Portuguese Sheepdog
Other names : Cão da Serra de Aires, Cão Macaco, Monkey Dog, Macaque Dog
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.
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Life expectancy |
The Portuguese Sheepdog has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Large
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Adult size |
Female
Between 24 and 27 in
Male
Between 26 and 29 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 77 and 99 lb
Male
Between 99 and 132 lb
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Coat colour
The colours of the coat of this dog are seen of black, grey and fawn. |
Brown Red Sand Blue |
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Type of coat
The single coat of this dog is long, extremely abundant and slightly harsh to the touch. The hair of its face gives rise to a beard, moustache and eyebrows. |
Long Short |
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Eye colour
Hazel or amber. |
Brown
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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.
More details about the Portuguese Sheepdog
Portuguese Sheepdog: 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.
Physical characteristics of the Portuguese Sheepdog
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.
FCI classification of the Portuguese Sheepdog
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Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
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Section 1 : Sheepdogs
Portuguese Sheepdog: Characteristics
The Portuguese is loyal and affectionate. It is an even-tempered and well-mannered dog.
This dog likes to entertain but its playful nature is at times interspersed with its need to assert its dominance.
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.
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.
Portuguese Sheepdogs are not hunters; they are herding dogs. As such they do not have a high prey drive.
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.
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.
Portuguese Sheepdog: Behaviour
The Portuguese does not tolerate solitude.
Training of this dog must be done right. Portuguese Sheepdogs get bored easily of routine and will try to dominate proceedings.
This is a dog that will bark incessantly if not trained to stop on command.
Generally speaking, a Portuguese will respond to your voice and not run away.
If it finds itself at home for long periods of time without human company the Portuguese will be destructive.
This dog is not known to be greedy.
Although not willing to back up its bark with a bite, the Portuguese is exceptionally territorial. It makes an excellent watchdog.
Training a Portuguese Sheepdog
Training of this dog must be done right. Portuguese Sheepdogs get bored easily of routine and will try to dominate proceedings.
Portuguese Sheepdog: Lifestyle
The Portuguese needs plenty of exercise. It will not be happy living in a flat, but a large outside garden will provide some of its exercise needs.
An energetic dog is the Portuguese. It enjoys long and adventurous walks.
Once trained, a Portuguese Sheepdog is comfortable to travel.
Breed compatibility Portuguese Sheepdog
This dog will tolerate a cat that it is familiar with but it may not be so tolerant of other cats.
Portuguese Sheepdogs are very social and will interact well with other dogs.
The Portuguese is careful and gentle around children but it can be boisterous.
Because it is a dog that requires lots of exercise, the Portuguese Sheepdog may not be the perfect choice of dog for some of senior years.
A Portuguese Sheepdog needs to be exercised and trained well in order to stay out of trouble. It is unlikely that a first-time owner would successfully manage such a dog.
Portuguese Sheepdog: Purchase price
As this is a rare breed, the average price of the Portuguese Sheepdog puppy is unknown. The average cost of care for a dog of this size is £100 to £120 per month.
Portuguese Sheepdog: Shedding
Average
The Portuguese is a low shedder, but does shed throughout the year.
Portuguese Sheepdog: Grooming
Brush this dog every day of the week to prevent its coat from becoming tangled and matted. Special attention should be paid to the feathering on the dog’s face: food gets trapped in its fur.
Portuguese Sheepdog: Health
Having been successfully bred for centuries, the Portuguese Sheepdog is generally healthy and robust.
The Portuguese is strong and agile. It does not readily suffer with ailments.
The Portuguese tolerates hot weather reasonably well.
The double coat of the Portuguese keeps the dog warm even when it is walking in the snow.
Weight gain is seen of any dog that is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food.
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