Rafeiro do Alentejo
Also called Alentejo Mastiff, Portuguese Mastiff, Portuguese Watchdog and Rafeiro Alentejano
- Needs space
- Barks a lot
- Hard to train
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large and powerful breed of dog that was originally bred in Portugal for guarding and protecting property. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective, and make excellent guard dogs.
- Weight
- 77–132 lb (35–60 kg)
- Height at the shoulder
- 25–29 in (64–74 cm)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- About 60 minutes a day
- Coat
- Short, Double
- Origin
- Alentejo, Portugal
Traits
Family and friends
- Children: OK with children
- Other dogs: Wary of other dogs
- Strangers: Very wary of strangers
Home and activity
- Energy: Moderately active
- Apartment living: Not suited to apartments
- Barking: Barks often
- Training: Hard to train
Care
- Grooming: Little grooming
- Shedding: Sheds moderately
- Drooling: Drools a little
Temperament
Aloof with strangers
Calm
Dominant
Fearless
Independent
Protective
Coat colours
Black, brindle, fawn, white with colored patches, wolf grey and yellow
Males and females
| Measure | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 99–132 lb (45–60 kg) | 77–110 lb (35–50 kg) |
| Height | 26–29 in (66–74 cm) | 25–28 in (64–70 cm) |
Recognized by
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and United Kennel Club (UKC)
Caring for a Rafeiro do Alentejo
Find pet services near you that suit this breed.
Breeds of a similar size
All giant breeds
Giant
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:99–220 lb (45–100 kg)
- Life span:15–20 years
Giant
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:99–198 lb (45–90 kg)
- Life span:12–14 years
Giant
Estrela Mountain Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:77–132 lb (35–60 kg)
- Life span:12–14 years
Sources
- Rafeiro do Alentejo - Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)
- Rafeiro do Alentejo (character, nutrition, care) (opens in a new tab)
- Rafeiro do Alentejo – Brit (FCI Group II standard summary) (opens in a new tab)
- Alentejo Mastiff - Complete Breed Guide (opens in a new tab)
Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).