Can de Chira

Can de Chira
Other namesPerro pastor altoaragonés
OriginAragon (Spain)
Breed statusNot recognised as a breed by any major kennel club.
Traits
Height Males 42–47 cm (17–19 in)
Females 38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Weight Males 16–20 kg (35–45 lb)
Females 12–16 kg (25–35 lb)
Coat mid-length, longer on body and limbs, shorter on head and neck
Colour black with white face, limbs, chest and belly
Dog (domestic dog)
Historic photo showing a Can de Chira (right) and a mastiff (left)

The Can de Chira or Perro pastor altoaragonés is a Spanish breed of herding dog from the mountainous Alto Aragon region in the northern part of the autonomous community of Aragon, in north-eastern Spain.[1]: 522 [2]: 11 

Accounts of similar dogs used by Spanish graziers to herd sheep and cattle date back several centuries; the earliest photographs date from the early twentieth century.[1]: 522 [2]: 11  The Can de Chira was formerly widely distributed in the Province of Huesca and in neighbouring areas;[1]: 522 [2]: 11  it was used by the shepherds of Aragon, and by those of Navarre, Occitanie and Catalonia.[3]: 93  In the twenty-first century the small number of remaining animals are concentrated principally in the comarcas of Ribagorza and Sobrarbe.[1]: 522 [2]: 11 

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  2. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference Pequeños was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference raf was invoked but never defined (see the help page).