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Breed Characteristics
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Rafeiro do Alentejo
| Other Names | Alentejo Mastiff, Portuguese Mastiff, Mutt of Alentejo |
| Country of Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | Males: 110 - 132 lbs. (50 - 60 kg) Females: 100 - 121 lbs. (45 - 55 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 27 - 28 in. (66 - 75 cm) Females 25 - 28 in. (64 - 70 cm) (maximum limits may be slightly surpassed, provided that proportions and functions are respected). |
| Coat | The fur is short to medium and the same length all over. |
| Colour | The colour can be black, yellow, and fawn (a light brown colour) with white markings, or white with other colours. The coat can be streaked or brindled or dappled. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 13 years |
| Origin & History | Rafeiro do Alentejo are of the very ancient molosser type that migrated with humans from Central Asia. When the dogs arrived in the Iberian Peninsula is not known; they may have come with nomads sometime in prehistory, or have been brought by the Romans when they ruled the area thousands of years ago. It is often supposed that the breed is related to the Tibetan Mastiff, but no proof of this exists. Perhaps in the future, DNA evidence will prove when the dogs arrived and what their ancestry is, but for now there is no proof, only legends, guesswork, and speculation. What is known is that this breed and the ancient types from which it descended have been used to move sheep from mountains in northern Portugal to the plateau of Alentejo and back to the mountain. Due to changes in agriculture and livestock raising, and the elimination of large predators, the breed ceased to have economic use and began to decline. Fanciers, however, have been able to keep the breed alive, although, in Portugal, it is still considered "vulnerable". Today the Rafeiro do Alentejo is most often kept as a companion and guard dog. The Rafeiro do Alentejo (Alentejo Mastiff) is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 2, Section 2.2 Mastiffs, Mountain Type, Portugal (breed number 96). Other Portuguese breeds in Section 2.2 include the Cão da Serra da Estrela (number 173) and the Cão de Castro Laboreiro, number 150. The Associação Dos Criadores Do Rafeiro Do Alentejo is the official breed club for the Rafeiro do Alentejo in Portugal. Rafeiro do Alentejo are now included in the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club (as the Rafeiro do Alentejo) and fully recognised by the United Kennel Club in the United States, in the Guardian Dog Group (as the Alentejo Mastiff). It may also be sold by commercial breeders under the Rafeiro do Alentejo name or any of the various translations and English versions of the name, with registration by minor kennel clubs that require little to no breed verification for registration, or listed by internet-based dog registry businesses where it is promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. |
| Personality | The Rafeiro do Alentejo is an excellent, safe and self-confident guard dog that is particularly alert at night. It's not a dog for beginners; it needs a handler who naturally radiates leadership. Calm, steadfast, and brave, but not aggressive. Independent, very watchful and self-assured. Affectionate with its own family, but suspicious of strangers, especially after dark. This dog can be stubborn and dominant. When training the Rafeiro do Alentejo, the best results are achieved by motivational training methods with a determined, consistent and loving approach. It is very important to begin training as early as possible, because a fully grown dog may be too strong and too big to be corrected and because this dog has his own ideas and will not cater to his owner's every whim. This breed is sensitive to reprimands and eager to receive affection. They will generally get along with other animals provided they have been introduced to them when they are still young. It is important to socialize them while they are still young. These dogs mature quite slowly, reaching full adulthood at about four years old. They guard, but do not herd, livestock. They do not eat much for their size. Extensive early socialization, obedience training and consistent dominant leadership are very important when owning a Rafeiro do Alentejo. This is not the kind of dog to learn useless tricks; they usually want to keep their energy for the real work. Do not allow the Rafeiro do Alentejo to over exert itself with activities such as jumping, running and going up and down stairs, when it is a puppy. The reason is it needs to save time and energy to develop healthy bones, muscles and tendons. With its highly noble character, it is tough to strangers but docile with children. Undoubtedly a dog more for defense than attack, unmistakable by the low, deep tone of its barking, which can be heard a long way off. Because of its powerful fangs, its courage, speed, it is often used in packs for game, wild boar and other large-game hunting. This is a corpulent, sober dog, a dog of peaceful demeanor. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Little data exists for health problems in this breed. However, when bred to be very oversize, they may be subject to hip dysplasia, and dogs with deep chests sometimes suffer from bloat. |
| Grooming | This breed requires little grooming. The coat needs thorough brushing-out during the twice yearly shedding seasons. You can get away with little attention the rest of the year. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a seasonal, heavy shedder. |
| Exercise | When fully mature, this breed has an average to low need for exercise. If not actively working, it needs to be taken on a daily walk or jog. |
| Other Considerations | The Rafeiro do Alentejo is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This breed is very suspicious of strangers, and it is therefore necessary to provide a secure, fenced yard. |
