What few people know is that in recent times two unique breeds of Chilean dogs have been identified and are seeking international recognition: the Chilean Terrier and the Magellanic Ovejero or Barbucho Magallánico.
Popularized by the famous dog from the comic strips of Condoritothe Washington. There are antecedents of its presence in Chile since colonial times, when European immigrants arrived to our coasts along with specimens of Smooth-coated Fox Terrier y Bodeguero Andaluz, that when crossed with national mestizos gave life to this specimen. In spite of having developed in the estates, due to the migration from the countryside to the city, with time they became urban dogs with more docile characteristics, and were used as expert mouse hunters.
This small Chilean dog has a balanced and elegant appearance, its short coat is predominantly white, except for its head, which stands out for being black or brown, with tan markings around the eyes and cheeks.
The Chilean Terrier is a very lively, attentive, courageous dog, with a great memory, extremely energetic and with great adaptability to its environment, which makes it ideal to be incorporated into various family situations.
Less known than the Chilean Terrier, this specimen was developed in the southern lands of southern Chile. There is no clear information about the ancestry of the first specimens, what is known for sure is that at the end of the 19th century, groups of people arrived in this southern area with various herding dogs, which were crossed and adapted to the cold climate of the region, giving way to this new breed of Chilean dog.
It is a medium-sized dog that can reach 50 centimeters in its natural pose. Their thick and long coat stands out for allowing them to withstand the low temperatures of southern Chile and repel snow. Its coat is usually dark in color on its trunk, with lighter colored legs, chest and face, but nevertheless, specimens with different shades can be seen.
The greatest attraction of this Chilean dog lies in its behavior; an intelligent, submissive and faithful dog, with an innate instinct for herding sheep. It is one of the few sheepdogs in the world capable of keeping up with muleteers on horseback for more than 30 kilometers a day, guarding groups of a thousand sheep among only five companions. Definitely a key piece in the herding in the extreme south of Chile.