Mucuchies

The origins of the Mucuchies are confused. They come from the Andean region of Venezuela, where they are used to guard herds, and it is thought that they were introduced by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and that their ancestors would include the Spanish Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Aïdi and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. These breeds were mixed with each other, as well as with local Venezuelan dogs, and by around 1926, the Mucuchies could be found throughout Venezuela and beyond. The quality of the breed was declining but in 1961, a club was created to ensure the homogeneity and improvement of the breed and in 1964, the Mucuchies was designated as the national breed of Venezuela. However, the club no longer exists and the future of the breed is uncertain. In 2008, in order to preserve this breed, the Venezuelan Ministry of Tourism, on the initiative of President Hugo Chávez, created the Nevado Foundation to ensure its permanence.

These medium-sized and robust dogs have medium-length hair, shorter along the paws, are generally white in color but some have honey, gray or black spots. Their weight can range from 30 to 50 kg approximately and their height from 56 to 72 cm. They are intelligent, active and affectionate with their loved ones but must be socialized very young because, as guard and herd dogs, they can be aggressive toward strangers. They need space and daily exercise.