Portuguese Sheepdog

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is known also as Portuguese Sheepdog or Portuguese Mastiff. The Rafeiro is a large dog, , Blue-Headed Pionus with males weighing around 110 pounds (50 kg) and females, , Cesky Terrier 90 pounds (41 kg).

Appearance
Description: Head: Bear like, short muzzle. Eyes: Dark. Ears: Hanging. tapered. Nose: Black and self-colored according to coat. , Manx Bite: Scissor or level. Neck: Short. Top-line: Level. Chest: Thick. Body: Rectangular, well muscled, strong bone. Legs: Forelegs are long, strong, muscular. Hind legs are strong, hocks are moderately bent. Feet: Oval. Tail: Long, curved at end. Movement: Swift and very agile, with flowing gait. Temperament: High-spirited, yet very lovable.

Temperament
They are not the dogs , Toucans,Toucanets and Aracaris (General Info) for beginners. They mature slowly, are very independent, and often do not respond to traditional concepts of dog , American Shorthair Cat obedience. On the other hand, they are extremely territorial and will protect the sheep, households, and families , Belgian Heavy Draught Horse they feel were placed under their protection. Rafeiro do Alentejo are guard dogs , Mice without herding qualities. They are not aggressive but protective; they get along quite well with children.

History
The dogs , Chameleons are descendents of Tibetan Mastiffs, believed to be the oldest breed , Shiloh Shepherd of dogs. , Standardbred horses They are closely related to Anatolian Mastiffs, known also as Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. , Mice Rafeiro do Alentejo have been used, for centuaries, to move sheep, during winter, from mountains in northern Portugal to the plateau of Alentejo and back to the mountain. Gradually they adjusted to living in Alentejo province. The breed , Siberian Husky was threatened with extinction but survived largely due to an organized effort by a few dedicated people.

At present there are very few registered and recognized breeders , Clumber Spaniel but the number of dogs , Otterhound is steadily increasing. The breed , Newfoundland is recognized by the Continental Kennel Club and, recently, the Rafeiro do Alentejo were admitted to the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club.