Gaucho Sheepdog

The Gaucho Sheepdog — the Ovelheiro Gaúcho — is a Brazilian herding dog from the southern grasslands, worked by the gaúcho cattle herders it is named for.

History

It descends from European herding dogs brought to southern Brazil and was shaped by the work of moving cattle and sheep across the pampas. Brazilian recognition is recent, and the type was maintained by working ranchers rather than by any registry.

Temperament

The breed is known for being energetic, biddable and attached to its handler, with the stamina to work long days and the alertness to guard as well as herd.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and a real job. It trains readily and grows destructive when idle. The medium coat needs regular brushing.

Health

Generally robust from working selection; nothing is widely documented as breed-specific. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.