Portuguese SheepdogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is a herding dog used in the Alentejo region for driving and guarding all kinds of livestock: sheep, cattle, horses, goats and pigs. It is a sober, rustic dog, perfectly adapted to changes in temperature and very resistant on the long journeys across the Alentejo plains.

The AKC says the breed's history is shrouded in mystery, that it is considered a fairly new breed and that it has been found in the mountainous Serra de Aires region since the early 20th century. Wikipedia says the name comes from the Serra de Aires, a mountain near Monforte, in Alentejo.

How the breed developed

• Early 20th century – It is found in the Serra de Aires region.
• 16 November 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 4 November 2008 – the current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized, rustic and sober dog, extremely agile and quick, with ample movement. The body is about 10% longer than it is tall.

General appearance

The coat is long, straight or slightly wavy, slightly harsh, like goat hair, without undercoat. It forms a beard, a moustache and long eyebrows that do not cover the eyes, and it even covers the spaces between the toes.

The accepted colours are yellow, brown, grey, fawn and wolf grey, in light, medium or dark shades, and black, with more or less visible tan markings. It must not be pied; only a very small white spot on the chest is accepted.

The standard describes it as exceptionally intelligent and very lively, very devoted to the shepherd and the flock, a little wary of strangers and watchful at night. It is known for its skill at keeping the flock on the pasture and finding stray animals.

Today it is also an excellent companion, a sporting dog and a good guard. The AKC gives it top marks for ease of training.

Tips for effective training

• Give it a job. It has a great need for mental stimulation.
• Use rewards. It learns very easily.
• Socialise it from puppyhood. It is wary of strangers.
• Try dog sports. It is also a sporting dog.

The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day and games indoors. Swimming, hiking and fetching a ball or disc are good ways to burn off its energy.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits active people.
• In winter, a coat with no undercoat does not protect it from the cold.
• It is a good night-time guard.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, besides weekly grooming, an occasional bath keeps it clean. The strong nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears checked often.

Common health problems

No diseases specific to the breed are known. As with any active herding dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Clean the beard after meals.
• Trim the hair between the toes if it gets matted.
• Check the ears regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The “monkey dog”. That is what it is called in its home region, because of its looks and attitude.
• Goat hair. The coat has the texture of goat hair.
• It guards any flock. Sheep, cattle, horses, goats and pigs.
• It finds lost animals. It is skilled at searching for stray animals.
• No undercoat. The long coat has no undercoat.

Why is it called the “monkey dog”?

Because of its looks and attitudes, which are reminiscent of a monkey.

How big does it get?

Males measure 45–55 cm and females 42–52 cm; 17–27 kg.

What animals does it guard?

Sheep, cattle, horses, goats and pigs.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–13 years.