Portuguese Dog Breeds

Portuguese Dog Breeds

• The Barbado da Terceira is from the Azores and is a cattle dog.
• It is a robust and well-muscled dog with long, wavy hair.
• The body is slightly longer than its height, with a strong, medium-sized head.
• It has a loyal, intelligent, and trainable temperament; it was originally used for cattle work and has a natural ability to manage herds.
• While not recognized by the FCI, it is grouped with shepherd and cattle dogs.
• The Serra da Estrela comes from Portuguese mountains and is a mountain guardian.
• It is imposing and robust, with a strong head (often with a black mask) and a dense coat that reflects its rugged mountain environment.
• It was developed as a herd protection dog, with a physical build suited to strength and endurance in rough, mountainous terrain.
• It is typically independent and serene and recognized by the herd as part of its protective environment.
• The Portuguese Water Dog is an aquatic retriever.
• They have a medium build with an almost square body (body length is roughly equal to its height at the withers).
• Its coat can be long and wavy or short and curled and is water resistant. Its interdigital membranes and a tail that assists in swimming highlight its aquatic abilities.
• They have an intelligent and responsive temperament, making it excellent for both work and family life.
• FCI Group: Group 8 (Water Dogs)
• The Castro Laboreiro Dog is a livestock guardian.
• Their appearance is a robust mastin-type dog with a medium-shaped head, strong limbs, and well-developed bone structure.
• They are protectors and essential in safeguarding herds against predators like wolves.
• They have an alert and potentially reserved temperament, but their loyalty makes it a dependable guardian.
• FCI Group: Group 2 (Molossoid)
• The Fila de São Miguel is a cattle driver.
• They are characterized by a strong, proportional body with a head that shows a wide and slightly bulging skull.
• They are excellent at cattle driving and guarding and known for carefully biting when driving dairy cows to avoid injuries, highlighting intelligence and adaptation to work.
• Their temperament is well-trained, receptive, and very effective at protecting property.
• FCI Group: Group 2 (Cattle Dog Type)
• The Transmontano Cattle Dog is a herd protector.
• It is a large, square-profiled molossoid dog with strong bones and high, sturdy limbs.
• Designed for livestock protection, it is calm and effective at surveillance.
• It is one of the larger breeds, with significant weight and height differences between males and females.
• FCI Group: Group 2 (Molossoid)
• The Serra de Aires Dog is a shepherd dog.
• Noted for agility and rustic look, its body length is slightly longer than its height.
• It is a herding dog that’s exceptionally lively, dedicated to managing the flock with both intelligence and energy.
• FCI Group: Group 1 (Sheepdogs & Cattle Dogs)
• The Perdigueiro Português is a pointer.
• They are typically grouped among the pointing/stopping dogs, it has characteristics that make it an excellent hunting companion, being alert, agile, and with a keen nose.
• FCI Group: Group 7 (Pointing Dogs)
• The Podengo Português is a primitive hunter.
• They come in three sizes (large, medium, small), with distinguishing features of erect ears, slanted eyes, and a strong, pointed tail.
• Coat and colors: They offer short-smooth and long-bristly varieties in shades ranging from yellow to reddish/orange, often with white marks.
• FCI Group: Group 5 (Primitive Type)
• The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large guardian.
• Its appearance is that of a large, powerful dog with a robust, thick coat that may be short or half-long.
• Its temperament is calm yet confident and excellent for guarding and protecting livestock.
• Despite its independent character, it is very tolerant with family and requires consistent training.
• FCI Group: Group 2 (Molossoid)

Importance of Breed Identification

• Historical selection for function, such as herding, hunting, and guarding is important.
• Breed morphology is linked to purpose.
• Examples of breeds include the Brazilian Fila Dog and Great Dane.

Legal Definitions

• A Potentially Dangerous Animal is defined by law based on species characteristics like size, jaw power, and aggression, and includes certain dog breeds (and their crosses) that might pose risks.
• The following are considered potentially dangerous animals: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tosa Inua.
• A Dangerous Animal is one that has already demonstrated harmful behavior (biting, attacking, or injuring people/animals) or is declared aggressive by its owner or the authorities.

Breed Standards and Classification

• Humans have selectively bred dogs for various skills, like hunting, herding, scent tracking, strength, and endurance.
• Because of these purposes, dogs now have distinct physical (morphological) and mental characteristics that define their “breed type” or group.
• What is a Breed Standard: It refers to the officially approved description for each breed as defined by organizations like the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and the CPC (Portuguese Kennel Club).
• It includes everything from head-to-tail morphology, dimensions, coat, accepted colors, and even flaws (defects).
• It defines accepted colors, sizes, and faults.
• Purebreds vs. Crossbreeds: Only dogs with a registered pedigree can be recognised (LOP, RI registration).
• Crossbreeds are a mix of two purebreds.
• A "Mutt" has unidentified breeds.
• Portugal states that for a dog to be recognized as purebred, it must have a registered pedigree in the LOP (Portuguese Book of Origins) or the RI (Initial Registration).
• The “Pedigree” is an official certificate of lineage and is necessary for registration, competition, and sometimes even sales.

FCI Breed Groups

• Group 1: Sheepdogs & Cattle Dogs: They are agile, intelligent, and trainable and were bred to herd and manage livestock; examples are the German Shepherd, Border Collie, and Belgian Shepherd.
• Group 2: Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossoids & Swiss Mountain Cattle Dogs: This group is more diverse, including muscular, protective dogs and those suited for farm work.
• Examples are the Rottweiler, Boxer, and Mastiff breeds.
• Group 3: Terriers: Bred for hunting animals living in burrows (rodents, for instance), these dogs vary from small to medium sizes; examples are the Jack Russell Terrier and Fox Terrier.
• Group 4: Dachshunds: With their elongated bodies and short legs, they are specialized for hunting burrowing animals; an example is the Dachshund (Teckel).
• Group 5: Spitz & Primitive Types: These include dogs with erect ears, curled tails, and thick coats suited for cold climates; examples are the Siberian Husky, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute.
• Group 6: Scent Hounds & Related Breeds: Known for an exceptional sense of smell, these dogs are used for tracking prey; examples are the Beagle and Bloodhound.
• Group 7: Pointing Dogs (Setters & Pointers): They are bred to indicate the presence of game (pointing) or to stop the prey for the hunter, such as Pointers and Setters; examples are the English Pointer and Irish Setter.
• Group 8: Retrievers, Flushing, & Water Dogs: These dogs are versatile, retrieving game from water or land; examples include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Portuguese Water Dog.
• Group 9: Companion & Toy Dogs: Bred for companionship, they are small-sized with affectionate temperaments and adapted to domestic life; examples include the Poodle, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu.
• Group 10: Sighthounds: They are fast runners and rely on vision to hunt, like the Greyhound, Whippet, and Saluki.