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Portuguese Sheepdog (Cao de Serra de Aires)
Large Breed
The Portuguese Sheepdog is a very serious and keen worker. Its eagerness for work is only matched by its happiness and constant high spirits.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Portugal
Weight
12-18 kgs/26-40 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 45-55 cm/18-22 inches; Females 42-52 cm/16 3/4 - 20 3/4 inches (standards may vary)
Coat
Very long, smooth or slightly wavy, forming a long beard, moustache and eyebrows
Markings
Yellow, chestnut, grey, fawn, and wolf-grey. Markings ranging from light to dark and black can be found. Small white patch on the chest.
Lifespan
Average 12-13 years
It is loyal to its family and, once trained, is amongst the most reliable breeds in the world. The Portuguese Sheepdog is a unique-looking dog with a wonderful coat and is a talented herder and watchdog as well as an excellent companion.
Temperament
A highly intelligent breed, the Portuguese Sheepdog is a devoted dog and has been taken into many families. It possesses obvious hardiness and shrewdness and, once it is trained to the master's requirements, it makes an extremely reliable herd and guard dog. It will fiercely defend anything it is put in charge of, including its family. It has been said that the Portuguese Sheepdog loves its master above everything on earth.
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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 Sheepdog is a wonderful breed that will provide any family with an added sense of protection. It has a steadfast, inherent desire to protect its masters, flock and territory.
- An excellent herding and working dog
- A vigilant and purposeful protective guard dog
- Highly territorial and hostile towards strangers
- Does require some trimming and stripping
- Prefers to live outside though can live indoors
- Can be overly protective of family