Rafeiro Do Alentejo

 Cindy- Lovabledogs.info

 Three Year Vet and Dog lover. Owner of Website: Lovabledogs.info

Rafeiro Do Alentejo
By Cindy- Lovabledogs.info

 Rafeiro do Alentejo Dog

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is an excellent, safe and self-confident guard particularly alert at night. It's not a for beginners. This breed  needs a handler who naturally radiates leadership. Calm, steadfast, and brave, but not aggressive. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is independent and weary of strangers. Very watchful, and self-assured, these affectionate dogs are protective with their own family. The Rafeiro do Alentejo can be suspicious of strangers, especially after dark. This breed can be stubborn and dominant. When training the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, the best results are achieved by motivational training methods with a determined, consistent and loving approach. It is very important to begin training as early as possible, because a fully grown may be too strong and too big to be corrected latter on in years. The Rafeiro do Alentejo has his own ideas and will not cater to his owner's every whim. Sensitive to reprimands and eager to receive affection, the Rafeiro do Alentejo will generally get along with other animals. The Rafeiro do Alentejo needs to be introduced to them when they are still young. It is important to socialize them while they are still young. This breed matures quite slowly, reaching full adulthood at about four years old. The Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs guard, but do not herd, livestock. This breed does not eat much for their size. Extensive early socialization, obedience training and consistent dominant leadership are very important when owning a Rafeiro do Alentejo . This is not the kind of to learn useless tricks; they usually want to keep their energy for the real work. Do not allow the Rafeiro do Alentejo to over exert themselves, such as, jumping, running and going up and down stairs, when the Rafeiro do Alentejo is a puppy. The reason is; it needs to save time and energy to develop healthy bones, muscles and tendons. With its highly noble character, it is tough to strangers but docile with children. Undoubtedly this breed of is more for defense than attack. Because of its powerful fangs, its courage, and for a of its size, the Rafeiro do Alentejo (very fast) is often used in packs for game, wild boar and other large game hunting. This is a corpulent, sober dog, a of peaceful demeanor.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Dog
Also known as the Portuguese Watch or the Alentejo Mastiff, this has a head with broad, rounded skull and darkly expressive eyes. Their silhouette is slightly convex and the males have bigger and bulkier heads than females. Their ears are range from small to medium-sized with rounded tips placed halfway along the skull, dangling and bending at the base. The Rafeiro do Alentejo has a short and strong neck, a robust trunk, and broad, deep chest. Both front and rear limbs are upright and strong. Their tail may curl up when in motion or when excited, but it is just usually on a line with the

rump and falling underneath and between the hocks.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Skills
Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs were used to guard the the big rural estates and not just the herd in the Southern prairies. This breed declined dramatically in the 60’s and 70’s, reaching its critical point in the 80’s. Fortunately, this problem has been overcome, thanks to the zeal of a determined group of breeders.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Personality
Some who have owned a Rafeiro do Alentejo say he is too much too handle as a dog. However, Rafeiro do Alentejo are excellent, safe and self-confident guard dogs particularly alert at night. Admittedly, it is not a for beginners. The owner of a Rafeiro do Alentejo must be someone who possesses innate leadership. This breed is brave but not aggressive. They are calm, steadfast, independent, watchful, and self-assured. The  Rafeiro do Alentejo are very wary and suspicious of strangers especially at night but they are warm and affectionate towards their own family. The downside in the Rafeiro do Alentejo s temperament is that they can be stubborn and dominant at times. It is important to maintain a determined, consistent and loving approach when training them because they are sensitive to reprimand. The Rafeiro do Alentejo should be trained early because a fully grown one may be a little hard to correct. The Rafeiro do Alentejo are also not likely to give in to their owner’s every command because this has a mind of its own. On the other hand, they are very sweet and always eager to receive affection. The Rafeiro do Alentejo can get along with other pets provided they have been introduced while still very young. They only reach full adulthood when they are already four years old as this particular breed matures slowly. More of a defense than an attack dog, the Rafeiro do Alentejo has a low and deep barking tone. Overall though, it is a sober of very peaceful demeanor.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Exercise Needs
The Rafeiro do Alentejo only has average exercise needs. A daily 20-40 minute walk should be fine.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Living Conditions
This breed is very suspicious of strangers so it is important to provide a sturdy and secure fenced yard. When kept indoors, they are generally inactive but they will do well with free space. It is not recommended to get a Rafeiro do Alentejo when living in an apartment.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Grooming Requirements
The Rafeiro do Alentejo shed twice a year. Other than that, minimal grooming is enough.

Rafeiro do Alentejo Health Issues
Though not very common, the Rafeiro do Alentejo can show hip dysplasia.
 

Cindy  Lovable Dogs .info