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Portuguese Cattle Dog (Castro Laboreiro Dog)
Large Breed
The Portuguese Cattle Dog is strong and powerful while being very pleasant in appearance with a striking, sleek coat.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Portugal
Weight
Approximately 40 kgs/88 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males approximately 55-60 cm/21 3/4-23 1/2 inches; Females approximately 52-57cm/20 1/2-22 1/2 inches (standards may vary)
Coat
Short, thick, coarse
Markings
Preferred colour is 'mountain colour' which is a mixed coat of grey in lighter or darker shades, with brown or reddish hairs interspersed on parts or over the whole body. Otherwise, wolf colours (grey) from light to medium to very dark shades, and exceptionally all three shades on the one coat.
Lifespan
Average, 12-13 years
The breed is a talented guard dog, herder and watchdog and is seen as a trusted police dog. Intelligent, brave and courageous it makes for an extremely protective flock guardian. Robust, loyal and docile, the Portuguese Cattle Dog makes a fine companion and family pet.
Temperament
The Portuguese Cattle Dog is intelligent, alert and very brave, making an excellent protective flock guardian. It is a loyal companion, docile, calm and even-tempered. Obedient to its family and trustworthy with children with which it is familiar, it remains suspicious of all others and obeys orders only from its master. It can display a hostile attitude but is not always necessarily quarrelsome.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Portuguese Cattle Dog is a magnificent large, strong dog, of pleasant appearance though with a severe expression. It is covered in an abundance of dense, smooth hair.
- Makes a wonderful family pet and companion
- Excels as a guardian and watchdog
- No trimming or stripping required
- Adapts well to most climates
- Not a dog recommended for novice owners
- Not suitable for apartment living
- Does best with acreage
- Regular grooming needed
- Requires sufficient daily exercise
- Requires daily physical activity and mental stimulation