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.
Key facts about the Portuguese Sheepdog
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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
The colours of the coat of this dog are seen of black, grey and fawn.
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.
Eye colour
Hazel or amber.
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
Behaviour of the Portuguese Sheepdog
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Compatibility
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.
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.
Shedding
The Portuguese is a low shedder, but does shed throughout the year.
Nutrition of the Portuguese Sheepdog
It is always worthwhile to feed a Portuguese a high-quality and specially formulated dog food rather than human food. The Portuguese’s diet should consist of good amounts of protein and fat.
Health of the Portuguese Sheepdog
Life expectancy
Having been successfully bred for centuries, the Portuguese Sheepdog is generally healthy and robust.
Strong / robust
The Portuguese is strong and agile. It does not readily suffer with ailments.
Withstand heat
The Portuguese tolerates hot weather reasonably well.
Withstand cold
The double coat of the Portuguese keeps the dog warm even when it is walking in the snow.
Tendency to put on weight
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.