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Rafeiro do Alentejo

Appearance: The Rafeiro is a large dog, with males weighing around 110 pounds (50 kg) and females, 90 pounds (41 kg). Conformity to the physical type, temperament and movements are basic factors to take into account. Head with a broad, rounded skull, proportional to the corpulence, eyes dark and very characteristically expressive, ears small to medium-sized, triangular, with rounded tips placed halfway along the skull, bending at the base and dangling. Its silhouette is slightly convex and males are bigger and have a bulkier head than females. The neck is short and strong, with a regular dewlap, the trunk is robust, bulky and muscular, the chest broad and deep. Strong, upright limbs, both front and rear. Long and curving tail, on a line with the rump and falling underneath and between the hocks, when in action it may curl up. Hair of medium length, thick, straight and dense, its color black, wolf like, tawny or yellowish, in a fair, striped or white-spotted pattern.

History: The Rafeiro do Alentejo are often claimed to be descended from huge dogs on the vast Tibetan highlands, thousands of years ago and by that believed to be the oldest breed of dogs. These powerful mastiffs are commonly said to have migrated slowly westwards into Asia Minor. They are thought to have crossed the Balkans, following the Roman legions from the Black Sea to the shores of the Atlantic. Over so vast an area and through centuries of natural selection, they acquired characteristics of their own, which eventually differentiated them from region to region. In the Iberian Peninsula, tribes whose subsistence was based on the exploitation of cattle undoubtedly gave these dogs of great strength and size the unique task of protecting them against rival tribes and cattle rustlers. One could say that the Rafeiro, regarding its origin, looks, character and function is between the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Spanish Mastiff , (the perfect dog). In Portugal, with the geographic and climatic differences between North and South, the need soon arose of moving the cattle annually in search of better pastures. Consequently, for centuries, huge herds, accompanied by powerful mastiffs, were driven between the northern region of Douro and the Alentejo hinterland. As the population settled down, the dogs eventually remained in the southern prairies, where they adapted and began to be used to guard, not only the herds, but especially, in time, the big rural estates. However, it was not before 1953 that, thanks to a census carried out at the end of the 1940's by two distinguished sinologists (António Cabral and Filipe Romeiras), the official standard of the Rafeiro of Alentejo was established. In the 60's and 70's this breed declined dramatically, both in quality and quantity, the most critical point being reached in the early 80's. It is, however, with great satisfaction that we can say that at the turn of the century this situation has been overcome, thanks to the zeal of a small but resolute group of breeders, who, with dedication and perseverance, are carrying out the rewarding task of ensuring the continuity of the Rafeiro do Alentejo. Today, even though the work must continue unabated, we can say that this precious heritage will be bestowed on future generations.

Temperament: An excellent, safe and self-confident guard dog particularly alert at night. It needs a strong handler who naturally radiates leadership and is not a beginner. Calm, steadfast, and brave, but not aggressive. Independent, very watchful, and self-assured. Affectionate with their own family, but suspicious of strangers, especially after dark. The 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. 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 themselves, 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, and for a dog of its size it is (very fast) 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. 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.