OVELHEIRO GAUCHO 
The Ovelheiro Gaucho (Gaucho Shepherd) was developed in Rio Grande
do Sul, the southernmost province of Brazil. At the end of the 19th century,
European immigrants brought in Collies to work on the sheep and cattle ranches
of the region. There was interbreeding with dogs already there, and in the
1950’s Border Collies were imported and contributed to the blend. 
Type has varied, as some breeders preferred a more Border
Collie-like dog, while others, cattle ranchers in particular, preferred a
taller dog with a larger percentage of Collie background. The general tendency
is for a type somewhat in between the Collie and Border Collie. In 2000 the
Ovelheiro Gaucho was recognized as a breed by the Brazilian Kennel
Club.
The Ovelheiro Gaucho is considered to be an excellent working
dog, courageous, intelligent, biddable and hardy. In addition to its use as a
stockdog, it is active in agility competitions.
The coat is medium in
length and all colors are accepted. Height is from 55 to 65
cm.
Herding on the Web
Linda Rorem
e-mail Pacifica19@aol.com