# Can de Palleiro

Also known as: Galician Shepherd Dog
- **Group:** Herding (FCI group 1)
- **Size:** Large
- **Origin:** Spain
- **Height:** 57–65 cm
- **Weight:** 25–38 kg
- **Temperament:** Loyal, Watchful, Hardy, Working-minded

The Can de Palleiro is a sturdy Galician shepherd and farm guardian, named for the haystack where it traditionally sleeps, and now a recovering breed.

## Overview

The Can de Palleiro is a traditional shepherd dog from Galicia in north-western Spain. Its name comes from the palleiro, the haystack where it was traditionally allowed to sleep.

It was a working farm dog, herding stock and guarding the household. Today it is a rare breed in recovery, though it also serves in rescue and police work.

## History

The breed was once found throughout Galicia but came close to extinction before it was officially recognised. The Galician government recognised it in April 2001 and opened a stud-book, and national recognition by royal decree followed in May of that year. A breed club was founded in 2002.

In 2009 it was listed as in danger of extinction, though numbers were rising. In 2022 the Spanish kennel club listed it among breeds in the process of recovery. It is now found mainly in the provinces of Ourense, Pontevedra, Lugo and A Coruña.

## Appearance

A medium to large dog with a thick, dense coat that is especially full in winter. Females stand roughly 57 to 63 cm and weigh 25 to 33 kg, while males are about 2 cm taller and weigh 30 to 38 kg.

Colours include sand, cinnamon, chestnut brown, wolf grey and black. Pied dogs and those with extensive white markings are not accepted for the stud-book.

## Temperament

Bred to herd and to guard the home, it is a watchful and devoted farm companion. It suits owners who want a working-minded, reliable dog.

## Care and exercise

As a working breed it needs daily activity, space and a job to do. Its thick coat benefits from regular brushing, especially during seasonal moulting.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 4
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/can-de-palleiro
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can_de_Palleiro · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3322296
Photo: Constanza Gerger (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Merlin_Show_2_%28cropped%29.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.