Rafeiro do Alentejo Breed Information

Rafeiro do Alentejo profile


Other names     Alentejo Mastiff, Portuguese Mastiff, Mutt of Alentejo

                Portuguese Watchdog

Breed Group:     Not Akc Recognized

Weight:     Male: 110-132; Female: 100-121 lbs

Height:     Male: 27-28; Female: 25-28 inches


Color(s):     Brindle, black, fawn, yellow, wolfgray; Markings of spotted white, black mask.

Life expectancy 12 years

Litter size     9-13

Rafeiro do Alentejo History

The Rafeiro take Alentejo, like all of really the mastiff breeds, is believed to have begin in a line of powerful dogs which followed Alexander the truly amazing through Asia Minor and Europe millennia ago. In Spain and A holiday in greece, the early ancestors of the breed were employed guarding cattle and their new career helped them develop the a number of things guarding characteristics seen today in both breed. Although the breed had been widely known in your town for centuries, it was only officially recognized on the late 1940’s. Just a many years later, the breed began to deteriorate simply because bad breeding practices and had nearly disappeared inside the 1980’s. However, carefully managed breeding programs are situated in place to revitalize the Rafeiro get through Alentejo.




Rafeiro do Alentejo Description

The Rafeiro do Alentejo, this is the Rafeiro of Alentejo, is a vast dog that rather looks in order short haired Saint Bernard. There is a wide, bear like head, and have longer than they are high. They have more length than brawn get a good big dog, but are but the rather bulky and loosely muscled. You use them for centuries as a protecting dog and herding dog of each sheep. The name comes of your region in which they came from, the Alentejo province south of its Lisbon, Portugal. Characteristic of an active guard dog, this Portuguese Mastiff has great guarding tendencies and isn't afraid to be aggressive should the need be. In fact, this breed rarely the good house dog, as that it is naturally more protective than you breeds. It is also hard to command, as it is very willful and hard-headed. They are peaceful around as well as children, but can be jeopardizing to strangers. Their deep bark can be found from a long way away. They need plenty of unit, being used to having nature as their home. The Rafeiro do Alentejo the norad portrayed as "too much dog for most of us. " They are, however, readily training in guarding flocks of sheep, making a fine hunter as well.



Rafeiro do Alentejo Temperament

The breed standardized describes the breed as "sober" (meaning "marked in which seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of work conduct"), his movement as pathetic and rolling, and as undergoing a calm expression. Individual dogs can vary in behaviour and temperament, and puppies ought to be well socialized.




As with all the largest dogs, they are not the dogs for novices. Dogs of this size and type have the possibility to be a danger to rise others if not well socialized young, and are recommended only for all the experienced dog handler who has you time to socialize and train the pooch. This Mountain dog matures gently, are very independent, and often do not react to traditional force methods of obedience training. They are extremely territorial and can protect the sheep, households, and families they think were placed under their upkeep. They are not aggressive but protective and therefore are said to get along extremely well with children.



Rafeiro do Alentejo Care

The Rafeiro do Alentejo sheds heavily every six months. During shedding season, the dog selecting the right brushed thoroughly everyday if now feasible remove dead hair. For all of those other year, the dog would need low care. But just like all other dogs, responsible owners would need to determine the dog's ears, eyes to protect you from possible infection.



Rafeiro do Alentejo Grooming

This breed requires little self care. The coat needs thorough brushing-out during the every six months shedding season. You can get away with little attention the residual year. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is usually a seasonal, heavy shedder.



Rafeiro do Alentejo Training


Early socialization and dog obedience training is absolutely crucial. Rafeiro really do Alentejo's are stubborn and dominating. Therefore, they require a valid and dominant handler. They ' don't respond to harsh or heavy-handed habits. Training must be done inside of motivation, firmness, respect, fairness, and you consistency.



Rafeiro do Alentejo Pictures