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Rafeiro do Alentejo Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Rafeiro do Alentejo so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank256
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Rafeiro do Alentejo dog profile picture
OriginPortugal flagPortugal
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Rafeiro do Alentejo known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Mutt of AlentejoPortuguese MastiffAlentejo Mastiff
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Rafeiro do Alentejo Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Learn how big the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed typically grows.
Giant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Rafeiro do Alentejo weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed.
Male: 110-132 pounds (50-60 kg), Female: 100-121 pounds (45-55 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Rafeiro do Alentejo?
Male: 121 pounds (55 kg), Female: 110.5 pounds (50 kg)
Height
How tall is the Rafeiro do Alentejo? Rafeiro do Alentejo height:
Male: 27-28 inches (66-75 cm), Female: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Rafeiro do Alentejo?
Male: 27.5 inches (70.5 cm), Female: 26.5 inches (67 cm)

Rafeiro do Alentejo Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Rafeiro do Alentejo costs.
$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Rafeiro do Alentejo, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Rafeiro do Alentejo for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Rafeiro do Alentejo gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Rafeiro do Alentejo? How many Rafeiro do Alentejo are there in the world?
Average: The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Discover the Rafeiro do Alentejo's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Rafeiro do Alentejo ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's trainability and response to training methods.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are hard to train. They don't really get the association between commands and actions. If you want them to obey, you should be very consistent and patient while teaching.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Rafeiro do Alentejo as a watchdog? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's alertness and guarding instincts.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo protective of its territory? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's guarding instincts and behavior.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Rafeiro do Alentejo can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Rafeiro do Alentejo will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Rafeiro do Alentejo have? Learn about characteristic Rafeiro do Alentejo temperament and behavior traits.
IndependentProtectiveTerritorialSelfishCalmConfidenceSober
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Rafeiro do Alentejo sensitivity:
Sensitive: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo a good family dog?
Average to High: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Mutt of Alentejo need? Rafeiro do Alentejo social needs:
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Rafeiro do Alentejo to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Rafeiro do Alentejo roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Rafeiro do Alentejo is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Rafeiro do Alentejo have high prey drive?
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Rafeiro do Alentejo bark a lot? Learn about typical Rafeiro do Alentejo vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Rafeiro do Alentejo rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed.
Rafeiro do Alentejos don't really like playing. You need to find another activity to make them happy.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Rafeiro do Alentejo live in an apartment? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Rafeiro do Alentejo indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Rafeiro do Alentejo to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Rafeiro do Alentejo be left alone? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's tolerance to solitude.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Rafeiro do Alentejo biting potential? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Rafeiro do Alentejo has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo mouthy? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's tendency to use mouth during play.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Rafeiro do Alentejo bite? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Rafeiro do Alentejo bite force: The Strongest. The Rafeiro do Alentejo bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Rafeiro do Alentejo measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs is impressive, and their Rafeiro do Alentejo bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Rafeiro do Alentejo PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Rafeiro do Alentejo bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Rafeiro do Alentejo live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Rafeiro do Alentejo: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Rafeiro do Alentejo handle different weather? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Discover typical conditions affecting the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed.
Rafeiro do Alentejos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Rafeiro do Alentejo need vet visits? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Rafeiro do Alentejo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Rafeiro do Alentejo? Understand daily activity needs of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Rafeiro do Alentejo need? How much exercise do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs require per day?

Do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs need a lot of exercises?

Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed need?
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo prone to weight gain? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Rafeiro do Alentejo's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Rafeiro do Alentejo weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Rafeiro do Alentejo need daily? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's feeding requirements.
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo hypoallergenic? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Rafeiro do Alentejo come in? Discover all possible Rafeiro do Alentejo color variations.
BlackGrayFawnYellow Brindle
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Rafeiro do Alentejo need? Learn about Rafeiro do Alentejo coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Rafeiro do Alentejo doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Rafeiro do Alentejo is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Rafeiro do Alentejo drool a lot? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's drooling habits.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Rafeiro do Alentejo smell bad? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Rafeiro do Alentejo has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Rafeiro do Alentejo have? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's fur characteristics.
DenseStraightDouble
Bathing Needs
How often does a Rafeiro do Alentejo need baths? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's bathing requirements.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Shedding Level
How much do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Mutt of Alentejo? Do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs shed a lot?
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo good with children? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's behavior around kids of different ages.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Rafeiro do Alentejo get along with other pets? Discover the Rafeiro do Alentejo's compatibility with other animals.
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Rafeiro do Alentejo temperament with other people:
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed live with a cat?
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Rafeiro do Alentejo good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs get along with other dogs?
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Rafeiro do Alentejo breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Rafeiro do Alentejo breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs good office canines? Do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Rafeiro do Alentejo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Mutt of Alentejo temperament with senior people? Are Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs good for elderly owners?
Rafeiro do Alentejos are usually recommended for elderly people.

Rafeiro do Alentejo As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Rafeiro do Alentejo be a service dog? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Rafeiro do Alentejo is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Rafeiro do Alentejo is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo good at detection work? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Rafeiro do Alentejo is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Rafeiro do Alentejo do search and rescue? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Rafeiro do Alentejo good on boats? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Rafeiro do Alentejo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Rafeiro do Alentejo pull carts? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Rafeiro do Alentejo breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Rafeiro do Alentejo used in military service? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Rafeiro do Alentejo usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Rafeiro do Alentejo pregnant? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Rafeiro do Alentejo: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Rafeiro do Alentejo have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Rafeiro do Alentejo in? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Rafeiro do Alentejo in? Learn about the Rafeiro do Alentejo's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Rafeiro do Alentejo doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Rating: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Compatibility: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Rafeiro do Alentejos are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Training Difficulty: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are hard to train.
  • Health Concerns: Rafeiro do Alentejos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Rafeiro do Alentejo's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Rafeiro do Alentejo is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Cat Friendly: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Rafeiro do Alentejo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Rafeiro do Alentejo History

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is believed to be originated from molosser type of dogs from the Middle East. Yet, according to another theory, The Rafeiro do Alentejo is often claimed to be descended from huge dogs on the vast Tibetan highlands, thousands of years ago. These powerful dogs are commonly thought to have migrated slowly westwards into Asia Minor. They are believed 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, the breed acquired characteristics of their own; this 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 cattle rustlers and rival tribes, thus performing a crucial role for these types of communities. With the beginning of the transhumance in Portugal and in the Iberian Peninsula, it was noticeable that the migrating shepherds, herds, and communities were exposed to many dangers during their long journeys. So, on their route to the mountains in the summer and back to the plains in the winter, flocks were always 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. These diverse climates and roles led the dogs to be spread along the route from region to region.

In 1953, the official standard was first established for the Rafeiro do Alentejo in its native land, Portugal. Moreover, it is important to state that the Rafeiro do Alentejo is the biggest Portuguese canine breed. Since the late 19th century the breed has been known as Rafeiro do Alentejo, whereas previously they were called the Alentejo Mastiff. The breed got accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale mid-1900s the Portuguese breed club is the Associação dos Criadores do Rafeiro do Alentejo was established.

Between the 1960s and 1970s, the breed’s population decreased dramatically, both in quantity and also in quality, the more crucial point was reached in the 1980s, pushing the breed to the edge of extinction. Fortunately, at the turn of the century, the situation improved for the better, and now we can safely say that it has been overcome, thanks to the zeal of a small but resolute group of breeders, who are carrying out the rewarding task of ensuring the continuity of the Rafeiro do Alentejo with dedication, perseverance and strictly planned and observed breeding programs.

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Rafeiro do Alentejo Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • MARK WHITE

    Jan 20, 2023, 7:45:06 AM:

    there very unique they definitely are all of what was listed here in the findings of this book, they're a little pushy but if established early that they're not the alpha dog they will back off, but they take work.