Can de Chira

Dog breed

Overview

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.

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. The Can de Chira was formerly widely distributed in the Province of Huesca and in neighbouring areas; it was used by the shepherds of Aragon, and by those of Navarre, Occitanie and Catalonia. In the twenty-first century the small number of remaining animals are concentrated principally in the comarcas of Ribagorza and Sobrarbe.

Every pet is one of a kind. This guide covers what's typical for the breed, but your own dog or cat will have their own personality, quirks and needs — think of it as a friendly starting point, not the final word. Whenever you'd like advice tailored to your companion, the team at OC Pets is always happy to help.
Sources (reused under open licences, with thanks): Wikipedia — “Can de Chira” (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikidata (CC0) · image (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) · Compiled by OC Pets Veterinary Clinic, updated 15-06-2026.