Overview
The Gaucho Sheepdog developed on the pampas of Rio Grande do Sul from the herding dogs brought by European settlers, chiefly collie and shepherd types, and was shaped by work rather than show. It is a medium to large dog with a dense coat and the drive of a dog that has to move sheep across big open ranges in all weathers.
The breed is rare outside Brazil and detail on individual temperament is thin. What applies is what applies to herding types in general: loyal, biddable, watchful and in need of a job.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a half to two hours a day of real exercise. A pampas herder is used to covering long distances and short walks leave it restless and inventive.
Open spaces where it can run, combined with training and games that use its brain, give the best result. Herding-type dogs settle fastest when they have thought as well as moved.
On the walk
- Recall: Likely good with a dog that has bonded, since herders work with a handler. Test in a secure place before trusting it near roads.
- Herding: Expect attempts to gather other dogs, children or cyclists. Keep the lead on where that is a risk and redirect early.
- Other dogs: Usually sociable and often playful, but may try to control play. Watch for nipping at heels.
- Weather: The coat copes with rain and cold; summer heat is the limit. Walk early on warm days.
Tips for professional walkers
- Give the dog a task during the walk; a retrieve or a search game keeps it from managing other dogs.
- Use the owner's cues so the dog is not confused by new words.
- Check the coat for burrs and the pads for cuts after walks in long grass.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog worked sheep, and how strong is its herding drive around livestock and other animals?
- How does it react to runners and cyclists, and has it ever nipped?
- What is the recall like, and where has the owner let it off?