today.
The Basque is sweet and loyal to his owners but territorial when around strangers until he gets to know them. Naturally protective, he can make a decent guard dog when danger is afoot although for the most part he is demonstratively affectionate and happy. In other words, he is not as serious as dogs whose primary purpose was to guard, and probably shouldn’t be counted on as a personal protection dog, but he can definitely do light-duty guarding duties. Naturally gentle, he can get along well with children, the elderly and other pets despite having extremely high energy and boundless enthusiasm! Note for prospective owners – your mileage may vary and always take your particular circumstances into account. Also take into account that younger dogs are less likely to be able to control their energy and a bit of maturity may be necessary before setting them loose around very small children.
The Basque Shepherd is a dog that needs active owners which can give him lots of outdoor exercise every day (for it can be quite the task to wear him out) but that doesn’t mean he can’t make a good pet! In Spain, he is already known to be a wonderful companion for those who have the room and the energy to meet his needs. It is common to see him on farms, and it is in this setting that he does best as it allows him room to exercise. Be prepared that in addition to a big yard, he needs daily outings which can include walks or even swimming sessions. He’s a high energy, high-exercise-needing dog and without enough physical stimulation he can develop frustrating behavior problems. Obviously, apartments are a no-go for this breed!
Basque Shepherd Dogs come in two separate varieties – Iletsua (rough coated) and Gorbeiakoa (soft coated, medium-length hair). Both can appear in blonde or fawn, while the Gorbeiakoa can also appear in a fire-red and the Iletsua can come in a cinnamon color. Both coat types require a medium amount of care and while it isn’t recommended to bathe super frequently, they do benefit from a good brush a few times a week. When it comes to size, Basques are generally medium in size although the Iletsuas are sometimes a little bigger. The average lifespan of both varieties is 12-15 years, particularly when vet care and routine grooming is taken care of including attention to dental hygiene. For the most part this is a healthy breed, although hip dysplasia, eye problems and cancer are things to watch out for.
Basques are highly intelligent and quick-learning but do require owners who will set and enforce household rules, for they will test boundaries. This is not a breed for the novice owner as they require lots of mental stimulation and ongoing training to keep them happy! When matched with the right owners, however, their talents know no bounds and they can become skillful competition dogs if so desired. They have been known to be very successful in dog sports such as obedience, flyball, herding, agility, tracking, freestyle and parkour! Whether the plan is to raise a competitive teammate or simply to have a well-behaved companion, it is always recommended to start early with training and socialization. Most love to please their owners but also have a naughty, impish side that can emerge when they are bored or they become tired of repetition. They will keep you on your toes!
