Rafeiro do AlentejoCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is believed to descend from the molossoids of the Middle East, used for their size and courage by tribes who lived by raising livestock.

With transhumance, large flocks faced many dangers on the long journeys to the mountains in summer and back to the plains in winter, so they were always accompanied by large dogs, which spread in this way from region to region. The name comes from the Alentejo region, in southern Portugal.

How the breed developed

• Ancient times – Molossoids from the Middle East reach the Iberian Peninsula.
• For centuries – They accompany the flocks on transhumance.
• 24 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.

It is a very large, powerful and rustic dog. The head is voluminous, tending towards massive, in proportion to its size, and broad at the back of the skull.

General appearance

The hair is short or medium length (preferred), thick, straight and dense, evenly distributed right down between the toes.

The accepted colours are black, wolf grey, fawn or yellow, with or without brindling, always with white markings, or white with patches of these colours.

The standard describes it as an excellent guard of farms and estates and a very useful protector of flocks, more watchful at night, very serious when guarding its territory or anything entrusted to it. It has a calm, confident expression, neither aggressive nor timid.

The AKC describes it as reserved, independent and loyal and gives it top marks for ease of training.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it as a puppy. It is a serious guard dog.
• Be calm and consistent. It is independent.
• Give it a territory. It is made for guarding.
• Use rewards. It learns well.

The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day, hiking or fetch.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a house with a large yard.
• In summer, give it shade.
• It suits experienced owners.

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

The AKC says most of these dogs are healthy. As with any very large dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check for ticks after time on the pasture.

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.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Puppies need food suited to large breeds.

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, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

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 large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• A night guard. It is more watchful at night.
• Spread by the flocks. It spread along the transhumance routes.
• Ancestors from the East. It is believed to descend from the molossoids of the Middle East.
• Always with white. Its colours always include white markings.
• It barks little. The AKC gives it a low score for barking.

Where does the name come from?

From the Alentejo region, in southern Portugal.

How big does it get?

Males measure 66–74 cm and weigh 45–60 kg; females measure 64–70 cm and weigh 35–50 kg.

Is it aggressive?

The standard says it is neither aggressive nor timid.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.