Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest and most traditional countries and therefore it is little surprise that their indigenous dog breeds fit into two categories only: hunting dogs and guarding dogs. The latter are particularly prevalent, the result of the populations of wild dogs, wolves and bears that still roam the Iberian peninsula. Consequently, the dog breeds of Portugal tend towards being very large, solitary and intelligent souls.
Dog breeding in Portugal is overseen by the Clube Português de Canicultura.
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Barbado da Terceira
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 48-58 cm (19-23 inches)
Weight: 21-30 kg (46-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and wavy double coat; in yellow, grey, black or fawn with white patches
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Herding dog/Guard dog
Personality
Also known as the Tereira Cattle Dog, the Barbado da Terceira is as outstanding as a companion dog or family pet as it is as a herder; loyal, kindly, cheerful and docile. They are also highly trainable, although their rather sensitive and wilful temperament may mean that this will prove more difficult for less-experienced dog owners. Barbado da Terceiras are very energetic and intelligent dogs with a lot of endurance, meaning that they need an owner able to provide for a great deal of daily exercise for both body and mind.
Cão de Gado Transmontano
Size: Giant
Height: 68-85 cm (27-33 inches)
Weight: 50-75 kg (110-165 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length double coat; in white with black, grey, wolf, yellow or fawn markings
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as the Transmontano Mastiff, these enormous dogs are little known outside of their area of origin in northern Portugal. They were bred to fend off wolf attacks and consequently are extremely alert, protective and dominant dogs. While this makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a formidable guard dog, their impetuousness, territoriality and fearlessness means they are not recommended for anyone except experienced handlers.
Castro Laboreiro
Size: Large
Height: 55-64 cm (21½-25 inches)
Weight: 25-40 kg (55-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in dark wolf, light wolf or brindle
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
Otherwise known as the Portuguese Cattle Dog, these impressively strong and muscular dogs make intelligent, brave and devoted pets. Their stern appearance masks great affection and loyalty to their owners, while their docility and natural protectiveness means they are good around children. A Castro Laboreiro is an independently-minded dog, used to spending all day in solitude guarding cattle, and as such appreciates being able to spend time alone. They are deeply suspicious of strangers and completely disinterested in making friends outside of their family unit, responding to their commands only.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Size: Large to Giant
Height: 60-75 cm (24-30 inches)
Weight: 35-60 kg (77-132 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short or long and coarse; in fawn, wolf grey, yellow or brindle with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Livestock guardian/Guard dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Portuguese Shepherd, this giant dog is so adept as a working dog that often they will need early socialisation in order to adapt to life in the home. As a family pet, you can expect your Estrela Mountain Dog to be devoted, affectionate and loyal as well as calm and protective around even the youngest children. However, they are very suspicious of strangers and will react fearlessly to any perceived threat against their pack. When this is combined with their great size, they can prove more than a handful for an inexperienced dog owner.
Portuguese Podengo
Size: Small/Medium
Heights: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) (Small); 40-54 cm (16-21 inches) (Medium); 55-70 cm (22-28 inches) (Large)
Weights: 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs) (Small); 16-20 kg (35-44 lbs) (Medium); 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs) (Large)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth or long and wiry; in white with yellow, orange or fawn markings
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Group: Warren hound
Personality
The Portuguese Podengo comes in three distinct sizes; Pequeno (Small), Medio (Medium) and Grande (Large), with the Grande variety now extremely rare. Podengos are bundles of energy; lively, intelligent and playful. They are very adept at learning new skills but are also likely to grow bored by any long-winded training sessions, keen to try something else instead. Podengos are extremely spirited and fun-loving animals who have a high requirement for exercise and play, but will reward their owners with plenty of affection.
Portuguese Pointer
Size: Medium
Height: 48-56 cm (19-22 inches)
Weight: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and coarse; in any shade of yellow with occasional white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Gun dog
Personality
Known in its homeland as the Perdigueiro Português, the Portuguese Pointer is an extremely devoted pet with such a markedly kind and affectionate nature that they require similarly gentle owners. Portuguese Pointers are calm and eager to please dogs who love to be at the centre of a family, reacting very poorly to having to spend time on their own. As with the majority of gun dogs, they will require plenty of daily exercise in the open.
Portuguese Sheepdog
Size: Medium
Height: 45-55 cm (17½-21½ inches)
Weight: 17-27 kg (37-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and slightly wavy; in chestnut, wolf, yellow, fawn or grey with black
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Known in Portuguese as the Cão da Serra de Aires (and colloquially known as the Cão Macaco, or Monkey Dog), the Portuguese Sheepdog is a very intelligent, lively and devoted pet. They are noted for a wilful and stubborn streak which can lead them to trying to assert themselves as the pack leader with other dogs – or even within their human family if they are not careful! These alert, affectionate and protective dogs are very good with children and make excellent family dogs, provided their high requirements for exercise and mental stimulation can be met.
Portuguese Water Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 43-57 (17-22 inches)
Weight: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Curly; in black, brown, black and white or brown and white
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Group: Water dog
Personality
Known in Portugal as a Cão de Água Português, the Portuguese Water Dog makes for a very intelligent, affectionate, lively and devoted companion. While this breed are very capable independent thinkers and problem solvers, they are also highly trainable. The Portie is an extremely enthusiastic and loving dog, reacting to family members and friends with great excitement and demands for attention: this is not a breed who will do well when left alone for long periods. Provided that their needs for human contact and regular exercise can be met, a Portie will make an ideal family pet.
Rafeiro do Alentejo
Size: Large to Giant
Height: 64-74 cm (25-29 inches)
Weight: 35-60 kg (77-132 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium length and dense; in yellow, fawn, wolf grey, brindle or black with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
These imposing dogs are powerful, deliberate, sober and calm animals, extremely self-assured and confident without being aggressive. They are happy in their own company and following their own agenda, so any prospective owner needs the experience to radiate a similar level of calm, confident leadership. When brought into a family, the Rafeiro do Alentejo will be an affectionate, loving and protective presence. However, it must always be remembered that this protectiveness can spill over into a dangerous level of aggression; therefore Rafeiro do Alentejos require plenty of top-up training and socialisation throughout their lives.
Saint Miguel Cattle Dog
Size: Large
Height: 48-60 cm (19-23½ inches)
Weight: 25-35 kg (55-77 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, smooth and harsh; in brindle or grey with black
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
Known in Portugal as a Cão de fila de São Miguel, this dog originated on San Miguel Island in the Azores, where they were used to herd cattle despite being notably smaller than most cattle dogs. They are extremely devoted and loyal to their families and will protect them fearlessly, although they are generally a fairly docile breed. The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog is marked by a tendency to develop a particularly strong bond with one specific owner and hang on their every word. However, they are naturally suspicious of strangers and can prove to be aggressive towards other animals.