Page 45 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

W ORKING DOG S 45

PORTUGUESE WATCHDOG

THIS CALM-NATURED WATCHDOG MAY BE TOO BIG AND STRONG FOR MANY OWNERS FCI

Height range Possibly descended from the powerful mastiffs brought into Triangular,
25–29 in (64–74 cm) Europe from Asia by nomadic herders, this breed is also known drop ears
Weight range as the Rafeiro de Alentejo, named after the Alentejo region of
77–132 lb (35–60 kg)
Portugal. Traditionally used for guarding, the Portuguese
Life span 12 years Watchdog is vigilant and suspicious of strangers.
Origin Portugal Formidable in size and strength,
though not aggressive, this dog is
unsuitable for novice handlers.

Other colors
Black lips

Wolf-gray Black
Broad chest White
Coat may be brindled and will Straight, dense, markings on
always have white markings; fawn coat chest and legs
white coats have patches of
one of the colors.
Tail slightly
curved at tip

CASTRO LABOREIRO DOG

THIS BOLD AND VIGILANT WATCHDOG IS BETTER SUITED TO WORK THAN TO FAMILY LIFE FCI

Height range Named after its home village in the mountains of northern Triangular,
22–25 in (55–64 cm) Portugal, this dog—sometimes known as the Portuguese Cattle drop ears
Weight range Dog—was bred to work as a livestock guardian. Its distinctive alarm
55–88 lb (25–40 kg)
bark starts low and ends high-pitched. This dog develops a strong
Life span 12–13 years bond with family members but
Origin Portugal may be hostile to strangers.
Almond-shaped eyes

Other colors Tail longhaired
on underside,
usually carried low
Wolf-gray
May have a small, white Short, very thick,
harsh-textured,
spot on chest. “mountain”
brindle coat

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