Castro Laboreiro Dog
Other names: Cao de Castro Laboreiro, Dog of Castro Laboreiro, Portuguese Bouvier, Portuguese Cattle Dog

The Portuguese Cattle Dog is one of the rarest breeds in the world, with currently only between 200-500 canines documented. At times, this breed is called a herding dog, however this isn’t his first job. The Portuguese Cattle dog is more of a livestock guarding dog. In this role, he is fearless, intelligent and protects any herd or flock he is given to guard, no matter during the day or at night.
Key facts about the Castro Laboreiro Dog
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Origins and history
There is very little information concerning the history of this breed. It’s thought that the first representative of the breed was born in the late 1800’s, although there is no historical data to back this up.
Physical characteristics of the Castro Laboreiro Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 24 in
Male : Between 23 and 25 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 77 lb
Male : Between 66 and 88 lb
Coat colour
Black, Grey, Brown/Dark red, any of which can be brindled.
Type of coat
The Portuguese Cattle dog has a short thick coat that is smooth but coarse when touched.
Eye colour
Varying shades of brown and hazel to black.
Description
This hardy breed of canine has a noble and pleasant appearance. The Portuguese Cattle dog is a mastiff type, with a short loin, a deep, oval shaped chest and a strongly built body. His hind legs and forelegs are very muscular and strong. He has a rectangular-shaped head and a long muzzle. The dog’s eyes have a very serious expression which makes him look rather fearsome and unfriendly.
Good to know
The Portuguese Cattle dog is still a working breed in Europe, especially in the Azores region. In recent years, the breed almost disappeared, due to modern agricultural farming methods having been introduced. Additionally, many individuals were killed off by farmers accidentally poisoning them instead of the wolves they were targeting. Today, the Portuguese Cattle dog is sometimes employed in the military forces and also as a home companion.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Castro Laboreiro Dog
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Compatibility
Price
The initial purchase price to buy a Portuguese Cattle Dog puppy is between £400 and £800. The monthly budget will be around £100.
Grooming
The coat of the Portuguese Cattle Dog needs little care, other than an occasional brushing and bathing.
Nutrition of the Castro Laboreiro Dog
As a large working dog, the Portuguese Cattle Dog requires a food suitable for breeds of this stamina and size.
Health of the Castro Laboreiro Dog
Life expectancy
There are really no documented, recognised health issues with this breed, however hip and elbow dysplasia may be diagnosed. The average life expectancy is 12 years.
Strong / robust
Certainly a very strong dog, with few health issues.
Withstand heat
This breed is used to being outside and working in all weathers. This dog won’t have a problem during spells of warmer weather.
Withstand cold
The Portuguese Cattle dog is bred to work outdoors. He is fully equipped with a dense, thick coat to withstand cooler weather.
Tendency to put on weight
As a large and active dog, providing he meets his enormous daily exercise quota, he won’t gain weight easily.
Common illnesses
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat/Gastric torsion
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Cataracts
- Corneal dystrophy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy/PRA
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Shortness of breath
- Heat intolerance
- Skeletal growth abnormalities
- Arthritis
- Demodicosis/Demodex mange/Demodectic mange