Rafeiro do Alentejo: Your Complete Guide
Rafeiro do Alentejos are Portuguese dogs that come from the Plateau of Alentejo, hence the name. These dogs are medium to large in size and love to get outside and play. They don’t get into much trouble but do have a curious nature about them and love to folic outdoors.
For these reasons, they’re great family dogs and watchdogs. However, they do have a striking appearance that can be hard to adjust to if you’re frightened by large dogs.
Still, it’s important to learn everything you can about a dog breed before adopting them, and this applies to the rafeiro do Alentejo. As a herding dog, there are some temperamental things that you need to consider, along with unique care needs. Fortunately, we’re here to help you learn everything you can.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Rafeiro do Alentejo.
Quick Look at the Rafeiro do Alentejo
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 25-29 inches (shoulder), 75-135 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short to medium, soft, dense, several colors |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Territorial, calm, independent, outgoing |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
What Is the History of the Rafeiro do Alentejo?
Rafeiro do Alentejos have been around since the 1800s. Prior to them being named the rafeiro do Alentejos, they might have gone by a different name because some signs suggest that the breed has been around for even longer than 200 years.
That said, the breed can trace its heritage back to the Plateau of Alentejo. The dog would protect flocks during their biannual transhumance to summer pastures in the mountains, and the base of the Plateau of Alentejo during the winter.
While the rafeiro do Alentejos has been a herding dog for hundreds of years, it has become popular as a house dog. In 1954 it became a recognized breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Then, in 1994 a breed club known as the Associação dos Criadores do Rafeiro do Alentejo was formed.
While this isn’t a history-related fact, a dog known as Bobbi was verified as the oldest living dog by the Guinness Book of World Records. The dog died at 31 years old and this record hasn’t been broken since. What’s more interesting is that usually, small dog breeds live longer than older dogs.
What Do Rafeiro do Alentejos Look Like?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are large dogs that have muscular bodies. They have powerful hind legs and small front legs that keep them stable when they’re on the move.
Rafeiro do Alentejos come in a wide range of coat colors with the most popular colors including tan, white, brown, black, and fawn. Their coat is usually short or medium in length and soft to the touch. Rafeiro do Alentejos also have large fluffy tails.
As for their facial features, rafeiro do Alentejos have floppy ears, long snouts with a black nose, and a dome-shaped head. They may have white or black markings on their face. Other notable features include their dark eyes, large paws, and floppy jowls.
What Size Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo?
Rafeiro do Alentejos weigh about 75 to 135 pounds and have a height of 25 to 29 inches. Their size varies based on their parents and sex. Female rafeiro do Alentejos have a noticeable size difference and typically weigh less than 80 or 90 pounds, while males are much larger. This also applies to the dog’s height. Male rafeiro do Alentejos are taller than their female counterparts.
What Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo’s Coat Type and Length?
Rafeiro do Alentejos have two coat types. They have an undercoat that insulates them from during the winter and a topcoat that functions as their traditional coat. The undercoat is short and dense, while the topcoat is more harsh and straight. Undercoats will typically shed twice a year – during the fall and spring months.
There can be some slight variations in hair for some rafeiro do Alentejo dogs, so keep this in mind if you come across different coat colors or hairstyles.
What Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo’s Temperament?
The temperament of the rafeiro do Alentejo is a moderate one. They’re calm dogs that prefer to spend time lounging around as opposed to getting aggressive or being overly excited. While these dogs have a mild temperament, that doesn’t mean they don’t form deep bonds with their owners.
Most rafeiro do Alentejos will dive into action to keep their owners safe. They can also protect your home, livestock, or place of business if you’re looking for a dog that can function as a guard dog. Rafeiro do Alentejos are also territorial dogs, so it’s not uncommon for them to get slightly agitated if something encroaches on their territory.
It’s also important to note that many rafeiro do Alentejos are independent. This means that they may be aloof and stubborn when it’s time for training. However, the benefit is that you can leave them alone for long periods without them getting anxious.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Good With Kids?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are great with children. They’re giant teddy bears, so they won’t get aggressive when kids play with them or lay all over them. That said, they are massive dogs, so keep an eye on them when they’re playing with your child to avoid any injuries.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Good With Other Animals?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are great with other animals. They were bred as herding dogs to protect the flocks of migrating animals, so they knew how to interact with other animals. Plus, they’re good with big and small animals. That said, it’s important to consider socialization training from a young age. This practice can help them adjust to life in homes with multiple animals or dogs.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Aggressive?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are not aggressive dogs. They have a mild temperament and will rarely lash out against people or other animals. However, they can be standoffish towards strangers or animals they’re unfamiliar with. Socialization training can always help you in this case.
Do Rafeiro do Alentejos Bark?
Rafeiro do Alentejos don’t bark often, they bark occasionally. They will only bark if something makes them feel threatened or curious. During herding duties, they may also bark. Topically, you don’t have to worry about them barking at strangers passing by, so it’s safe to have them in areas with noise restrictions.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Affectionate?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are affectionate dogs. They love to snuggle up with their owners and will show their respect and love through loyalty. That said, they can be independent at times, which might make some owners feel like they’re not being affectionate. Therefore, it depends on if the dog is in the mood to be affectionate or not.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Intelligent?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are smart dogs. They were bred to watch over herds of livestock during a migration process through the mountains, so it’s no surprise that these dogs have a lot going on between their ears. Despite their sometimes goofy-looking appearance, there are plenty of thoughts going on inside that noggin.
