Lobito Herreño

Also called Lobo Herreño, Perro de Pastor Herreño

Devoted to its own person and naturally reserved with people it does not know.

Size	Medium
Weight	18 to 22 kg (40 to 49 lb)males 22 kg, females 18 kg1 2
Height	52 to 54 cm (20 to 21 in)males 54 cm, females 52 cm1 2
Coat	Short coat
Origin	Spain: the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands, with smaller numbers on Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife.1 2

Rare breedShort profile

skilled herder of small livestock

loyal to its owner

light, efficient mover

Personality what they are like

Devoted to its own person and naturally reserved with people it does not know. It has a strong natural talent for moving sheep and goats.1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

A medium, wolf-like dog with a straight profile, triangular skull, narrow muzzle, small brown eyes and short triangular ears. Its short coat grows longer and denser in winter. It moves with a light, ground-covering trot.1 2

Colourslight or dark grey with pale maskreddish with pale masksolid whitesolid cream1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Lobito Herreño. 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

A working herding dog that suits an active home with daily exercise and ideally some herding or similar tasks.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Short coat that thickens in winter; brushing during seasonal coat change is usually all that is needed.1

The story where it all began

The dog's early origins on El Hierro are not known for certain, though some think it comes from dogs brought to the islands from the 18th century on. Shepherds used it to handle flocks of small livestock, and as herding declined it has increasingly become a family companion.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its name comes from its wolf-like, primitive look; 'lobo' is Spanish for wolf.2
2
A 2009 study measured 55 of these dogs on El Hierro and found average heights of about 54.7 cm for males and 52.6 cm for females.2
3
Its trot is so low and gliding that the feet barely seem to leave the ground.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Lobito Herreño' means 'little wolf of El Hierro' in Spanish, referring to its wolf-like appearance and its origin on the Canary Island of El Hierro.3

Name ideas for your new friend

HierroBrezoLavaPiedraLunaSombraRayoChispaPastorFlintTrotterCabra

A day in the life told by a Lobito Herreño

I greet the dawn with a stretch, then circle the goats to make sure all is well. My human brings coffee to the corral, and I lean against her leg, my favorite spot. When a ewe strays toward the cliff, I zip after her, a quick nip at her heel to steer her back. The flock settles under the midday sun, and I lie on a warm rock, one ear twitching at every bleat. In the evening, we walk home together. I check each shadow before my human closes the gate. Then I dream of sheep, safe and sound.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE): Listed among the RSCE's 'grupos étnicos caninos' (ethnic canine groups) since 2013; a draft standard was published that year. Not recognised by the FCI.1
Asociación para la Recuperación del Perro Lobo Herreño: Breed society working to preserve the dog.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

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

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

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 Lobito Herreño, and at what times?

Feed your adult Lobito Herreño at least two meals a day at consistent times, and puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and your vet for exact amounts. This keeps their energy steady and digestion happy.4

What should a Lobito Herreño eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited for active breeds is a great choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a diet that fits your dog's needs.5

How often should I bathe a Lobito Herreño?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, using a dog-safe shampoo. Their short coat is easy to keep clean.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Lobito Herreño need brushing?

Brush your Lobito Herreño weekly, and more often during seasonal coat changes when the coat thickens. This keeps their short coat healthy and reduces shedding. It's a simple, bonding routine.1 6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Lobito Herreño's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time to avoid the quick, and if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance. Regular trims keep paws comfortable.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Lobito Herreño need?

Your Lobito Herreño needs daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as walks, play, and ideally herding or similar tasks. They are an active working breed that thrives with a job to do. A tired dog is a happy dog.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Lobito Herreño's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently; never insert anything into the ear canal. This prevents problems and keeps them healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Lobito Herreño live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care. For typical longevity for this breed, please ask your vet or a good breeder. They can give you the best estimate based on health and lineage.

Is a Lobito Herreño good with children and other pets?

The Lobito Herreño is devoted to its family and can be good with children if properly socialized, though it may be reserved with strangers. Its strong herding instinct might lead it to try to herd other pets, so early socialization is key.1 2

Can a Lobito Herreño be left alone?

This breed is very devoted to its owner and may not enjoy long periods alone. They are working dogs that need company and activity. Start with short absences and train gradually 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.