Carea Leonés

Also called Leonese Sheepdog, Perro Carea Leonés, Perro de Aqueda, Perro de Pastor Leonés

Size	Medium
Weight	15 to 27 kg (33 to 60 lb)males 16 to 27 kg, females 15 to 25 kg1
Height	45 to 55 cm (18 to 22 in)males 48 to 55 cm, females 45 to 52 cm1
Coat	Medium-length coat with dense undercoat
Origin	Province of León, north-west Spain.1

Rare breedShort profile

capable working sheepdog

hardy

striking merle coat

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length coat with dense undercoat

A medium-sized, agile sheepdog with a straight or slightly wavy coat of medium length over a thick undercoat. Merle dogs often have light or partly blue eyes, while black dogs have dark eyes.1

Coloursblackgrey merle (arlequinado)merle with whitetan markings on face and legs possible1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Carea Leonés. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High; a traditional herding dog bred to work sheep.1

The story where it all began

Shepherds in León have long used this dog to manage their flocks. It gained official status as a Spanish breed in 2016, and a written standard followed in 2018.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The merle form is called 'arlequinado' (harlequin) in Spanish.1
2
Merle Careas can have odd eyes or eyes with bluish-white patches.1
3
It entered Spain's official catalogue of livestock breeds in 2016, with its written standard following two years later.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name 'Carea Leonés' comes from the Spanish verb 'carear', meaning 'to drive or guide livestock', combined with 'Leonés' referring to its origin in the province of León, Spain.2

Name ideas for your new friend

LeónPastorOvejaSierraRíoMontañaCastañoLoboCabraTrigoPradoBravo

A day in the life told by a Carea Leonés

I wake with the sun, ready for work. My human whistles, and I run to gather the sheep. I circle them, keeping them together, my eyes sharp and my legs quick. The hills are steep, but I know every path. I bring the flock to the pasture, then lie in the grass, watching. After lunch, I help move the sheep to a new field. In the evening, I walk home with my human, tired and proud. I rest by the fire, my tail thumping. This is the life I love.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Spanish government (Catálogo Oficial de Razas de Ganado de España): Added to the official breed catalogue in 2016; breed standard published by the Junta de Castilla y León in 2018.1
Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE): Recognised; listed among the Spanish breeds the RSCE considers vulnerable.1
FCI: Not recognised.1

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Carea Leonés, and at what times?

Feed your Carea Leonés at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Regular meal times help their digestion, so try to feed at the same times each day. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.1 3

What should a Carea Leonés eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving human foods like avocado, alcohol, or raw meat.1 4

How often should I bathe a Carea Leonés?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Carea Leonés need brushing?

Brush your Carea Leonés weekly to keep their medium-length coat and dense undercoat free of tangles and loose hair. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and keeps their coat healthy.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Carea Leonés's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Carea Leonés need?

This breed has high activity needs as a traditional herding dog, so daily walks and play are essential. Aim for at least an hour of exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Carea Leonés's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week using dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since their floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer part gently.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Carea Leonés live?

The typical lifespan varies, but many dogs of this size live around 10 to 14 years. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help them live a long, happy life.1

Is a Carea Leonés good with children and other pets?

As a herding breed, they can be good with children and other pets if properly socialized from a young age. Their herding instinct might lead them to try to herd small children or animals, so supervision and training are important.1

Can a Carea Leonés be left alone?

This breed is very people-oriented and may not do well when left alone for long periods. They can become anxious or bored, so it's best to provide company or a dog walker if you're away. Start training early to help them feel secure.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.