Overview
The Lobito Herreño is a Spanish pastoral dog found mostly on El Hierro in the Canary Islands, with some dogs on Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife.
It is not a recognised breed but is listed as a grupo étnico canino, meaning a regional population with consistent form and function.
History
The origins of the Lobito are unknown. It may descend from dogs brought to the islands in or after the eighteenth century, and how much it owes to dogs already there before the Castilian conquest is unclear.
The Spanish kennel club listed it as a grupo étnico in 2013 and published a draft standard that year. Recognition as a full breed is still being sought.
Appearance
Medium-sized with a wolf-like, primitive look. The draft standard gives a height of 52 to 54 cm and a weight of 18 to 22 kg. The coat is usually grey, sometimes reddish, with pale masking around the mouth and eyes. Solid white or cream is also allowed. The tail tip is black.
Temperament
Traditionally a shepherd's helper, it is suspicious of strangers yet faithful to its owner. It is alert and sensible, and fits well as a watchful companion.
Care and exercise
It needs daily exercise and something to do, as befits a working herder. Early socialisation helps with its wariness of strangers. The coat is easy to keep tidy with regular brushing.
