ā Verified Ā· Reviewed datavaries by registry
Lobito HerreƱo
Herding breed from El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
Breed overview
Reviewed Ā· Database recordAbout the Lobito HerreƱo
The Lobito HerreƱo is a medium-sized herding dog from the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is a primitive landrace breed with a wolf-like appearance, known for its agility, loyalty, and reserved nature. The breed is intelligent, loyal, energetic, alert, independent, and protective. Its energy level is high (4 out of 5), and it has moderate trainability (3 out of 5). Grooming and shedding are also moderate (3 out of 5). The Lobito HerreƱo is moderately suitable for children and other dogs (3 out of 5) and moderately suitable for apartment living (3 out of 5). Estimated adult weight is 18ā22 kg for both sexes, and estimated height is 52ā54 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12ā15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Lobito HerreƱo at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginEl Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
Lifespan12ā15 years
Male weight18ā22 kilogram
Female weight18ā22 kilogram
Male height52ā54 centimetre
Female height52ā54 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Lobito HerreƱo is a primitive landrace dog native to El Hierro island, descended from ancient dogs brought by pre-Hispanic settlers. It was traditionally used for herding goats and sheep in the volcanic terrain of the island. The breed faced near extinction but was saved by recovery efforts. It was formally recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de EspaƱa (RSCE) in 2013. The breed is also known as Pastor HerreƱo. Its origins are in El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain, and it belongs to the Herding group. The exact timeline of its development and the details of its recovery are not fully documented, but it is considered a rustic breed adapted to the local environment.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
18ā22 kilogramAdult weight52ā54 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalenergeticalertindependentprotective
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1ā5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dogāchild interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency Ā· low confidence
Modelled tendency Ā· low confidence
Modelled tendency Ā· low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Lobito HerreƱo-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Lobito HerreƱo puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight18ā22 kilogramAdult female weight18ā22 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Lobito HerreƱo?
The Lobito HerreƱo is a medium-sized dog. Estimated adult weight is 18ā22 kg for both males and females. Estimated adult height is 52ā54 cm for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 12ā15 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the temperament of a Lobito HerreƱo?
The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, alert, independent, and protective. However, individual dogs may vary. They are moderately suitable for children and other dogs (3 out of 5). Early socialization and training are recommended.
How much exercise does a Lobito HerreƱo need?
The Lobito HerreƱo has a high energy level (4 out of 5). It likely requires regular daily exercise, but specific exercise needs are not detailed in the available facts. As a herding breed, it may benefit from activities that engage its mind and body.
What are the grooming requirements for a Lobito HerreƱo?
Grooming needs are moderate (3 out of 5), and shedding is also moderate (3 out of 5). The coat type is not specified, but regular brushing is likely sufficient. No specific grooming routine is provided.
Is the Lobito HerreƱo suitable for apartment living?
The breed has moderate apartment suitability (3 out of 5). While it can adapt to apartment life if given enough exercise, its high energy level may make a home with a yard more suitable.
Where does the Lobito HerreƱo originate from?
The Lobito HerreƱo originates from El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands, Spain. It is a primitive landrace dog descended from ancient dogs brought by pre-Hispanic settlers. It was traditionally used for herding livestock in volcanic terrain.
Is the Lobito HerreƱo recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. It was formally recognized by the Real Sociedad Canina de EspaƱa (RSCE) in 2013. Recognition by other registries is not specified in the available facts.
Data transparency
ā Published Ā· VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API āThe Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit āCopyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.