Morphometric and Phaneroptic Characteristics of Goat Livestock Guardian Dogs in Southern Ecuador

Abstract

In southern Ecuador, 73% of the country's goats are raised under extensive production systems, which exposes them to various threats, particularly attacks by predators such as pumas and feral dogs. As a result, farmers have adopted strategies to protect their livestock, including the use of a specific type of guardian dog of creole origin, locally known as the “Ganacho dog.” The objective of this study was to determine the morphometric and phaneroptic characteristics of these livestock guardian dogs. A sample of 60 adult males and females was obtained through field visits across the entire ecosystem. Data were collected on 23 morphometric measurements and 10 phaneroptic traits. The results indicate that the Ganacho dog is a medium-sized breed (47.7 ± 5.2 cm in height and 57.1 ± 5.9 cm in body length), ellipometric in body structure, with an average live weight of 18.6 ± 5.1 kg. The breed exhibits excellent thoracic development (thoracic depth: 21.7 ± 2.6 cm; thoracic circumference: 61.7 ± 5.5 cm; chest width: 13.4 ± 2.4 cm) and a dolichocephalic head type. Sexual dimorphism was observed in favor of males (p < 0.05) in terms of thoracic circumference and posterior wrist width. Phaneroptically, these dogs possess short, straight hair lying close to the body. Coat color varied: light brown (32%), black (8%), mixed patterns such as wolfish, tabby, or roan (42%), and spotted (15%). Most animals displayed a calm temperament (70%), a curvilinear fronto-nasal profile with a prominent stop, and pigmented labial mucosa (95%) and nose (truffle) (93%). The majority had brown eyes and exhibited polydactyly (60%), particularly in the forelimbs. Nails were predominantly mixed and pigmented (57%). The ears were typically semi-erect to drooping (92%), and dentition included a pincer bite (57%) and a scissor bite (43%). This study provides a preliminary standard for the Ganacho dog, offering a basis for selection and genetic improvement efforts.