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.12
how to spot oneLobito Herreño coat and colours
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.12
Comes inlight or dark grey with pale maskreddish with pale masksolid whitesolid cream12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksLobito Herreño exercise needs
A working herding dog that suits an active home with daily exercise and ideally some herding or similar tasks.1
the hands-on bitsLobito Herreño grooming and care
Short coat that thickens in winter; brushing during seasonal coat change is usually all that is needed.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.3
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.4
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.5
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.15
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.5
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
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.5
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.12
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Lobito Herreño costs
Running costs for a Lobito Herreño, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Lobito Herreño legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Lobito Herreño in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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.6
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.
where it all beganLobito Herreño history
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.21
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
Perro Majorero
Pastor Garafiano
Presa Canario