Rafeiro do Alentejo Standards
- AKC (FSS)
- FCI (Group 2)
- UKC (Guardian)
- 25-30"
- 95-110 lbs
- large livestock guardian
- small triangular ears, long tail
- short to medium-length coat, straight
- black with white markings
- fawn with white markings
- wolf grey with white markings
- yellow with white markings
- may be brindled
History of the Rafeiro do Alentejo
The Rafeiro do Alentejo has existed in southern Portugal for centuries, particularly in the area of Alentejo. They are one of three livestock guardians from Portugal, the other two being the Estrela Mountain Dog from the central regions and the Cão de Castro Laboreiro in the north. It is believed that the breed is descended from crosses with the Estrela Mountain Dog and Spanish Mastiff. Other sources suggest that they have an Asian origin, such as with the Tibetan Mastiff, but that same ancestry could have come through the Spanish Mastiff.
Related Breeds: