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Cão da Serra de Aires
| Other Names | Serra de Aires Mountain dog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog, Portuguese Sheepdog |
| Nicknames | Cão Macaco (monkey dog or macaque dog) |
| Country of Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | 26 - 40 lbs. (12 - 18 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 16 - 22 in. (41 - 56 cm) |
| Coat | The dog's body is long and has a long coat without an undercoat, of medium thickness and described as having a "goat like" texture. The lack of an undercoat made the dog less resistant to extreme weather as a working dog, but as a pet, lack of undercoat makes for easier grooming. |
| Colour | Typical coat colours include yellow, chestnut, grey, fawn, wolf grey (fulva e a lobeira), and black, with tan marks. White hairs may be mixed in with the coat, but there should be no large white patches. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 8 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | Ancestors of today's breed were traditionally used for herding cows, sheep, goats, horses and even pigs in the Serra de Aires and in the Alentejo. Although there is speculation about the breed's ancestry, as with other breeds who came from undocumented, working dog origins, "... data is rare, or does not exist ... most guardian and herding breeds do not have records before 1900". The dog is recognisable as one of the old-fashioned types of European sheepdogs, believed to be closely related to the Pyrenean and Catalan Sheepdogs. It is also believed to be descended from Briards imported into Portugal in the early 1900s by the Conde de Castro Guimarães from Cascais, and crossed with the Pyrenean Sheepdog. The landscape of the Serra de Aires is barren and harsh and it has been noted that the breed would have had a difficult time adapting to the climate there. That it is a recent breed was validated by a DNA study done in Portugal on regional breeds. The Cão da Serra de Aires breed standard was written by Dr. Antonio Cabral and Dr. Felipe Morgado Romeiros and was accepted by the Portuguese Kennel Club, and the breed was recognised internationally in 1996 by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. The breed has been exported to other countries, and has become a popular companion and pet in Europe. In the United States, the breed is recognised by the United Kennel Club in the Herding Group as of 2006, using the name Portuguese Sheepdog. It is also recognised and listed under its original name or various translations of the name by minor kennel clubs, specialty clubs, and internet dog registry businesses, and is promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. |
| Personality | One of the most devoted and clever of the sheepdogs, this is a high-spirited, happy dog that is eager to work. Very loyal and bonds with its own people, the Cão da Serra de Aires demands extremely consistent and well-balanced training. It has a lively, above-average intelligence and learns quickly and easily, but can be dominant and will be stubborn if it senses its owners are not as strong minded as itself. Therefore, they have always been a challenge for shepherds to train. Once trained, this dog is more reliable than any owner could possibly wish. It requires a confident, firm handler. These dogs mix well with other dogs, although some males may try to dominate other males. They can live happily alongside other pets provided they have been properly socialized. Cãos da Serra de Aires are usually patient with children but the males in particular can be possessive of their territory. This breed is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog. It tends to like only the livestock it cares for and its master; these it will defend tirelessly. This all-purpose shepherd has proven outstanding in both guarding and herding sheep, cows, horses and pigs. These dogs are known for their quick, clever attitude and are particularly adept at bringing back strays. They love their master "above everything on earth." It is said that it is unlikely to snap or bite unless provoked. |
Care Requirements
| Health | No recurring health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. They are prone to Ehrlichiosis transmitted by ticks. Abdominal tumors are to be expected on senior dogs so regular echograms are advised after the 8th year of life. |
| Grooming | Check the all-weather coat regularly for tangles but do not brush the coat too much, as it will affect the texture and the rough look. Trim any excess hairs between the pads of the feet. This breed should be shampooed only when necessary. |
| Exercise | The Cão da Serra de Aires has extreme stamina. If it gets enough exercise, including a daily, long walk, it will be calm in the house. This breed does very well in agility. |
| Other Considerations | The Cão da Serra de Aires is not recommended for apartment life. Assuming it gets enough exercise it will be calm indoors. As a working dog with a need for exercise, it prefers living outdoors, but does enjoy an occasional visit in the home. The Cão da Serra de Aires is a regional herding breed, and in other areas of the country the Cão de Fila de São Miguel, Cão da Serra da Estrela, Cão de Castro Laboreiro and Rafeiro do Alentejo traditionally did similar work herding livestock in other mountain areas of the country. Nowadays, most of them are kept as pets. |
