Human orientation
Average Rating: A serious keeper. Behavior depends on upbringing.
THE PAW CATALOG
Rafeira do Alentejo
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History of the Rafeira do Alentejo breed
Origin: Portugal
Comes from the Alentejo plains in Portugal. It is believed to be descended from the Middle Eastern molossus, which shepherd tribes used to protect livestock. As flocks moved between mountains and plains, dogs spread from region to region. The name Rafeiro do Alentejo has been used since the end of the 19th century. In the FCI classification, it belongs to group 2.
Rafeira do Alentejo is a large (64-74 cm) Portuguese guard dog with short, dense fur and always white markings. Serious, confident and calm; should be neither aggressive nor timid. Needs a spacious area and an experienced owner.
SizeBig
OriginPortugal
Life is nearby
This is a dog for a private plot with a strong fence, not for an apartment. A strong guardian of farms and estates, especially at night.
Walks
Moderate: walks and space to patrol the territory.
Training
Early socialization, a calm and consistent owner are required. You cannot convince a dog with such force.
Care
Short or medium dense wool is combed once a week, more often during shedding. Ears are examined, claws are trimmed.
Children
Due to their size and guarding instinct, contacts with children, especially strangers, are strictly supervised.
Other animals
An effective defender of livestock, he can be distrustful of other people's dogs.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
Average score: independent.
Zooaggression
Medium-low rating: strong guarding instinct.
Health and reproductive risks
There is no comparable survival estimate for the breed in the British cohort used. The absence of the mentioned risk does not prove the absence of hereditary diseases.
Ease of care
Medium-high rating: short coat, but the breed needs experience.
Health
Breed screening
Pedigree screening: There is little reliable data on the hereditary diseases of the Rafeira do Alentejo breed, so the results of examinations of both parents should be requested in writing.
Locomotor apparatus
Musculoskeletal system: the growth and load of the Rafeira do Alentejo dog is adjusted to its age. If lameness or pain occurs, a veterinary examination is required.
Eyes and heart
Heart and eyes are included in the list of annual examination. The schedule of in-depth checks is coordinated with the veterinarian and the breed club. It is useful to keep the results in the veterinary passport.
Photo of the breed