Rafeiro do Alentejos are also curious and adventurous dogs. If you leave them outside long enough they have love to explore and discover new areas. Their intelligence and temperament also make them easy to train.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Energetic?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are medium-energy dogs that like to exercise but don’t have to. They’re just as happy to sit next to you on the couch as they are to frolic outdoors. However, it’s important to make sure this breed gets plenty of exercise to avoid fatigue, lethargy, and obesity.
For this reason, focus on exercising with a rafeiro do Alentejo for at least one hour per day. If possible, give them two hours of exercise with a combination of walking, playing, and training. This will keep their minds and bodies engaged.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Easy to Train?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are easy dogs to train. Their breed was designed to help with herding, so it’s no surprise that they can handle complex tasks and learn plenty of commands.
The only time you’ll have trouble training them is if they become aloof or too independent. This can be avoided by starting their training at a young age or by socializing them with other animals from a young age.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Good Watchdogs?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are excellent watchdogs. The breed was created so that they could watch over animals while they migrated, so it’s no surprise that they’re good watchdogs.
Aside from watching animals, they’re good for watching over your home and keeping your farm or house safe. They don’t bark often, so they will only alert you to problems as opposed to barking at everyone who walks by.
Are Rafeiro do Alentejos Good Service Dogs?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are great service dogs. They’re strong enough to help with physical tasks like guiding blind people and helping people get through doors. Additionally, they’re smart enough to determine if a crowd is too big for someone who has social anxiety or if a panic attack is coming.
Some other tasks that they can be trained to perform include:
- Opening complex doors (push, pull, knob, panic bars)
- Getting people through dense crowds
- Applying deep pressure therapy
- Assistance with medications
- Reminding people when it’s time to take medication
These are only some of the tasks that the rafeiro do Alentejos can be trained to do.
Additionally, these dogs can be great emotional support animals and therapy dogs because they’re quiet. This means that they can provide you with comfort without annoying people around you. When you want to go out in public with an ESA or therapy dog this is huge.
How to Care for a Rafeiro do Alentejo?
The rafeiro do Alentejo needs a lot of space if you want to bring them home. As large herding dogs, you need a decent-sized property that has a backyard they can roam around in. Also, try and commit at least an hour or two of exercise per day to this breed because they were bred as working dogs.
Aside from exercise, make sure you check their nails once a month to see if they need to be trimmed, and brush their coat a few times per week. Some other care tips include:
- Taking them to the vet
- Feeding them a healthy diet
- Checking for ticks and other insects like fleas when they come inside
- Train them using positive reinforcement and props like balls
These are some of the best ways you can care for a rafeiro do Alentejo.
Do You Need to Groom a Rafeiro do Alentejo?
Yes, you need to groom rafeiro do Alentejos. Check their nails once a month to see if they need to be trimmed and look for anything sticking into their paws. You also want to brush their coat at least once per week and bathe them if their coat becomes dirty from playing outdoors.
It’s also important to care for their dental health needs. These dogs need to have their teeth brushed every two weeks and it helps if you can give them treats that clean their teeth. Overall, their grooming needs are average compared to most animals.
Do Rafeiro do Alentejos Shed?
Yes, rafeiro do Alentejos shed. They tend to be seasonal shedders and lose their undercoats during the spring and fall months. During this period they need to be brushed daily or you’ll be left with hair all over your house. Luckily, their shedding slows down over the summer and winter months.
What Health Problems Do Rafeiro do Alentejos Have?
Rafeiro do Alentejos don’t have many health problems that are specific to the breed. Instead, you want to look for health issues that are common in heavier dog breeds. So, be on the lookout for conditions that develop with their knees and hips.
The two most common conditions are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Dysplasia develops in dogs when the joint doesn’t grow properly or becomes deformed and luxation develops when the knee slips out of place. Both conditions are painful and require medical attention.
Other health problems to look for as they age include eye problems, dental health issues, and digestive health problems. Always take your rafeiro do Alentejo to the vet annually to catch health problems early and to avoid complications.
How Long Do Rafeiro do Alentejos Live?
Rafeiro do Alentejos can live for 12 to 14 years, which is long for most dogs over 100 pounds. To prolong their life, feed them a balanced diet, help them exercise, and take them on plenty of adventures. Also, regular trips to the vet can help you prevent issues like patellar luxation from becoming severe.
What Should a Rafeiro do Alentejo Eat?
The rafeiro do Alentejo needs to eat a balanced diet that’s formulated for their specific size. It should be food for a large breed with high energy levels and you should leave food out for them twice per day.
Leaving food out all day can result in them gaining weight, especially if they’re not being active. When their puppies, however, you can leave food out four times per day to support their growing bodies. Kibble and a mixture of wet food is preferred and feel free to give them plenty of treats if they are underweight.
Always consult with your vet if you notice that your rafeiro do Alentejo is having digestive problems or trouble eating.
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo the Right Dog for Me?
If you plan on bringing a rafeiro do Alentejos home you need to know if it’s the right dog for you. The best way to know if this breed is right for you is to examine how much space you have.
If you live in a small apartment or a house with a small yard, you’re better off adopting a smaller dog or a different breed. Therefore, make sure you have plenty of space for them to roam around.
Another factor to consider is their exercise needs. These dogs can get fat and lazy quickly, so you just encourage them to play outside or take them with you on walks. If you don’t have an hour or two each day to spend with a dog, a rafeiro do Alentejo is not the right breed for you.
These factors aside, there’s a good fit for most families and they get along well with other animals. So, if you can provide the time and space, these dogs will live a happy life in your home.