Libro Razas Españolas

Basque Shepherd Dog (Euskal Artzain Txakurra) The Basque Shepherd Dog (Euskal Artzain Txakurra) is a very ancient breed, closely linked with the Basque shepherds since thousands of years, as it is stated by the archaeological remains, some from the Neolithic, and also by the role played by the breed in the Basque popular mythology. There are representations of the Basque Shepherd Dog in frescos from 16th century and later in paintings and prints from 18th century by Paret, Alcázar, Doré, Arrúe among others. Secularly, the breed’s popularity was very high, going beyond the work as shepherd in farmhouses to even become a companion dog. At the end of 19th century, the breed is overshadowed by mastiff dogs, more useful to fight with wolves, especially in Guipuzcoa and Navarre, but remains as the most popular shepherd dog in Alava and Biscay. In the mid 20th century, the popularity of herding contests put the breed again in the spotlight and with the arrival of the Autonomy, in 1978, it started a process of recovering supported by local authorities until the official recognition by the R.S.C.E. in 1995. There are two different varieties of Basque Shepherd Dog (Euskal Artzain Txakurra): Iletsua and Gorbeikoa. Las razas caninas españolas - Spanish canine breeds 63