OVELHEIRO GAUCHO

The Ovelheiro Gaucho (Gaucho Shepherd) was developed in Rio 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.