Castro Laboreiro Dog

Black, Grey, Brown/Dark red, any of which can be brindled. 

The Portuguese Cattle dog has a short thick coat that is smooth but coarse when touched.

Varying shades of brown and hazel to black.

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.

This is a large working dog, whose temperament may vary. He is often a very loving and friendly dog who likes to be near his owner.

Although this breed might be quite wary of strangers, when near his family he is very tolerant and gentle. He is certainly a playful dog, and is tolerant of rough play with kids.

The Portuguese Cattle dog is a good natured, devoted and calm breed. 

When it has received training, this breed makes a brilliant family pet, as it is very docile and intelligent too.

This is a herding dog, not a hunter.

The Portuguese Cattle dog can be classified as a suspicious breed. He certainly will not allow any strangers or other animals to come close to the herd he is guarding. 

This dog will certainly form a very strong bond with his master or the herdsmen. While some other livestock guardian dogs will work with the shepherd to herd and guard the stock, this breed will often be left alone with the cattle. 

The Portuguese Cattle dog is fine when left alone, especially when herding or guarding his flocks.

Initially, as this breed is quite independent when working, they can also be quite difficult to control and train. Respectful, firm training routines are needed. 

This dog has quite a distinct, memorable bark, which will begin with a slow rumble, then escalate to a higher pitched howl, very similar to a wolf’s vocalisations. 

This dog is quite protective, so will be attached to his territory. However, the breed also has a tendency to roam, so it’s always safer to keep him in a fenced yard or on a leash.

As with many other large dogs, if he is not given proper outlets to expand his energy, he may develop behaviour problems. These can include aggression, over excitability, excessive barking, hyperactivity and destructiveness. 

This large dog needs to be fed a high-nutrient foodstuff, suitable for his size, otherwise he will tend to be greedy when other food is around.

For centuries, the prime purpose of the Portuguese Cattle Dog has been to protect the property and livestock of herdsmen. With his thundering, frightening bark, he makes an excellent guard dog. 

With a mix between roughness, intelligence and a need to protect, this breed is better suited for an experienced handler, rather than someone looking for a quiet, amenable first dog. 

This is a dog that prefers to be working outside, rather than cooped up indoors, in a small apartment. He also needs a large outdoor space to be able to exercise. 

As with lots of working dogs, the Portuguese Cattle dog needs lots of daily exercise. Simple walks around the park will not suffice.

This is a large dog breed, and as such isn’t suitable for travelling on public transport.

The Portuguese Cattle dog is quite aggressive when it comes to small animals, especially cats. 

This breed can be quite aggressive, especially with other male dogs. 

Although he’s not the first choice for a companion pet, he will get along fine with any children who live in his home. He may be more suspicious of strange children that he hasn’t met before. 

As a very strong-willed and highly intelligent breed, this dog needs an experienced, authoritative owner to provide direction and training. Not the ideal choice for an elderly owner.

This breed does shed quite heavily.

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.

Certainly a very strong dog, with few health issues.

This breed is used to being outside and working in all weathers. This dog won’t have a problem during spells of warmer weather. 

The Portuguese Cattle dog is bred to work outdoors. He is fully equipped with a dense, thick coat to withstand cooler weather. 

As a large and active dog, providing he meets his enormous daily exercise quota, he won’t gain weight easily. 

• 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

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.