Rare Jewels! Unfortunately, Portuguese dog breeds live in the shadows. The active guard or hunting dogs would be the ideal companions for sporty dog lovers.
In the following we would like to briefly introduce you to the 10 most popular Portuguese dog breeds. You will discover some rare treasures along the way.
You can find out which athletic Portuguese comes from the dreamy Algarve at No. 10!
1. Podengo Portuguese
The Podengo Português is a beautiful breed of dog from Portugal. The hunting dog is one of the unknown rarities among the four-legged friends.
The dog breed can have short or wiry coats. They belong to the scent hounds and are therefore very active.
Once a hound, always a hound. The Podengo Português is not a couch potatoe dog. The speedsters need a lot of movement. They can really let off steam, especially with dog sports.
2. Perdigueiro Portuguese
The Perdigueiro Português is a medium-sized Portuguese pointing dog. In its past, the dog breed was primarily used for hunting.
The four-legged friends were first only known in Portugal. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did the bundles of energy become popular outside the borders.
Perdigueiro Português are the ideal comrades for jocks. They have a lot of stamina. On the other hand, the dogs are also lovable battle cuddler.
3. Cao da Serra de Aires
Alternatively, the Cão da Serra de Aires can also be called the Portuguese Shepherd Dog or «Monkey Dog». The medium-sized four-legged friends appeared mainly as herding dogs for cattle herds.
The pretty animals are rare diamonds. Only a few specimens survive even in their home country.
Anyone who smiles at a Cão da Serra de Aires today will receive a lively companion dog that will not shy away from any task. He must be regularly encouraged and challenged physically and mentally.
4. Cao De Agua Português
The Cão De Agua Português, also known as the Portuguese Water Dog, is one of the most popular dog breeds in Portugal. The fishermen on the coastal areas used to prefer Cão De Agua Português.
The curly heads are a dream for all dog lovers. They are docile, playful and get along very well with children. Even today, water rats cannot resist water.
With the American President Obama, a Portuguese water dog even moved into the White House.
4. Barbado da Terceira
The Barbado da Terceira was named after its island of origin, Terceira. Like many Portuguese dog breeds, he is a real workaholic.
The medium-sized four-legged friends served primarily as watchdogs and herding dogs.
A Barbado da Terceira is a fluffy jock. The dog breed is considered very active, docile and has a will of its own. Dog experience is recommended.
5. Cao da Serra da Estrela
The Cão da Serra da Estrela is hard to miss. This dog breed from Portugal is a massive Molosser, which was kept as a watchdog or herd guard dog.
Today the giants are active as sleuths. They are excellent at detecting drugs or explosives.
The mighty mountain dogs are also 1A companion dogs. When the guard dogs’ danger sensor doesn’t go off, they are calm themselves.
6. Cao Fila De Sao Miguel
Another Molosser from the Portuguese area is the Cão Fila De São Miguel.
This mastiff-like four-legged friend originally came from the island of São Miguel, where it was used as a cattle dog for dairy cattle.
Cão Fila De São Miguel are tall and athletic. Today they are often trained to be police or therapy dogs.
7. Cao de Gado Transmontano
The Cão de Gado Transmontano is the powerhouse of Portuguese dog breeds. The giants can grow up to 70 cm tall and weigh a maximum of 75 kg.
The giants have an innate protective instinct. Historically they were kept as livestock guardian dogs in the highlands of Portugal.
The Cão de Gado Transmontano was never able to shed its roots as a livestock guardian dog. He is very confident and values his freedom.
8. Rafeiro do Alentejo
The Rafeiro Don Alentejo is a Portuguese Mastiff originally from Alentejo.
Like the majority of Portuguese dog breeds, this large and powerful four-legged friend is a livestock guardian. However, he also cuts a fine figure as a yard or guard dog.
If you are not afraid of big dogs then a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is an excellent choice. The animals are very calm and have a mind of their own.
9. Cao De Castro Laboreiro
The Cão De Castro Laboreiro is a Molosser from the mountains of Portugal. The animals kept as guard or herd guard dogs are among the oldest dog breeds in the country.
The four-legged friends are big, strong and love exercise. They would not be happy with a bore and a couch potato.
The dogs have to be constantly challenged and encouraged by their owners.
10. Barrocal Algarvio
Colorful dog! The Portuguese Barrocal Algarvio dog breed can have a black, gray, blonde, or sable colored coat.
The four-legged friends are born athletes and originally come from the Algarve. There they were primarily used for rabbit hunting.
The Barrocal Algarvio has not yet been recognized as a dog breed by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).