Pet Wiki

Pastor Garafiano

Also called Pastor de Garafía, Garafian Shepherd

A mild-natured, watchful guardian that is protective without being aggressive.

SizeLarge
Weight24 to 40 kg (53 to 88 lb)males 30 to 40 kg, females 24 to 30 kg1
Height55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 in)males 57 to 65 cm, females 55 to 63 cm1
CoatMedium-long
OriginGarafía, on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.12
Rare breedShort profile
gentle and protective
agile herder on steep ground
alert, intelligent expression
21

Personality what they are like

A mild-natured, watchful guardian that is protective without being aggressive. It is first and foremost a herding dog but also takes well to training and family life.2

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-long

A plentiful coat of fairly long hair, soft to slightly rough, gathering into fuller feathering around the ears, neck, tail and leg edges while staying short on the muzzle and lower legs. Eyes are slanted and honey-toned.2

Coloursfawn (leonado) in various shadesbrindleblack with fawn markings (grajo)very pale, almost white (barquillo)2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • 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 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working goat and sheep herder bred for steep, rocky terrain, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and a job to do.12

Company who they like around

Suited to working closely with a shepherd or family and adapts to companionship roles.2

The story where it all began

The breed's roots on La Palma are believed to reach back to pre-Hispanic times. Crossbreeding from the 1960s pushed it close to disappearing, until local enthusiasts formed a conservation group in 1980 that grew into the Spanish Pastor Garafiano association, and the RSCE recognised it in the early 2000s.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Dogs born with double dewclaws on the hind legs are called 'quinqueños' by local breeders.2

  2. 2

    When greeting a stranger it often gives a loose bark while folding back its ears, wagging and tilting its head slightly.2

  3. 3

    Puppies are born brown and change to their adult colour as they grow, and small white chest or toe marks tend to fade.2

  4. 4

    Because it was selected purely for working ability, individual dogs still vary quite a lot in appearance.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name derives from that of the comarca of Garafía, in the north of the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, where the breed was most common.1

Name ideas for your new friend

LunaRoccoSombraPicoCanelaTruenoOliviaCieloNubeValienteEstrellaBruno

A day in the life told by a Pastor Garafiano

I woke up on the porch of our mountain home, sniffing the cool air. My human gave me a gentle pat and said, 'Time to check the flock.' I trotted beside the sheep, keeping a watchful eye on the steep cliffs. A stray goat wandered off, I gave a soft woof and guided it back. After the work was done, we sat together on a rock, watching the sunset. I leaned against my human's leg, content. At night, I curled up by the fire, my nose twitching with happy dreams of green hills.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE)
Officially recognised in Spain (2003 per English Wikipedia, 2004 per Spanish Wikipedia); listed among Spain's vulnerable breeds.1
FCI
Not listed as an FCI breed in the sources consulted.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

  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

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

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 Pastor Garafiano, and at what times?

Adult Pastor Garafianos do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times each day, and you can check the food label or ask your vet for exact amounts.3 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Pastor Garafiano 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, so keep these away from your dog.4

How often should I bathe a Pastor Garafiano?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Always use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pastor Garafiano need brushing?

Brush your Pastor Garafiano every three days, and daily during heavy shedding periods. Their medium-long coat benefits from regular brushing to prevent mats and keep it healthy.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pastor Garafiano's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pastor Garafiano need?

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and a job to do, as they were bred for herding in steep terrain. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play, and they thrive with active owners.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pastor Garafiano's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for guidance on ear cleaning.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pastor Garafiano live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for breed-specific estimates. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help your dog live a long, happy life.

Is a Pastor Garafiano good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are mild-natured, protective without being aggressive, and adapt well to family life. They are herding dogs that can get along with children and other pets when properly socialized.2

Can a Pastor Garafiano be left alone?

They are suited to working closely with a shepherd or family and may not do well left alone for long periods. Provide plenty of companionship and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.2

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. Pastor Garafiano - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, history, traits
  2. Pastor garafiano - Wikipedia (Spanish) es.wikipedia.orgused for coat, colours, temperament, history, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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