Barbado da Terceira

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal, Intelligent, Joyful, Fun Loving

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Needs Lots Of Activity

BARKING LEVEL: Frequent

COAT TYPE: Wiry

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Eager To Please

CHARACTERISTIC: Best Guard Dogs, Hypoallergenic Dogs, None, Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Iberian Herding Mix

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Origin

Terceira Island, Azores Portugal

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Registration

2021

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Size

20 - 22 Inches (Males)

19 - 21 Inches (Females)

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Weight

55 - 60 Pound (Males)

46 - 57 Pounds (Females)

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
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COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
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DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
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COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
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LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
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OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
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PATTERNS
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CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a particular breed is inclined to display towards their family members or other familiar individuals. Certain breeds may seem distant and reserved around people other than their owner whereas other breeds exhibit a friendly disposition towards everyone they are acquainted with, treating them like cherished companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The degree of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits in response to children's behavior and their overall compatibility with families. It is crucial to monitor dogs when they are around young children or those who have limited interaction with dogs regardless of the breed.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The inherent friendliness a breed typically shows towards other dogs both in domestic settings and public environments. While it is essential to supervise all dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to have a higher inclination to get along well with other dogs, promoting harmonious relationships in various situations.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed typically sheds, which affects the grooming needs and potential impact on allergies. Breeds that shed heavily may require more frequent brushing to manage loose hair and may potentially trigger allergies more frequently. Additionally, households with high-shedding breeds may need to engage in regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming requirements of a breed include the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks. It is important to consider your available time, patience and budget for such care when assessing the grooming needs of a breed. Keep in mind that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their grooming routine
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool which can be a consideration for individuals who prefer cleanliness. Some breeds may produce excessive drool, leaving noticeable slobber on surfaces such as arms or causing large wet spots on clothing. If you prioritize a neat environment it may be wise to avoid breeds that are prone to heavy drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Wiry
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The inherent attitude a breed typically exhibits towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting while others are generally more welcoming and eager to meet new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed typically maintains for play, even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds exhibit a lasting desire to engage in interactive activities such as tug-of-war or fetch well into their adulthood. They enjoy being active and participating in games with their owners. On the other hand certain breeds are more content to relax on the couch and may not have the same level of enthusiasm for play.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The likelihood of a breed to alert its owner about the presence of strangers. Some breeds are more inclined to react to potential threats such as the arrival of the mailman or the sight of a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are often vigilant and may notify their owners of any perceived intruders. However, they can also warm up to strangers who are welcomed by their family and accepted as part of the household.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life including living conditions, noise levels, weather daily schedules, and other routine variations. Some breeds are more flexible and can adjust comfortably to new environments or changes in their daily routines without much difficulty. They tend to handle different situations with ease. However, other breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change, requiring a stable and predictable environment to thrive.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The trainability and willingness of a breed to learn new things. Some breeds are generally more receptive to training and have a strong desire to please their owners making them easier to train. They are motivated by making their owners proud and are eager to learn new skills. However, other breeds may exhibit a more independent or stubborn nature preferring to follow their own desires rather than adhering to training commands. They may require patient and consistent training methods to achieve desired results.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of exercise and mental stimulation a breed typically requires. High-energy breeds often have a strong drive for physical activities and are always ready for the next adventure. They thrive when they have opportunities to run, jump and play, requiring regular exercise to expend their energy. On the other hand low-energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with a relaxed lifestyle. They are generally satisfied with moderate exercise and enjoy spending time relaxing and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Frequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The level of mental stimulation a breed typically requires maintaining a happy and healthy state. Purpose-bred dogs, bred for specific tasks or jobs often need regular mental engagement that involves decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive exercises. Without sufficient mental stimulation these dogs may become bored and seek out their own activities to keep their minds occupied which may result in behaviors that the owner might not appreciate. Providing adequate mental stimulation for these breeds is essential to keep them mentally sharp content and well-behaved.
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PATTERNS

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About The Breed

The Barbado da Terceira is a medium-sized herding breed known for its qualities as a great companion and family dog. They are intelligent which makes them easy to train. Despite being docile they can also display a certain level of willfulness. These dogs are joyful and sensitive, displaying an emotional side that requires gentle handling and understanding.

