Villano de Las Encartaciones
Also called Enkarterriko Billano, Villanu
From Spain (Las Encartaciones / Enkarterri, Biscay, Basque Country)1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Petplan gives 28–35 kg without separating the sexes; it also gives an overall height of 55–63 cm.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short hard coat
A strong, athletic working dog with a straight, dense and close-lying coat about 1 to 3 cm long.1
Personality what they are like
A courageous yet steady dog that is devoted to its family and responds well to training and early socialisation.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A working cattle dog that needs daily exercise plus mental tasks such as training games.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat only needs regular brushing, plus routine nail and ear care.2
Home where they are happiest
Suited to homes with space and an active lifestyle; traditionally kept on mountain farms.21
The story where it all began
The Villano was developed in the hills of Las Encartaciones to handle the semi-wild Monchina cattle, bringing them down from high pastures in autumn. Farmers once used a smaller driving dog alongside a larger catch dog, and from the 1960s crossed the two to create one dog able to do both jobs. A breed club formed in 1997 and the Basque Government recognised the breed in 2001.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Basque Government
- Recognised as a traditional Basque breed by decree in 20011
- Spanish Government
- Added to the official list of Spanish breeds in 20051
- Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE)
- Not officially recognised; listed among Spanish breeds in recovery1
How many Fewer than 200 dogs in the stud-book1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Villano de Las Encartaciones. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Villano de Las Encartaciones, and at what times?
Feed your adult Villano at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps his digestion. For exact portions, follow the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Villano de Las Encartaciones eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Offer a high-quality dog food suited to his age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for a balanced diet.5
How often should I bathe a Villano de Las Encartaciones?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe him more often if he gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep his short coat clean.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Villano de Las Encartaciones need brushing?
Brush your Villano weekly with a rubber curry brush to remove loose hair and keep his coat shiny. His short, dense coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing.216 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Villano de Las Encartaciones's nails, and how often?
Trim his nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut small bits at a time to avoid the quick; if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Villano de Las Encartaciones need?
This active working dog needs daily exercise like walks and play, plus mental challenges such as training games. He thrives with an active lifestyle and plenty of space to move.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Villano de Las Encartaciones's teeth and ears?
Brush his teeth at least every other day with a dog-safe toothpaste, and check his floppy ears weekly for moisture. Gently dry them if needed, and never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Villano de Las Encartaciones live?
A healthy Villano de Las Encartaciones typically lives 10 to 12 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, active life.2
Is a Villano de Las Encartaciones good with children and other pets?
This devoted family dog responds well to early socialisation, so he can be good with children and other pets when raised together. Individual temperament varies, so ask a good breeder for specific advice.2
Can a Villano de Las Encartaciones be left alone?
This loyal breed prefers company and may not enjoy long periods alone. With gradual training and plenty of enrichment, he can learn to be comfortable for short times. For specific guidance, consult a good breeder.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Villano de Las Encartaciones en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, height, coat, colour, numbers
- Petplan Spain: Villano de Las Encartaciones petplan.esused for weight, lifespan, temperament, care
- Wikipedia: Villanuco de Las Encartaciones en.wikipedia.orgused for five Basque breeds fact
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.