Lobito Herreño
Also known as Perro de Pastor Herreño · Lobo Herreño · Herreño Wolfdog
Spain, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 52–55 cm
- Weight
- 18–22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Wolf-like
- Loyal
- Wary of strangers
- Hardy
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Lobito Herreño is a medium-sized, wolf-like herding dog from El Hierro, the smallest of the main Canary Islands. Its name means 'little wolf of El Hierro', and it is usually grey or reddish with a paler mask, though white and cream dogs also occur. It is rare and largely confined to the Canaries.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 52–55 cm
- Adult weight
- 18–22 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
12–14 years
Most Lobito Herreños live 12–14 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
Traditionally it is devoted to its own shepherd and reserved or suspicious with people it does not know. It is a working dog with a primitive look and a matching independent streak, so steady socialisation from puppyhood is important.
- Wolf-like
- Loyal
- Wary of strangers
- Hardy
Food
For a typical 20 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,060 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 800 ml–1.2 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 move flocks over steep volcanic terrain, it needs plenty of daily activity and does best with a job, such as herding, long hikes or dog sports.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat thickens in winter and needs only a weekly brush, with a little more during seasonal moults.
Health
Few of these dogs live outside the Canary Islands, so finding one usually means contacting the island breed association. With the decline of shepherding, more are now kept as companions, but they still suit an active, rural home best. There is little published health information.
The breed can be prone to
- No well-documented breed-specific health problems
- Little published health data
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring (sensible for any working breed)
Not every Lobito Herreño is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Its origins are uncertain; it may come from dogs brought to the Canaries from the eighteenth century onwards. In 2013 the Spanish kennel club listed it as a regional dog population and published a draft standard. A 2021 regional parliament resolution protecting native island breeds discussed but did not include it.
- Country of origin
- Spain
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- Listed by the Real Sociedad Canina de España as a regional canine population (grupo étnico canino) with a draft standard; not recognised as a breed by the RSCE, FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Lobito Herreño right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
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 12–14 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.
Lobito Herreño FAQ
How big does a Lobito Herreño get?
Adult Lobito Herreños typically stand about 52–55 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 18–22 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Lobito Herreños live?
Typically 12–14 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 Lobito Herreño 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 Lobito Herreño need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Lobito Herreños easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Lobito Herreños shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Lobito Herreños good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Lobito Herreño live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Lobito Herreños have?
The breed can be prone to no well-documented breed-specific health problems, little published health data. Not every Lobito Herreño 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.