Dog Breeds - Rafeiro do Alentejo

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
When it comes to the level of affection a breed is likely to exhibit towards family members and people they know well there can be significant variations. However, it's important to remember that individual dogs within a breed can also have their own unique personalities.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The tolerance and patience of a breed towards children's behavior are important factors to consider when choosing a family-friendly dog. While it's important to note that individual dogs within a breed can display variation in temperament some breeds generally have a reputation for being more patient gentle and family-friendly. Nonetheless supervision is always crucial when dogs and children interact. Here are some breeds often known for their tolerance and family-friendly nature:
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
Indeed, while the behavior of individual dogs can vary, there are certain breeds that are generally known for being more friendly and sociable towards other dogs. These breeds often exhibit a natural inclination towards getting along with their canine counterparts. However, it's important to note that proper socialization training and supervision are crucial for ensuring positive interactions between dogs regardless of breed.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that you can anticipate the breed to shed. Breeds with excessive shedding will necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher probability of triggering specific allergies and will likely require more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When evaluating the grooming effort needed, it is essential to consider how often a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming or other types of coat maintenance. Take into account the amount of time, patience and budget you have available for this level of care. It is important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Consider the tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have the tendency to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Take into account the level of friendliness a breed is likely to exhibit towards strangers. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, while other breeds will eagerly welcome and interact with new humans whenever they are around.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Take into account the breed's level of enthusiasm for play even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content with relaxing on the couch with you for the majority of the time.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Consider the breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are usually receptive to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Consider the adaptability of a breed to handle changes. This encompasses adjustments in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds exhibit greater ease in adapting to these changes, while others may find them more challenging.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Take into account the trainability of your dog and their willingness to learn new things. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are generally easier to train, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do as they please, when and wherever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Consider the level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds are always ready and enthusiastic for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes,they are content with lounging around and enjoying long snoozes.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Consider the frequency of vocalization in the breed, whether through barks or howls. While certain breeds may be prone to barking at every passer-by or bird near the window, others may only bark in specific situations. It's worth noting that even barkless breeds can still be vocal utilizing other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Consider the amount of mental stimulation required by the breed to maintain their happiness and overall health. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own projects to keep their minds occupied although these projects may not align with your preferences or desires. Providing sufficient mental stimulation is crucial to keep them engaged and prevent undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

When it comes to the level of affection a breed is likely to exhibit towards family members and people they know well there can be significant variations. However, it's important to remember that individual dogs within a breed can also have their own unique personalities.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The tolerance and patience of a breed towards children's behavior are important factors to consider when choosing a family-friendly dog. While it's important to note that individual dogs within a breed can display variation in temperament some breeds generally have a reputation for being more patient gentle and family-friendly. Nonetheless supervision is always crucial when dogs and children interact. Here are some breeds often known for their tolerance and family-friendly nature:

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

Indeed, while the behavior of individual dogs can vary, there are certain breeds that are generally known for being more friendly and sociable towards other dogs. These breeds often exhibit a natural inclination towards getting along with their canine counterparts. However, it's important to note that proper socialization training and supervision are crucial for ensuring positive interactions between dogs regardless of breed.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that you can anticipate the breed to shed. Breeds with excessive shedding will necessitate more frequent brushing have a higher probability of triggering specific allergies and will likely require more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

When evaluating the grooming effort needed, it is essential to consider how often a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming or other types of coat maintenance. Take into account the amount of time, patience and budget you have available for this level of care. It is important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Consider the tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have the tendency to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Take into account the level of friendliness a breed is likely to exhibit towards strangers. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, while other breeds will eagerly welcome and interact with new humans whenever they are around.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Take into account the breed's level of enthusiasm for play even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content with relaxing on the couch with you for the majority of the time.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Consider the breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are usually receptive to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Consider the adaptability of a breed to handle changes. This encompasses adjustments in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds exhibit greater ease in adapting to these changes, while others may find them more challenging.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Take into account the trainability of your dog and their willingness to learn new things. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are generally easier to train, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do as they please, when and wherever they please.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Consider the level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds are always ready and enthusiastic for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes,they are content with lounging around and enjoying long snoozes.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

