Pastor Garafiano
Also known as Garafian Shepherd · Pastor de Garafía
Spain, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 50–60 cm
- Weight
- 18–31 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 yrs
- Agile
- Alert
- Hard-working
- Loyal
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Pastor Garafiano is a medium-sized herding dog from La Palma in the Canary Islands, named after the Garafía district in the north of the island. It is an agile, sure-footed dog bred to work goats and sheep on steep, rocky ground. It is listed as vulnerable in Spain and is rare elsewhere.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 50–60 cm
- Adult weight
- 18–31 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 Pastor Garafianos 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
Garafianos are lively, alert and keen to work, and they bond closely with their handlers. Like many herding breeds they can be reserved with strangers and may try to herd people or other animals.
- Agile
- Alert
- Hard-working
- Loyal
Food
For a typical 24.5 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,230 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 980 ml–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 dayThis working dog needs a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Herding, agility or other dog sports are excellent outlets.
Grooming & shedding
The coat benefits from a weekly brush, with more frequent grooming during the moult.
Health
Early socialisation and consistent, reward-based training help channel its herding instinct. It needs an active home, ideally with space. Little has been published on the breed's health, so routine checks and sensible breeding practices matter.
The breed can be prone to
- No breed-specific health problems are well documented
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- General veterinary check before breeding
Not every Pastor Garafiano is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Herding dogs have worked on La Palma since before the Spanish conquest, and later crosses with breeds such as the Belgian shepherds helped shape the modern dog. By the 1960s outcrossing threatened the type, so a conservation group was formed in 1980, later becoming the Spanish breed association. The Real Sociedad Canina de España recognised the breed in 2003.
- Country of origin
- Spain
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Pastor Garafiano 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 12–14 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.
Pastor Garafiano FAQ
How big does a Pastor Garafiano get?
Adult Pastor Garafianos typically stand about 50–60 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 18–31 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Pastor Garafianos 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 Pastor Garafiano 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 Pastor Garafiano need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Pastor Garafianos easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Pastor Garafianos shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Pastor Garafianos 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 Pastor Garafiano live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Pastor Garafianos have?
The breed can be prone to no breed-specific health problems are well documented. Not every Pastor Garafiano 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.