Rafeiro do Alentejo (Portuguese Mastiff)
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a breed of large guard dog from Portugal. In the Alentejo region, they were popular among landowners for centuries, escorting and guarding livestock and protecting their owners and property. Other names for the breed include the Portuguese Mastiff and the Alentejo Mastiff.
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History of origin
Almost nothing is known about the origins of the Rafeiro do Alentejo. It is believed that its ancestors were large Molossian dogs that arrived on the Iberian Peninsula from Central Asia. They may have been brought by the Romans. It is certain that dogs of this type accompanied flocks of sheep in the Alentejo region for many centuries. They participated in seasonal transhumance, leading to their spread across central and southern Portugal. The modern name Rafeiro do Alentejo was adopted in the late 19th century.
In Portuguese, rafeiro means mongrel, and do Alentejo refers to the place of origin.
The breed was recognized by the Portuguese Kennel Club in 1934 and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1967. Today, it is quite popular in its homeland, but virtually unknown abroad.
Appearance
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large, powerful dog with a moderately elongated body and a massive head. Its appearance is somewhat simple. Sexual dimorphism is well-defined.
- Height of males: 66-74 cm; weight: 45-60 kg.
- The height of females is 64-70 cm; weight is 35-50 kg.
The head is massive, proportionate to the body, and voluminous. The muzzle is straight, wide, and deep, gradually tapering toward the nose. The nose itself is slightly slanted back and black. The lips are of medium thickness and clearly defined. The jaws are strong, with a scissor bite, usually level. The eyes are small, oval, and set horizontally. The ears are triangular in shape, small with rounded tips, narrow at the base, set at a medium height, and hanging down to the sides of the head. The neck is short with a single longitudinal dewlap.
The body is muscular, long, voluminous, and very strong. The back is long and almost horizontal. The loin is wide and slightly arched. The croup is slightly sloping. The chest reaches to the elbows or slightly below, is wide, and does not protrude forward. The belly is slightly tucked up. The tail is thick at the base, long, and slightly curved at the tip. The limbs are strong-boned and well-muscled, set wide apart and vertical. The gait is heavy and slow.
The coat is medium-length, straight, dense, and feels thick to the touch, covering the body evenly. Short-haired dogs are also found. Colors: wolf, black, yellow, or fawn with white markings, with or without brindle. White with markings of the above colors is also available.
Character and behavior
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a natural guardian, watcher, and protector of livestock, its owner, and their property. The word "noble" is often used in descriptions of its temperament. This dominant dog is highly territorial, especially alert at night. Its temperament is calm, serious, and self-assured, with no signs of timidity. It only displays aggression when clearly threatened. It is loyal to all family members and especially patient with children. It is attentive to everything going on around it. It is quite obedient in everyday life, but very difficult to train. It refuses to teach or perform commands that would be useless in its work.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo was tried out in the United States to guard sheep flocks from coyotes. However, Americans found the Portuguese Mastiff too hostile and independent, so it was soon replaced by other breeds.
Despite its outward calm, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is not a phlegmatic or clumsy dog. It is quite lively and resilient, but uses energy sparingly. It matures psychologically and physiologically late, around age four. It gets along well with other animals. It requires good socialization, early and consistent training, and rigorous discipline.
Content Features
Rafeiros are not suited to apartment living, or even city living. This dog needs space and the opportunity to work. A farm or large private yard would be ideal.
They don't require complex grooming. Their coat should be brushed occasionally to maintain a neat appearance. They are bathed very infrequently. The condition of their eyes, ears, teeth, and nail length should be monitored. The Rafeiro do Alentejo doesn't have any special dietary requirements. Generally, any diet formulated for large breed dogs is suitable.
Health and life expectancy
There is little health data on the Rafeiro do Alentejo. It is known that, like other large dogs, they are predisposed to hip dysplasia, musculoskeletal problems, bloat, and gastric torsion. Life expectancy is 10-12 years.
Where to buy a Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy
In Portugal, 200-500 puppies of this breed are registered annually. There's usually a significant waiting list for a Rafeiro do Alentejo from a reputable breeder. Privately owned puppies are more often available for sale, but no one can guarantee the temperament and health of such dogs. Those considering adopting this rare breed should begin their search with the Rafeiro do Alentejo Breeders Association (Associação dos criadores do rafeiro do alentejo)—the main breed club in Portugal.
Price
There are ads online for Rafeiro do Alentejo puppies for sale in Portugal. Prices range from 100 to 500 euros. Private breeders offer dogs for less. Puppies from breeders cost 500 euros and up.
Photos
You can see more photos of Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs in the gallery.
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