Gaucho Sheepdog
Also known as Ovelheiro Gaúcho · Brazilian Sheepdog · Brazilian Collie
Brazil, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 55–65 cm
- Weight
- 20–30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Intelligent
- Agile
- Alert
- Friendly
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Gaucho Sheepdog is a collie-type herding dog from the pampas of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. It is medium-sized, a little larger than a Border Collie and slightly smaller than a show Rough Collie, with a moderate-length coat in almost any colour. It is valued for being sturdy, agile and quick to learn.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 55–65 cm
- Adult weight
- 20–30 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–15 years
Most Gaucho Sheepdogs live 12–15 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
It is usually gentle and friendly with its family and calm with the animals it herds. It notices anything unusual, such as a stranger or strange dog, and will raise the alarm, though it rarely goes further than that.
- Intelligent
- Agile
- Alert
- Friendly
Food
For a typical 25 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,250 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1 L–1.5 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayBred to work stock over large distances, it needs a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Herding, agility and obedience work all suit it well.
Grooming & shedding
Brush the coat weekly, and more often during shedding seasons. Dogs with a full undercoat will shed more than those without.
Health
It learns commands readily and does best with an active owner who will give it a real job. Without enough to do, a herding dog can become restless or invent its own work. It is rarely seen outside Brazil, and little health information has been published.
The breed can be prone to
- Little published breed-specific health data
- Hip dysplasia (a general risk in dogs of this size)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Eye examination
Not every Gaucho Sheepdog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
According to the breed association, collie-type herding dogs arrived in Rio Grande do Sul with European settlers in the late nineteenth century. Gaúcho ranchers then selected them for herding skill and suitability to the local climate. When Border Collies arrived in the 1950s with Australian Merino sheep, breeders kept the two apart because of their different working styles.
- Country of origin
- Brazil
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia (CBKC); not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Gaucho Sheepdog right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–15 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Gaucho Sheepdog FAQ
How big does a Gaucho Sheepdog get?
Adult Gaucho Sheepdogs typically stand about 55–65 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 20–30 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Gaucho Sheepdogs live?
Typically 12–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Gaucho Sheepdog need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Gaucho Sheepdog need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Gaucho Sheepdogs easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Gaucho Sheepdogs shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Gaucho Sheepdogs good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Gaucho Sheepdog live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Gaucho Sheepdogs have?
The breed can be prone to little published breed-specific health data, hip dysplasia (a general risk in dogs of this size). Not every Gaucho Sheepdog is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.