When Necessary

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Consider the amount of mental stimulation required by the breed to maintain their happiness and overall health. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own projects to keep their minds occupied although these projects may not align with your preferences or desires. Providing sufficient mental stimulation is crucial to keep them engaged and prevent undesirable behaviors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Fawn	082
Wolfgray	227
Yellow	232
Brindle	057

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014
White Markings, Black Mask	114
Spotted On White	071
Spotted On White, Black Mask	436

About The Breed

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a breed known for its excellent capabilities as a farm and estate watchdog. Specifically bred to be a livestock protector, this breed exhibits heightened vigilance at night and displays a serious demeanor when guarding territory or any entrusted property. With a calm and confident expression, they instill a sense of reassurance.

Originally, Rafeiros Alentejanos were used in packs as hunting dogs for large game, although this function has diminished with time. Presently, they primarily serve as guard dogs for properties and livestock particularly in the role of watching over sheep and cattle. These dogs often work alone in open fields staunchly defending the herd against any intruders.

Hailing from Portugal, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is characterized by a large size, displaying power, rusticity, sobriety and a calm nature. Their movement is characterized by a heavy slow roll. Their coat can be short or medium-length, featuring a thick, straight and dense texture. The acceptable coat colors include black, wolf grey or fawn with or without brindling, always accompanied by white markings. Alternatively, they can also be predominantly white with patches of the aforementioned colors.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A RAFEIRO DO ALENTEJO

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Rafeiro do Alentejo: 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

	Although certain dogs may face health issues throughout their lives, it is important to acknowledge that the majority of Rafeiros Alentejanos are known to be healthy canines. By engaging with a reliable breeder, potential owners can access valuable information pertaining to specific health concerns prevalent in this particular breed. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	Apart from the regular weekly grooming sessions, it is advisable to occasionally bathe your Rafeiro do Alentejo to maintain cleanliness and enhance their appearance. Not only is grooming essential for their well-being but it also presents an excellent opportunity for bonding between you and your furry companion. To prevent issues such as overgrowth, splitting and cracking, it is important to trim the strong, fast-growing nails on a consistent basis using a nail clipper or grinder. Regularly checking the ears is crucial as well, as it helps prevent the accumulation of wax and debris that can lead to infections. Lastly, it is recommended to brush your dog's teeth regularly to ensure good oral hygiene.

Exercise

	Providing your dog with ample exercise opportunities is essential. You can achieve this by either allowing them to have supervised playtime within a secure backyard or taking them on multiple daily walks. Indoor activities, such as indulging in hide-and-seek, rolling a ball along the floor for them to chase or teaching them new tricks can also contribute to their exercise routine. Moreover, outdoor activities like hiking or playing fetch can effectively help your dog release their pent-up energy.

Training

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Nutrition

	The Rafeiro do Alentejo can thrive on a high-quality dog food be it commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It's crucial to ensure that the diet is suitable for the dog's specific age category, whether they are a puppy, adult or senior. Since some dogs tend to gain weight easily, it's important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight level. Although treats can be useful for training purposes, it's essential to avoid excessive consumption that could lead to obesity. It's also essential to educate yourself on which human foods are safe for dogs and which ones should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, it's best to consult your veterinarian. Lastly, remember to provide your dog with clean and fresh water at all times.

Historiography

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is believed to have descended from molosser dogs originating from the Middle East. These dogs played a crucial role in the lives of tribes heavily reliant on livestock husbandry due to their impressive size and courage. As the practice of transhumance began in Portugal, it became evident that herds and their shepherds faced numerous dangers during their long journeys. To address this, large dogs started accompanying the migrating groups as they made their way to the mountains in the summer and returned to the plains in the winter. Consequently, these dogs gradually spread across different regions along the route. As communities settled in specific areas, these dogs found their permanent home in the southern prairies, known as the Alentejo plains. They adapted to their new environment and their role expanded beyond guarding herds to include protecting vast rural estates. The official standard for the Rafeiro do Alentejo was initially established in 1953 in Portugal.