Official Standard of the Breed OVELHEIRO GAUCHO Classification on CBKC: Group 11 - Breeds not recognized by FCI Standard CBKC

NR 05 Country of Origin: Brazil Original Name: Ovelheiro Gaucho Utilization: Shepherd

Sergio Meira Lopes de Castro - President of CBKC

Domingos Josu Cruz Setta- President of Canine Council Colaborators: Paulo Jos Ramos de Azevedo Milton Almeida Leyla Hias Norte Rebelo Telmo Souza Lima Filho Translation: Gibran Hallal

BRIEF HISTORY OF OVELHEIRO GAUCHO: Thats the Gauchos dog, faithful and inseparable companion. The State of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), with its vast territory has always been conducive to local agriculture and livestock. Since the remote beginning of settlement, when they began to wander by the immensity of the pampas, the Amerindians, the first Spanish and Portuguese adventurers, the fields were enriched because of the large herds of horses from some horses and mares that were saved from a shipwreck in 1512, and the valuable herds of cattle, coming mainly from the Jesuit missions. Also the sheep breeding began to have great influence on the local economy. To help with the care of livestock, dogs began to be used with great acceptance. These dogs being descended from herding dogs, they have great qualities required in dealing with the delicate sheep, but also know how to lead a herd of cattle when necessary. The Gaucho learned how to value his inseparable companion, because with two or three dogs an only worker can take care an entire herd of cattle grazing. In certain properties, the worker was hired according to the ovelheiro (shepherd) dog he had. FUNCTION: The Ovelheiro Gaucho is a dog directly related to the field work, with the mission of following the workers in their daily rural labors, performing the function of leading the sheep, taking them in the field and leading them to the pickets. Saving and protecting them even from other animals, dogs and strangers are also functions of this race. While at work, moving the herds of sheep from pasture to pasture, travels along side the herd or behind it, or returning to the rear to check the laggards and that, eventually, have strayed from the herd in order to keep it together. When the herd is installed, the dogs lie on guard position. In daily farm work, it is common to them to do the whole work alone, dispensing, including men company. We can add that Ovelheiro Gaucho works not only with sheep but also with any herd. On Gaucho fields, when you hire a farm worker, it is essential he knows how to handle with dogs. A good Ovelheiro replaces easily three men at work and a farm worker without a dog is half worker.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Of medium size and structure, with not very long coat, it has great strength, agility and hardiness. TEMPERAMENT: easily adaptable to obey the commands, without being aggressive with the sheep. Docile and friendly with people with whom they live. HEAD: Of medium size in right proportion to the body. Viewed from above, has a triangular shape. CRANIAL REGION Skull: 1:1 ratio skull-muzzle. Stop: Moderate. FACIAL REGION Nose: black, in black and white colored, may be lighter in gold coats. And in Merles may have partial depigmentation. Muzzle: Strong and straight. Lips: labial dry, well pigmented, dark, according to coat color. Teeth: Scissor bit. Eyes: Almond shaped, preferably dark; in merles, there may be an eye with two colors or one eye of each color. Ears: Set high, triangular, insert high, erect, semi-erect or pending in the shape of button. NECK: Strong and without dewlap. BODY: Deep and broad chest. Back: Strong and firm. Top line slightly elevated on the back. Loin: Short and slightly rounded croup. Underline: Slightly tucked up. TAIL: Thick at the base, set high, carried low, may curl on end, with long fur on the underside. While at work, it can rise above the top line. QUARTERS Forequarters: Forelegs straight, parallel, firm, hare feet, with strong digits. Hindquarters: with good propulsion, well bent and short hocks. COAT HAIR: must be adapted to the weather and climate change. Medium and abundant hair. Thinner coat on elbows and hocks.

COLOR: All colors are allowed. HEIGHT: Males and females: 55 to 65 cm. MOVEMENT: great potential for locomotion with long strides and fluent.