Basque Shepherd
also known as Basque Sheepdog, Basque Herder
History
The Basque Shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in the Basque region of Spain and France. It is a breed that was developed for herding livestock, and it is known for its intelligence, agility, and hardworking nature.
The purpose of the Basque Shepherd breed is primarily as a working dog, although they can also make good pets for active families. They are known for their strong herding instincts and are often used on farms and ranches to help manage and protect livestock. They are also used in search and rescue, as well as obedience and agility training.
The history of the Basque Shepherd is closely tied to the history of the Basque region, where the breed has been used for centuries to help herd and protect livestock. It is believed that the breed may have descended from ancient herding dogs that were brought to the region by Roman settlers.
The breed is known for its strong and agile build, with a medium to large size and a thick, weather-resistant coat. They are generally intelligent and easy to train, and they are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Today, the Basque Shepherd is a popular breed in its native region, and it is also recognized by many major kennel clubs around the world. It is a hardworking and versatile breed that is well-suited to a variety of roles, including herding, search and rescue, and as a family pet. Overall, the Basque Shepherd is a highly valued breed for its intelligence, hardworking nature, and versatility.
Breed Information
Is Basque Shepherd a purebred?
Purebred
What were Basque Shepherds originally used for?
Herding
How Long Do Basque Shepherds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Basque Shepherd? How long can Basque Shepherds live?
12-15 years
The average Basque Shepherd lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Basque Shepherd Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Basque Shepherd?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 19-25 inches (48.3 - 63.5 cm) | 18.5 inches (47 cm) | 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) | 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) |
| Female | 18-23 inches (45.7 - 58.4 cm) | 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) | 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) | 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 40-79 pounds (18 - 36 kg) | 41.5 pounds (19 kg) | 51.5 pounds (23 kg) | 59.5 pounds (27 kg) |
| Female | 37-66 pounds (17 - 30 kg) | 36.0 pounds (16 kg) | 44.5 pounds (20 kg) | 51.5 pounds (23 kg) |
Are Basque Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Basque Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is the watchdog ability of a Basque Shepherd dog?
The Basque Shepherd dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.
Breed History
Where do Basque Shepherds come from?
Spain
What are Basque Shepherds descended from?
Unknown
When were Basque Shepherds first bred? How old is the Basque Shepherd breed?
Ancient Times
Basque Shepherd Appearance
What color are Basque Shepherd eyes?
Brown
Amber
What color can Basque Shepherd nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Basque Shepherd coat be naturally?
Red
Isabella
Fawn
How long is a Basque Shepherds coat?
The coat of a Basque Shepherd falls in the medium length category.
How Dense Is The Basque Shepherd Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Basque Shepherd?
Wavy
How many puppies can a Basque Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can a Basque Shepherd have in her first litter?
12-15 puppies per pregnancy
A Basque Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Basque Shepherd Health Issues
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Basque Shepherd?
Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Basque Shepherds?
Ear Infections
Cataracts
Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)
Dental Disorders
What are the occasional tests recommended for Basque Shepherd breed?
Hip X-Rays
Dental Examination
Ear Examination
Echocardiogram Tests
Chest X-rays
Basque Shepherd Needs and Activities
Do Basque Shepherds have a lot of energy?
Basque Shepherds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
How much exercise should Basque Shepherds get?
The Basque Shepherd needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments
How much does it bark?
Basque Shepherds tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.
What do Basque Shepherds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Basque Shepherd busy?
Playing with us
What is the energy level of a Basque Shepherd? How much energy does a Basque Shepherd have?
High
Basque Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
How far should a Basque Shepherd walk each week? How many miles should a Basque Shepherd walk every week?
14 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Basque Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Basque Shepherd should exercise a day? How much activity does a Basque Shepherd need?
90 minutes
In general most Basque Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Basque Shepherd?
The Basque Shepherd is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.
How often should you brush a Basque Shepherd?
Daily
Ideally, Basque Shepherd should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Basque Shepherds?
Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Basque Shepherd eat?
2 cups
For an average 40-79 pound (18 - 36 kg) Basque Shepherd feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Basque Shepherd Cost Daily?
$1.70 - $2.00 / day
The average cost of a Basque Shepherd is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.
How Much Does a Basque Shepherd Cost Per Month?
$48 - $63 / month
The average per month expenses of a Basque Shepherd is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Basque Shepherd Characteristic
How intelligent is a Basque Shepherd?
The Basque Shepherd breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.
Are Basque Shepherd dogs affectionate?
Do Basque Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs? Are Basque Shepherds OK with other dogs?
Basque Shepherds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.
Do Basque Shepherds like to play? Are Basque Shepherds playful?
The Basque Shepherd is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Basque Shepherd is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Are Basque Shepherd easily trained?
Basque Shepherd dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
Basque Shepherds are intelligent and have the ability to learn quickly, which makes them relatively easy to train. - Loyal and affectionate
This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate with their families, and they tend to bond closely with their owners. - Good with children
Basque Shepherds are generally good with children and can make great family pets.
Cons
- Not Hypoallergenic
While beloved by many, Basque Shepherds may not be appropriate for those with allergies due to the possibility of allergic reactions. - High energy
Basque Shepherds have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. - Strong prey drive
Basque Shepherds have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals, so they may not be suitable for homes with cats or other small pets. - Health issues
As with any breed, Basque Shepherds may be prone to certain health issues, such as Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd), Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat, Ear Infections, Cataracts and Congenital Heart Defect (CHD), and other issues.
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