Pet Wiki

Basque Shepherd Dog

Also called Euskal Artzain Txakurra, Perro de Pastor Vasco, Berger Basque

Rare breedShort profile

From The Basque Country, spanning northern Spain and south-west France.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male18 to 36 kg1
Weight, female17 to 30 kg1
Height, male47 to 63 cm1
Height, female46 to 59 cm1
Sizemedium

Gorbeiakoa males 18-36 kg, females 17-29 kg; Iletsua males 18-33 kg, females 17-30 kg.

capable herder of sheep and cattle
watchful flock guardian
hardy mountain worker
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length coat, smooth or rough

A medium-sized, agile sheepdog in two varieties: the Gorbeiakoa with a smooth, soft coat of moderate length, and the Iletsua with a rougher, coarser shaggy coat.1

Coloursredfawncinnamon1

Personality what they are like

A hard-working farm dog used both to move and to watch over flocks, so it is attentive, alert and keen to have a job.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working herder that needs daily physical exercise and enjoys tasks such as herding or sheepdog trials.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing suits both coat types; the rough-coated Iletsua benefits from a little more attention.1

Home where they are happiest

Best in rural or active homes with space, as the breed was shaped by life on Basque hill farms.1

Company who they like around

Bred to work closely with shepherds, so it bonds with its people and does well with steady involvement.1

The story where it all began

Dogs of this type have worked with Basque shepherds for centuries and appear in 16th-century church frescoes and later paintings. Some travelled to the United States with Basque shepherds in the 1950s, and Spain's kennel club formally recognised the breed in 1996.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Gorbeiakoa is named after the Gorbea mountain area, while Iletsua means hairy or shaggy in Basque.1

  2. 2

    The breed still competes in traditional Basque sheepdog trials.1

  3. 3

    There were only around 500 dogs in 2009.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Basque Shepherd Dog' comes from its origin in the Basque Country of Spain and France, where it has been used for centuries by shepherds to guard and herd flocks. In Basque, it is called 'Euskal Artzain Txakurra', which translates to 'Basque Shepherd Dog'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

EuskalArtzainXakurTxakurLumaHaizeaOihanNoraBeltzaGorriaBasoLapur

A day in the life told by a Basque Shepherd Dog

I wake before the rooster, ready to work. The flock needs me, I circle, nip at heels, and keep everyone in line. My human smiles, gives me a pat. After chores, we run through the meadow, me racing the wind. I find a stick, bring it back, wait for the next task. At dusk, I curl at my human's feet, ears pricked for any call. This is my happy day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Real Sociedad Canina de España
Both varieties (Gorbeiakoa and Iletsua) recognised in January 1996.1
Spanish government
Officially recognised as a Spanish breed: Gorbeiakoa in 2001, Iletsua in 2002.1

How many 5001

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Basque Shepherd Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Basque Shepherd Dog, and at what times?

Feed your Basque Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day, ideally at consistent times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for guidance.2

What should a Basque Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to an active working breed. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and xylitol. For specific diet advice, talk to your vet.3

How often should I bathe a Basque Shepherd Dog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, about every two months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but at least once every three months is fine.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Basque Shepherd Dog need brushing?

Brush your Basque Shepherd Dog every three days, and daily during heavy shedding. The rough-coated Iletsua variety may need a little extra attention to keep its coat tidy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Basque Shepherd Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Basque Shepherd Dog need?

This breed needs daily physical exercise and enjoys having a job like herding or sheepdog trials. Daily walks and playtime are essential to keep it happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Basque Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Basque Shepherd Dog live?

Lifespan varies depending on health and lineage. Ask your vet for an estimate based on your individual dog.

Is a Basque Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?

This breed bonds closely with its people and is attentive and alert, so it can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Always supervise interactions.1

Can a Basque Shepherd Dog be left alone?

This breed thrives on steady involvement with its family and may not be happy left alone for long periods. It is best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Basque Shepherd Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (no accessible primary registry source found)
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.