Villano de Las Encartaciones

Overview

The Villano de Las Encartaciones comes from the hill country of Biscay, where it helped farmers catch Monchina cattle that ranged loose on the mountain. It is a medium to large dog with a broad head, short coat and the kind of grip that bulldog types were kept for. Numbers are very small even at home.

Expect a dog that is steady and loyal with its own household and businesslike with everyone else. It is not a breed for a walker to learn on.

Exercise and walking needs

Around seventy-five minutes a day of structured walking. The breed is athletic but not hyperactive, and it is happier with a job than a run.

Pulling a weighted sled or carrying a backpack, if the owner approves, gives the body work to do without overexciting the mind.

On the walk

• Strength: This is the main management issue. The dog is dense and low-slung, and when it decides to go somewhere a slim walker will go too. Two points of contact on a sturdy harness help.
• Cattle and horses: The old job was catching cattle. Steer well clear of fields with livestock and give horse riders a wide berth.
• Other dogs: A catch dog's response to a challenge is to engage. Avoid head-on meetings and do not let it be rushed by loose dogs.
• Mouth: Some have a habit of gripping lead or clothing in excitement. Redirect to a toy and tell the owner.

Tips for professional walkers

1. Keep the first walks short, quiet and solo, and build a routine the dog can predict.
2. Avoid narrow paths where you cannot step aside from an oncoming dog.
3. Carry a tug toy to channel the grip instinct onto something you choose.

What to ask the owner

• Has the dog worked cattle, and how does it respond to farm animals and horses now?
• What is its record with other dogs, including any incidents, and what equipment does the owner use?
• Is there a muzzle the dog is already comfortable wearing for busy places?

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