Additonal Breeds Starting
With Letter:
Pet Sites
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COUNTRY:
Portugal
WEIGHT:
95-110 pounds
HEIGHT:
30 inches maximum
COAT:
Medium-short
COLOR:
White with spots of black, red, yellow, gray
or brindle
REGISTRY:
FCI
GROUP
Flock Guard
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The Rafeiro was spawned from several breed sources in the Alentejo, the
flat lowland area in southern Portugal. Some flocks from the Estrela Mountains
came south to the Alentejo for the winter and contributed the genetic influence
from their dogs. Other stems may have been the Mastin de Espanol from the
other side of the border. In the lowlands, the smooth-coated specimens gained
favor. Used as estate guardians as well as shepherds' assistants, they tended
to be large, with the massive head and rolls of dewlaps much like the Spanish
mastins. The impassive appearance underscores their aggressive nature. These
dogs are fierce as well as being willful and hard-headed.
This dog rarely
makes a good house pet, being used to the space available outdoors; nor
does he fit in well with necessary home routines. Some who have met the
Rafeiro say he is too much dog for most people,
Americans searching
for examples of this old breed were told the dogs still existed, but the
travelers were unable to find pure specimens available for use in USA
flock-guard programs. The Rafeiro is still raised and worked in the Alentejo,
however, and a Portuguese specialty club today supports the breed.
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