Rafeiro do Alentejo
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large dog breed from Portugal, with males weighing and standing at a height. The Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal, typically weighs Males, and has a short to medium-length; straight, thick, dense coat. Individual Rafeiro do Alentejos vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Portugal
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- short to medium-length; straight, thick, dense
- Colour
- yellow, fawn, brindle, wolf grey or black - always with white markings
About the Rafeiro do Alentejo
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large dog breed from Portugal, with males weighing and standing at a height. Originating in the Alentejo region, this breed is known for its distinctive characteristics.
Use
The traditional use of the Rafeiro was as a flock guardian dog , used to protect extensively-managed flocks from predators. : 253 It was also used in hunting for large game ; historic photographs show that it was among the dogs in the hunting packs of Carlos I , who had a palace in Alentejo. : 253 In the twenty-first century the dogs are used to guard farms and other property as well as flocks, and are also kept as companion animals . : 253
Overview
The Rafeiro do Alentejo [ a ] or Rafeiro Alentejano is a Portuguese breed of flock guardian dog . It is named for its area of origin, the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. : 33 It is recognised by the Clube Português de Canicultura , and was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1954.
History
The Rafeiro is a traditional flock guardian dog of the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. Dogs of this type were used to protect flocks during the biannual transhumance to high summer pastures in the mountains, and then back to the lowlands for the winter. In the late nineteenth century they began to be known as Rafeiro do Alentejo. : 253 The earliest breed standard dates from 1953; the breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in the following year. Among the marked economic and social changes in Portugal in the 1970s was the large-scale movement of people from rural areas to towns and cities, one consequence of which was an abrupt and significant decrease in pastoral farming. : 253 Flock guardian dogs were no longer needed, and numbers of the Rafeiro fell sharply, to the point that by the early 1980s it was close to extinction , with only a few dogs remaining in the hands of a small group of breeders. : 253 A breed club , the Associação dos Criadores do Rafeiro do Alentejo , was established in 1994 in Monforte , in the District of Portalegre ; it was a successor to an earlier club, the Clube Português do Rafeiro do Alentejo . : 253 . The society and the câmara municipal of Monforte jointly established a breeding centre for the dogs, the Centro de Reprodução do Rafeiro do Alentejo , in the town. : 253 In 2006 there were 1165 bitches registered in the stud-book . The area of distribution of the Rafeiro corresponds closely with the historic region of Alentejo, with the exception of areas closest to the Atlantic coast. A dog of this breed named Bobi was confirmed by Guinness World Records to be both the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever, with a claimed age of 30 years and 226 days on 1 February 2023. He died at the claimed age of 31 years and 165 days on 21 October 2023. Doubts about the claims were expressed by veterinary surgeons , and Guinness opened an investigation; it found insufficient evidence of the age of the dog, and the records were annulled.
Characteristics
The Rafeiro is a large dog, slightly longer than it is tall, with a broad chest. The head is massive; the eyes are small and dark, the ears small, triangular and hanging. The coat is dense and straight, of short or medium length. It may be black, fawn, wolf grey or yellow, either brindled or not, but always with white markings; or may be white marked with these colours. It is not as thick as the coat of other pastoral dogs such as the Polish Tatra .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Rafeiro do Alentejo?
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large dog, slightly longer than it is tall, with a broad chest. It has a massive head, small dark eyes, small triangular ears, and a dense, straight coat of short or medium length. The coat can be black, fawn, wolf grey, or yellow with white markings.
Is the Rafeiro do Alentejo a good family dog?
As a flock guardian dog, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is naturally protective of its family and territory. However, its strong guarding instincts may make it wary of strangers. Early socialization and training are crucial to ensure it is a suitable family pet. Experience with large breeds is recommended.
What health problems do Rafeiro do Alentejos have?
Information on specific health issues affecting the Rafeiro do Alentejo is limited. Generally, large breeds can be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain cancers. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health problems early on.
How much does a Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy cost?
The cost of a Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. As a rare breed, prices may be higher than those for more common breeds. Potential buyers should research reputable breeders and ask about pricing and what is included in the purchase.
Where do Rafeiro do Alentejos come from?
The Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Rafeiro do Alentejo, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.