Pet Wiki

Can de Chira

Also called Perro pastor altoaragonés

Good-natured, faithful and eager to please, it is bright, obedient and disciplined at work, and shows an interest in livestock from a young age.

SizeMedium
Weight12 to 20 kg (26 to 44 lb)males 16 to 20 kg, females 12 to 16 kg12
Height38 to 47 cm (15 to 19 in)males 42 to 47 cm, females 38 to 43 cm12
CoatMedium-length coat
OriginSpain, Alto Aragón in the province of Huesca (Pyrenees); today mostly in the Ribagorza and Sobrarbe districts.12
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
clever, willing worker
loyal to its owner
natural herding instinct
2

Personality what they are like

Good-natured, faithful and eager to please, it is bright, obedient and disciplined at work, and shows an interest in livestock from a young age.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Can de Chira. 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length coat

A compact, square herding dog with a small wedge-shaped head. The coat is semi-long, fuller on the belly, legs, 'trousers' and neck and shorter on the head.12

Coloursblack with white or light grey markingsround light patches above the eyes12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A true working herder used with both sheep and cattle, so it thrives on daily activity and tasks.12

The story where it all began

Shepherds in the Pyrenees have used dogs like this for centuries, and photographs go back to the early 1900s. The breed became very scarce, but a recovery effort grew the known dogs from about six to more than eighty by early 2015.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In Aragonese the name roughly means 'a dog for turning the livestock'.2

  2. 2

    Breed rescuers used social media to track down surviving dogs, raising the count from around 6 to over 80 by 2015.2

  3. 3

    The earliest known photographs of these herding dogs date from the early twentieth century.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name "Can de Chira" comes from the ancient "fabla aragonesa," the local language of the region until recently.3

Name ideas for your new friend

RayoBrisaPequeFielSolLunaTruenoEstrellaPirineoRocaValienteNieve

A day in the life told by a Can de Chira

I wake up with the sun, stretch my legs, and check on the sheep. The grass is wet with dew, and I love the smell of the morning. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears, and I wag my tail. We walk the fields together, and I round up a few stragglers. At noon, I rest under a big oak tree, watching the clouds. In the afternoon, there's a new calf to guide, and I feel important. Back home, I curl up by the fire, happy and tired. Tomorrow, I'll do it all again.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel clubs
Not recognised by any major kennel club.1

How many over 80 documented dogs2

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

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

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. 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 Can de Chira, and at what times?

Feed your adult Can de Chira at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help their digestion, so offer food at the same times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Can de Chira eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed your Can de Chira a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, among others. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Can de Chira?

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 keep its coat healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Can de Chira need brushing?

Brush your Can de Chira weekly to keep its medium-length coat free of tangles and loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, which helps maintain a healthy, shiny coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Can de Chira's nails, and how often?

Trim your Can de Chira's nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Can de Chira need?

This active herding dog thrives on daily activity and tasks, so plan for daily walks and play sessions. Pet Wiki's plan recommends exercise every day to keep it happy and healthy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Can de Chira's teeth and ears?

Brush your Can de Chira's teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears if needed, and never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Can de Chira live?

The lifespan of a Can de Chira varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific information. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help your dog live a long, happy life.

Is a Can de Chira good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is good-natured, faithful, and eager to please, making it generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized. It shows an interest in livestock from a young age, so early training helps.2

Can a Can de Chira be left alone?

This breed is a true working herder that thrives on daily activity and tasks, so it may not do well left alone for long periods. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consult a good breeder for specific advice.12

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? [email protected].

  1. Can de Chira - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size, coat, history
  2. Can de chira - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, name, conservation, coat
  3. candechira.org candechira.org
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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