Due to their athleticism Barbado da Terceira requires an experienced and loving owner who can provide the necessary physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and balanced. Their herding instincts may also need to be channeled or managed appropriately. With the right guidance and care this breed can make a wonderful addition to a loving home.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Barbado da Terceira: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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The Barbado da Terceira breed has a propensity for hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that affects the hip joint, causing the improper development of the hip socket and can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Responsible breeders of Barbado da Terceira will often conduct health screenings and utilize selective breeding practices to minimize the occurrence of this genetic condition. If you are considering getting a Barbado da Terceira, it is important to consult with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their puppies and conducts appropriate health testing. Additionally, providing proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can help manage the potential risks and ensure the well-being of your dog.

Health

Grooming

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Barbado da Terceira should be bathed only as needed since excessive bathing can strip their coat of valuable skin oils. A bath every two months is generally sufficient. Regular brushing is important in order to prevent tangles and maintain the coat. They should be brushed down to the skin working from the legs upwards. Pay close attention to areas between the toes and trim any tangles found. Trim hair that grows too long over their eyes. The puppy coat begins to transition into the adult coat loose hairs might get caught and cause tangles particularly in the neck area. These can be challenging to remove if the coat gets longer. Brushing well and removing loose hair is important. The Barbado da Terceira breed doesn't shed but has continuously growing hair. Trim the hair when it becomes too long. Trimming for the summer is not necessary as their undercoat helps regulate heat. They should be brushed at least weekly to prevent matting and to remove twigs and burrs from their coat. Check their nails every few weeks and trim as needed. Pay attention to back dew claws, which should be trimmed. Dew claw removal is not recommended. Check their ears once a week and clean as needed. Hair inside the ear can be removed with ear powder, but cutting it is not advised. Regularly brushing their teeth is important for their oral hygiene.
Health

Exercise

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Daily exercise is crucial for the Barbado da Terceira breed. These intelligent dogs require both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. Although they do not necessarily require a fenced-in yard they tend to prefer staying close to their home and their human companions. It's important to supervise them if there are other neighborhood dogs nearby as they can be territorial of their home and yard. Barbado da Terceira are at their happiest when they have a cow to herd, but in the absence of livestock a ball or other interactive toys can fulfill their herding instincts. They enjoy walking, hiking, jogging, and participating in activities with their owners. If available agility or herding courses can serve as excellent substitutes for those who do not live on a farm.
Health

Training

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The Barbado da Terceira is an assertive breed that requires firm, consistent, and loving training from an early age. Their herding instincts are strong and need to be properly channeled through selective breeding and training. Herding dogs may have a tendency to nip at their people's heels, especially children, as a way to try to herd them. If not addressed, this type of behavior can escalate and become more challenging to modify. Hence, it is important to provide them with firm and consistent training from the beginning.Barbado da Terceira are bred for herding cattle and not specifically for protection. However, they naturally have a protective nature towards their owners. Their exceptional vision and hearing make them aware of any visual or auditory changes, which may lead to vocalization.
Health

Nutrition

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It is recommended to feed Barbado da Terceira puppies’ puppy-specific food until they reach maturity which is typically around twelve months of age. As a rustic breed, they benefit from high-quality food but super premium options are not necessary. It is advisable to provide them with a balanced diet that includes chondroitin, glucosamine and calcium supplements to support healthy growth. Feeding schedules for Barbado da Terceira puppies usually consist of three meals per day until they are four months old after which you can transition to two meals per day. If preferred, free feeding can also be an option, as these dogs are not particularly prone to becoming overweight. However, it is important to monitor their food intake to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide specific dietary recommendations tailored to your Barbado da Terceira's individual needs and ensure they receive the appropriate nutrition for their growth and overall well-being.

Historiography

The Barbado da Terceira (BDT) is a medium-sized breed that was originally brought to the Portuguese island of Terceira in the Azores in the 1500s. Its main purpose was to herd wild cattle and guard livestock. The exact origins of the breed are subject to various hypotheses but it is believed to have descended from medium-sized long-haired herding and cattle dogs found across Europe. It possibly shares common ancestry with the Azorean Cattle Dog due to the historical settlement of the Azores by different European nations. 

Efforts for the recognition of the Barbado da Terceira began in 2004 under the leadership of Carla Molinari the president of the clue Portuguese de Canicultura (CPC) the official Portuguese Kennel Club. A protocol of action for recognition was signed by the CPC the Direcção Regional do Desenvolvimento Agrário (Regional Direction of Agricultural Development) and the University of the Azores. The first provisional standard for the breed was presented in 2005.

In 2018, the first two Barbado da Terceira were brought to Maryland USA, from Terceira Island and mainland Portugal. The breed has official recognition from the Portuguese Kennel Club (CPC) and continues to gain recognition and popularity worldwide.

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