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Portuguese Sheepdog

Other names: Cão da Serra de Aires, Cão Macaco, Monkey Dog, Macaque Dog

Portuguese Sheepdog

A rare dog is the Portuguese Sheepdog. It is native to the Serra de Aires Mountains of Portugal where it has been bred for decades to guard and herd livestock. It is unlikely to be spotted in great numbers elsewhere in the world. The breed is nicknamed the monkey dog because of its facial appearance, and lively and agile demeanour. 

Key facts about the Portuguese Sheepdog

Life expectancy :

5

17

10

12

Temperament :

Playful Intelligent

Size :

Origins and history

The Portuguese Sheepdog was first bred in the 1910s. It may have descended from the French Briard. The dog was prized by farmers throughout the first part of the 20th Century, but by 1970 the breed was almost extinct. Since the 70s breeders have been able to reassert the breed as a pet, and it is now a popular choice of companion for Portuguese families. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

Section

Section 1 : Sheepdogs

Physical characteristics of the Portuguese Sheepdog

Adult size

Female : Between 24 and 27 in

Male : Between 26 and 29 in

Weight

Female : Between 77 and 99 lb

Male : Between 99 and 132 lb

Coat colour

Brown
Red
Sand
Blue

Type of coat

Long
Short

Eye colour

Brown

Description

A robust dog with a rustic appearance; the Portuguese Sheepdog is compact, stocky and well-proportioned. The head is slightly square, longer than it is broad. The ears are set high and hang against the cheeks of the dog. 

Good to know

This dog is renowned for its ability to herd flocks of sheep and to defend livestock against predators. It is clever and stubborn and will try to dominate a household if given the opportunity to do so. The owner of the Portuguese must exhibit confidence and be consistent of their treatment of the dog. 

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    The Portuguese is loyal and affectionate. It is an even-tempered and well-mannered dog. 

  • 100%

    Playful

    This dog likes to entertain but its playful nature is at times interspersed with its need to assert its dominance.  

  • 66%

    Calm

    This is a lively and excitable dog. It does not enjoy sudden loud noises or sudden movements and can, as a result of these things, become timid and agitated. 

  • 100%

    Intelligent

    The Portuguese is known to be a quick learner. It is however just as likely to pick up bad habits, and it requires command reinforcement from time to time. It is a smart dog that can make decisions by itself and will obey orders from its handler. 

  • 33%

    Hunter

    Portuguese Sheepdogs are not hunters; they are herding dogs. As such they do not have a high prey drive. 

  • 100%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    The Portuguese tends to be reserved and timid around strangers. It takes these dogs quite a while to trust people who aren’t already in their ‘circle’. Patience and time are needed of an owner when introducing this dog to new people. 

  • 66%

    Independent

    This is a wilful dog. In order that it stays good-natured and obedient the dog requires firm and steady training, and an owner’s reinforcement of the pack hierarchy. 

    Behaviour of the Portuguese Sheepdog

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      The Portuguese does not tolerate solitude. 

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      Training of this dog must be done right. Portuguese Sheepdogs get bored easily of routine and will try to dominate proceedings. 

    • 66%

      Barking

      This is a dog that will bark incessantly if not trained to stop on command. 

    • 33%