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Rafeiro do Alentejo: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed’s Characteristics, Temperament, and Care
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a well-known Portuguese mastiff that is known for its large and powerful physique. The breed is both noble and brave, making it an excellent guardian of livestock and family. This breed is calm, loyal, and loving and is an ideal companion for the right owner. Read on to learn more about what makes these dogs so unique.
Breed Overview
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a member of the Mastiff family, hailing from the southwestern region of Portugal. These strong dogs were bred to be guardians of livestock, relying on their immense size and strength to fend off predators. As such, they can be very wary of strangers, but incredibly devoted and loyal to their owners.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is an average-sized breed, standing 25-30 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighing between 95 and 115 pounds. The breed has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, yellow, or red with white markings.
Temperament
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a gentle giant. They are calm, loyal, and loving, but still a formidable guardian. They are independent and strong-willed, but also enjoy human companionship and form strong bonds with their family. With proper training, they can be great family companions, although they may take a while to warm up to strangers.
Care Requirements
Since the Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large breed, it’s important that they get proper exercise and nutrition. These dogs will need plenty of daily exercise, ideally in the form of long walks or other active activities. They will also need to eat a healthy diet of high-quality dog food made for their size and activity level.
Health
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is generally a healthy breed, although they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other joint diseases. Regular vet visits are essential in order to keep this breed healthy, and it’s important to feed them a balanced diet in order to reduce the chances of joint and bone issues.
Conclusion
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a powerful and courageous breed of dog, known for its loyalty and devotion. These dogs are gentle giants, but still excellent guardians, making them the perfect breed for an active family. With proper training, nutrition, and daily exercise, the Rafeiro do Alentejo can make a great companion for the right owner.