Ovelheiro Gaucho  

  History 

The Ovelheiro Gaúcho developed in the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sol, first as a working sheepdog and later as a cow dog. This development was completely unplanned and began during the late 1800s when European immigrants began to bring Collies with them to Brazil. These Collies in turn mated with local dogs, creating a breed capable of handling the local conditions. During the 1950s, Merino sheep were heavily imported and along with them came Border Collies to help herd them. These Border Collies were crossed to the descendants of the original Collie imports, helping to create the Ovelheiro Gaúcho. When the price of wool began to drop many ranchers in Brazil switched from sheep to cattle, although they continued to use the Ovelheiro Gaúcho to herd for them. This did change the breed slightly as it required a slightly larger dog. This meant that a dog with more Collie blood than Border Collie blood was needed, and this was what was bred for. Despite remaining a working breed to this day, the Ovelheiro Gaúcho was recognized by the national kennel club of Brazil, the Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia, on April 20, 2000. This recognition was due in large part to the creation of the breed's studbook, which was largely carried out by Milton José Rodrigues de Almeida Filho.

Description The Ovelheiro Gaúcho (Gaucho Shepherd) was developed in Rio Grande do Sol, 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 Gaúcho 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.

Country of Origin: Brazil Breed Status: The Ovelheiro Gaúcho is nationally recognized in Brazil, but nowhere else.

Distribution: The Ovelheiro Gaúcho can be found largely in southern Brazil. Unregistered, but similar dogs can also be found in Chile and Argentina.

Etymology: Ovelheiro Gaúcho is Portuguese for Gaucho Shepherd, a name given to the breed for its use in herding by Brazilian cowboys (gaúchos).

Other Name: Gaucho Shepherd, Brazilian Sheepdog.

Appearance  The Ovelheiro Gaúcho is a medium sized herding breed. The height for both males and females ranges from 21,65 to 25,59 inches (55 to 65 cm).

The head is average in size and from above appears to form a triangle. The skull and muzzle are the same length. The stop is moderate. The muzzle is strong and straight. The nose is black, although merle colored dogs may lack some pigmentation.

The Ovelheiro Gaúcho has a scissors bite. The almond shaped eyes are normally dark in color, although merle colored dogs may have eyes of another color or even two different colored eyes. The high-set, triangular ears may be carried erect, semi-erect, or button. The neck is strong and smooth. The chest is wide and deep. The back is strong and firm. The Ovelheiro Gaúcho possesses a hare foot. The tail is thick at the base, high-set and carried low when the dog is at rested.

When working or excited, the breed may carry its tail of the line of its back. The abundant coat is adapted for a range of climates. The coat is medium in length, but shorter on the elbows and stifles and longer on the tail. The Ovelheiro Gaúcho may occur in any color.

Personality and uses  Since its creation, the Ovelheiro Gaúcho has been an inseparable part of ranching in Brazil. Gaúchos commonly use two or three members of the breed to help them herd. The Ovelheiro Gaúcho continues to be used to herd both sheep and cattle, possessing the top qualities of a shepherd and also the more forceful nature demanded of a cattle dog.

The breed is also used to protect its herd or flock from strange animals and people. The Ovelheiro Gaúcho is intelligent and learns commands easily. The breed is also said to be adaptable and willing to please.

Faults   Any departure from foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact propotion to its degree.

Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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