Portuguese Sheepdog Breed Information:
In Portugal, people call the Portuguese Sheepdog “cão da Serra de Aires,” which is the name of a mountain range in the breed’s native land. They’re also nicknamed “cão macaco,” which translates to “monkey dog,” due to the breed’s habit for making quizzical expressions that remind people of monkeys. The Portuguese Sheepdog is a herding breed who is totally devoted to their flock, though today they usually act more as a watchdog and companion dog.
Portuguese Sheepdog Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs.
Portuguese Sheepdog Height: 16 to 22 inches.
Portuguese Sheepdog Weight: 37 to 59 pounds.
Portuguese Sheepdog Life Span: 12 to 13 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Portuguese Sheepdogs have high energy. They'll require daily exercise in the form of playing, hiking, walking, and staying mentally stimulated by learning new tricks and commands. The Portuguese Sheepdog is a sturdy dog and will bond and play well with kids, but their herding instincts might kick in. Playtime should always be supervised. The Portuguese Sheepdog's coat comes in a variety of colors, the most common being yellow, black, gray, and fawn. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes a combination of these colors.
Portuguese Sheepdog History:
The Portuguese Sheepdog is a rare breed that has been around since the early 1900s. They are rarely spotted outside of their native lands of Portugal. They came close to extinction in the 1970s, but thanks to a few dedicated breed lovers, they're now are thriving in slightly higher numbers. They were originally bred to herd goats, sheep, horses and cattle and are sometimes called "monkey dog" due to their expression that resembles monkeys.
Portuguese Sheepdog Size:
The Portuguese Sheepdog should weigh between 37 and 59 pounds and stand between 16 to 21.5 inches at the shoulders.
Portuguese Sheepdog Personality:
The Portuguese Sheepdog is an intelligent herding breed. They can be very stubborn and will try to establish themselves as pack leaders among other dogs. When walking, make sure your Portuguese Sheepdog is on a leash at all times, which is a great guideline for all dogs. This is an active canine and will require daily exercise. Temperament is affected by a number of factors including heredity, training and socialization.
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Portuguese Sheepdog Health:
The Portuguese Sheepdog is a very healthy dog with no known breed specific ailments. A minor concern is that they may be prone to hip and elbow dyspepsia. Some proteins such as red-meat can cause inflammation. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from hip or elbow dysplasia, consult your vet.
Portuguese Sheepdog Care:
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Portuguese Sheepdog's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. They'll require daily exercise in the form of playing, hiking, walking, and staying mentally stimulated by learning new tricks and commands. One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health.
Portuguese Sheepdog Feeding:
An ideal Portuguese Sheepdog diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. A single feeding of high quality dog food or homemade food each day may suit this breed best. Ask your vet for advice on serving sizes and frequency.
Portuguese Sheepdog Coat Color And Grooming:
The Portuguese Sheepdog's coat comes in a variety of colors, the most common being yellow, black, gray, and fawn. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes a combination of these colors. Their coats only need brushing once a week, and be careful not to over-brush, as this can change the texture of their coat. You won't have to worry about vacuuming with the Portuguese Sheepdog as they have a low-shed coat.
Portuguese Sheepdog with Children And Other Pets:
The Portuguese Sheepdog is a sturdy dog and will bond and play well with kids, especially those who they consider a part of their family. It's important to teach children how to behave around dogs, and it's never a good idea to leave small children alone with any dog under any circumstance. The Portuguese Sheepdog will usually get along great with cats and other dogs, but supervising is important, as they may try to establish dominance, which can be problematic around another dog with a dominant personality.