The Pastor Garafiano or Garafiano Shepherd is a herding dog breed originating from the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Known for its robustness, intelligence, and versatility, the Pastor Garafiano is an excellent companion for families and working dog enthusiasts.
Physically, the Pastor Garafiano is a medium to large-sized dog, typically measuring between 55 and 65 cm at the withers and weighing between 25 and 45 kg. Its body is muscular and well-proportioned, with an athletic build and strong bone structure. The head is broad and well-defined, with a slightly rounded skull and a strong, straight muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark in color, expressing great intelligence and constant vigilance. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and hanging.
The Pastor Garafiano's coat is dense and medium in length, providing effective protection against harsh weather conditions. The fur is typically fawn, brindle, or black, with possible white markings on the chest and legs. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain the coat's texture and appearance, as well as to prevent matting and tangling.
In terms of personality, the Pastor Garafiano is known for its balanced, courageous, and hardworking temperament. It is very attached to its family and displays great loyalty. Although it can be wary of strangers, it is not aggressive without reason. Its intelligence and trainability make it an easy dog to train, though it requires consistent and patient education. With its loved ones, it is affectionate and enjoys participating in all family activities.
The Pastor Garafiano is generally a robust breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, like all large breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, joint problems, and heart conditions. A balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and appropriate exercise are essential for maintaining its overall health. Due to its dense coat, it is also important to monitor and treat any skin irritations or infections.
Pastor Garafiano puppies are medium-sized at one month. As a medium to large breed, a puppy of this age measures approximately 20 to 25 cm in height. The Pastor Garafiano is known for its dense and slightly wiry coat. At one month, the puppies begin to develop this type of coat, but it will still be quite soft and shorter than that of adults.
Professional breeders, recognized and specialized in the breed, generally offer puppies at higher prices than individuals. Female puppies are often slightly more expensive than males. In general, the price for a Pastor Garafiano puppy ranges from 1000€ to 2000€.
The Garafiano Shepherd is a breed of herding dog originating from the Canary Islands, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective instinct. Training a Garafiano Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of its specific needs. Here are some tips for successfully training your Garafiano Shepherd.
Early Socialization: Socialization is crucial for the Garafiano Shepherd. Expose your puppy to various environments, people, and animals from an early age. This will help it become a balanced and sociable dog, reducing the risk of aggressive or fearful behaviors.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement methods to encourage good behaviors. Rewards such as treats, toys, or verbal praise are very effective. Avoid harsh punishments that can harm the trust relationship between you and your dog.
Physical and Mental Exercise: The Garafiano Shepherd is an active breed that needs plenty of physical and mental exercise. Daily walks, search games, and training activities are essential for maintaining its health and well-being. A stimulated dog is a happy and well-behaved dog.
Learning Basic Commands: Teach basic commands like "sit", "lie down", "stay", and "come" as soon as possible. These commands are fundamental for your dog's safety and control in various situations.
Respect for Protective Instinct: The Garafiano Shepherd has a strong protective instinct. Encourage this trait while teaching it to differentiate between real threats and normal situations. A good balance between protection and sociability is essential.
Consistency and Patience: Be consistent in your rules and expectations. All family members should follow the same guidelines to avoid confusing the dog. Patience is also crucial, as learning can take time.
