Rafeiro do Alentejo

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is one of a number of large breeds of the livestock guardian type that were developed in Portugal. This breed was bred to guard large herds of cattle as they were moved seasonally, but it has also been used to guard large estates and herds of sheep. It has traditionally been successful in protecting livestock from large predators such as wolves and bear, and also human cattle thieves. The Rafeiro do Alentejo shares ancestry with the Spanish Mastiff which developed in eastern Portugal. Historians believe that it also shares much with the Estrela Mountain Dog which developed in the south of Portugal, and perhaps also with the Anatolian Shepherd. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is muscular and somewhat stocky, thick of bone, giving the impression of an overall powerful and imposing presence. It has a large head that is slightly convex and described in the standard as "bear-like."� The head of the male is a bit larger than that of the female. This dog has a thick neck, heavy forequarters, and a deep chest. The back is long, making the dog seem more long in profile than square. This breed has the marked dewlap of the mastiff type. The ears are large and triangular, rounded on the ends, and drop down. The eyes of the Rafeiro do Alentejo are also large, dark and characteristically expressive. The tail is large, long and carried with a saber-like curve. When the dog is excited it may curl higher. This breed stands an average 25 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder. The coat is a single very thick coat, and all the fur is one smooth to medium length. The color is often dramatic: it may be black, brindle, wolf gray, fawn or yellow. It is not solid but has patches of color on a white background, or has white markings on a solid background. Many individuals may be called "pinto-colored"�. The head may or may not have a black mask.The Rafeiro do Alentejo is one of many livestock guardian breeds that descends from the large "molosser"� type herding and livestock guarding dogs that came with nomadic tribes west from central Asia, and then traveled with the Romans as they marched over Europe. Whether these dogs came to the Iberian Peninsula when the Romans invaded it, or were later brought by the Visigoths who first conquered the Romans on their way to the Iberian Peninsula, is uncertain. But this early type laid the foundation for many of the livestock guardian dog breeds of Europe. In each case, the individual breed was developed over the centuries through selective breeding: the farmers and shepherds who used the dog carefully molded each breed with the traits suitable to its specific job, type of livestock guarded, types of predators present, and the type of terrain and weather.The Rafeiro do Alentejo developed as a large guardian of cattle that were moved in seasonal migration from the Alentejo lowlands in the south of Portugal to the Duoro mountain plateau in the north. During this movement the herds were subject to large predators and to cattle rustlers. While in the Duoro the herds were left alone with the dogs for weeks at a time, whose sole responsibility it became to maintain the herd's safety. In addition to its usefulness as a guardian, this breed was used in packs to hunt large game. By the mid-20th century methods of agriculture had changed and the once-massive migrating cattle herds were not as common. Consequently, the Rafeiro do Alentejo also diminished in numbers. The early 20th century saw increased transportation into the more remote agricultural areas of Europe and increased contact between regions. New livestock guardian breeds were imported to the Iberian Peninsula, and this inspired a movement to preserve and celebrate the traditional breeds of native to the region. In the 1940's a census was taken of the remaining individual Rafeiro do Alentejos in the country, and a standard was written in 1953. By this time, the breed was used more to guard flocks of sheep and the large estates of landowners, and showed itself very capable. It is a rare breed today, but has a loyal following which works to promote the breed and protect its heritage and the integrity of its bloodlines. The Rafeiro do Alentejo has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club since 2005. The Rafeiro do Alentejo, like many livestock guardians, needs space to roam. It is usually docile in the house, but must have a long walk daily to expend excess energy that otherwise might be channeled into undesirable behaviors. This is a formidable guard dog breed, and must be contained in a secure fence. It possesses a very loud, low bark that carries for a distance, which it uses to alert the owners of any intruder in the area, and so it is not suitable for living in close vicinity of neighbors' houses. The coat of this breed requires very occasional brushing to keep it clean and attractive and the skin healthy. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a moderate shedder, but can shed heavily as seasons change; this can be greatly diminished with daily brushing at during those weeks. This breed is relatively very healthy. Breeding dogs should be screened for hip dysplasia. Owners should be aware of the signs of bloat (GDV), which is an emergency life-threatening condition that sometimes occurs suddenly in deep-chested dogs. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a noble, calm, self-assured breed. Its standard describes its usual demeanor as "sober"�. It is serious when surveying its dominion for anything out of place. It is not aggressive by nature, but rather defensive only when threatened. However, when in defense mode it is known as a fearless, fast-moving, extremely effective defender. This dog should be introduced to visitors slowly. It generally is very tolerant of small household pets. This breed is peaceful and affectionate with family, and particular with children. It is absolutely essential that the owner socialize this breed very early to other dogs to avoid dog-aggressive behavior in adult life. Early and consistent obedience training is important with the Rafeiro do Alentejo; its independent nature means that training may be slow and difficult, and must be patient and consistent.

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