The Pachón Navarro Dog Breed

Pachon Navarro: The Spanish Pointer

The Pachon Navarro is a medium-sized breed hailing from Spain, originally bred to assist in hunting expeditions and bird tracking. This breed is a family-oriented dog that thrives on interactions with its human companions and is best suited for owners who lead active lifestyles. These dogs are characterized by their strength, loyalty, and intelligence, and bear a distinctive, smooth, short, and slightly curly coat.

As an active breed, Pachon Navarros require daily physical and mental stimulation through exercise and training. Their needs might be best met by an owner who has experience and confidence in handling active dogs. A spacious environment is ideal for them to freely roam and play, therefore apartment living is not ideal for this breed.

Origin and History

The Pachón Navarro is considered one of the oldest pointer breeds, originating in the medieval times of Europe. During this era, hunting was a prominent occupation and the Pachon was employed widely in Spain under various names. However, it faced extinction in the 1970s. After years of concerted efforts, the breed was successfully revived in 1979.

In the 1800s, the Pachon population expanded significantly and was recognized by breed standards. Unfortunately, a viral disease known as myxomatosis devastated the Pachon population in the 1950s. Thanks to a few individuals found in remote locations, the breed was saved from complete extinction. In 2010, the Spanish government officially recognized the breed and included it in the list of dog breeds.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The Pachon Navarro is known for its kind, loving, and gentle nature towards its human companions. They are active dogs that require plenty of space for play, thus they may not be suitable for apartment living. Pachons are hunting breeds that exhibit remarkable focus and patience when hunting small game animals and birds.

Behavior: As active individuals, Pachon Navarros need daily exercise and activities to keep them engaged. Neglecting their physical and mental needs can lead to destructive and mischievous behaviors. Their strong and independent nature necessitates early and consistent training to ensure they grow up well-behaved.

Personality: This Spanish breed is playful, loving, and bonded strongly to its human family members. Eager to participate in any fun activity, they enjoy games like fetch and tug-of-war. Pachon Navarros tend to get sulky and depressed when left alone for prolonged periods since they crave constant companionship. They are protective of their family and will defend them in any situation.

Trainability

Pachon Navarros are family-centric and eager to please their owners, which makes them quick learners. This trait can make training sessions both enjoyable and productive. However, new dog owners might find training a bit challenging as their personality traits can change as they mature. Regular, consistent training can enhance their mental and physical wellbeing.

Is Pachon Navarro Child-Friendly?

Pachon Navarros are typically friendly dogs that can get along well with children and other dogs, provided they have been properly socialized. They are known for their gentle and kind behavior towards children. However, it’s important to train both the dog and the children to interact appropriately and always supervise their play sessions. Some Pachon Navarros may not tolerate rough play and could exhibit aggressive behavior if provoked.

Facts

– Pachon Navarro is one of only three breeds that have a double (split) nose, along with Catalburun and Andean Tiger-hound.
– This breed is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Health Issues

With proper care and a balanced diet, Pachon Navarros are generally healthy dogs. However, they are prone to certain genetic health issues.

Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when the “ball and socket” joints do not develop properly as the dog matures. It can result in hip pain and limping. This health issue can also be hereditary, so it’s important to check the parents’ health history. Hip replacement surgery can alleviate this condition.

Epilepsy: This is a common condition in dogs that causes repeated seizures. Symptoms usually emerge at a young age and can range from mild to life-threatening. Triggers can include low sugar levels, heat exhaustion, and nutritional imbalance.