Basque Shepherd Dog

The Basque Shepherd — the Euskal Artzain Txakurra — is a herding dog of the Basque Country, recognised in two varieties named after the valleys they come from.

History

It has worked sheep in the Basque hills for centuries and is thought to have contributed to the Australian Shepherd through Basque shepherds who emigrated to the American west. Spanish regional recognition came in the 1990s.

Temperament

The breed is known for being intelligent, energetic and devoted to its handler, wary of strangers and highly responsive to stock work.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and mental work; without stock it needs a substitute occupation. The medium coat needs regular brushing.

Health

Generally robust from working selection; hip dysplasia is the usual caution in herding breeds. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.