Rafeiro Do Alentejo

also known as Mutt of Alentejo, Portuguese Mastiff, Alentejo Mastiff

Pros Summary


The Rafeiro do Alentejo, also known as the Alentejo Mastiff, is a large breed of dog that originated in Portugal. It is a Molosser breed, meaning that it is a type of dog that is characterized by its large size, strong build, and powerful jaws.

Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, and they make excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times and may require consistent, firm training. They are generally good with children and other pets, but they may be reserved or aloof with strangers.

Rafeiro do Alentejo dogs have a short, dense coat that is typically white or fawn in color. They are low-maintenance in terms of grooming and are generally healthy, with an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

Overall, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large, loyal breed that is known for its protective nature and intelligence. It is a good choice for individuals and families looking for a guard dog or a loyal companion.

Breed Information


Type

Is Rafeiro Do Alentejo a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Rafeiro Do Alentejo name? How do you say Rafeiro Do Alentejos?

Por-tu-guese Woch-dawg

Purpose

What were Rafeiro Do Alentejos originally used for?

Livestock Guardian, Protection Dog, Cart Dog

Lifespan

How Long Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Rafeiro Do Alentejo? How long can Rafeiro Do Alentejos live?

10-12 years

The average Rafeiro Do Alentejo lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

What is the average height of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo? How big is a Purebred Rafeiro Do Alentejo height? Rafeiro Do Alentejo dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-29 inches (66 - 73.7 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 27.5 inches (69.9 cm)
Female 25-28 inches (63.5 - 71.1 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 26.5 inches (67.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo? How much should Rafeiro Do Alentejos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 88-110 pounds (40 - 50 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 72.5 pounds (33 kg) 99.0 pounds (45 kg)
Female 77-99 pounds (35 - 45 kg) 39.0 pounds (18 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 88.0 pounds (40 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos get fat easily?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Rafeiro Do Alentejo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Rafeiro Do Alentejo personality? What are Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs best known for?

Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Shedding Level

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo Shed?

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Rafeiro Do Alentejo. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo dog?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Rafeiro Do Alentejos come from?

Portugal

Ancestry

What are Rafeiro Do Alentejos descended from?

Mastiff-Type

Date of Birth

When were Rafeiro Do Alentejos first bred? How old is the Rafeiro Do Alentejo breed?

Unknown

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

Guardian Dog (UKC)

Rafeiro Do Alentejo Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Rafeiro Do Alentejo eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Rafeiro Do Alentejo nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Rafeiro Do Alentejo coat be naturally?

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Rafeiro Do Alentejos coat?

The coat of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Rafeiro Do Alentejo Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Rafeiro Do Alentejo have in a litter? How many puppies can a Rafeiro Do Alentejo have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Rafeiro Do Alentejo can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos have a lot of health problems?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

Usually Very Healthy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Rafeiro Do Alentejos?

Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Rafeiro Do Alentejo breed?

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Rafeiro Do Alentejo Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos have a lot of energy?

Rafeiro Do Alentejos may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos need socialization? How social are Rafeiro Do Alentejos?

Rafeiro Do Alentejo have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Rafeiro Do Alentejos get?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejos a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Rafeiro Do Alentejo have? Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos sleep a lot?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo drool a lot?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Rafeiro Do Alentejo, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Rafeiro Do Alentejos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Rafeiro Do Alentejo busy?

Hug, Walk, Run, Chase, Fetch, Tug-of-war

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo? How much energy does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo have?

Medium

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Rafeiro Do Alentejo walk each week? How many miles should a Rafeiro Do Alentejo walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rafeiro Do Alentejo, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Rafeiro Do Alentejo should exercise a day? How much activity does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo need?

60 minutes

In general most Rafeiro Do Alentejos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

Weekly

Rafeiro Do Alentejo should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Rafeiro Do Alentejos?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo eat?

3 cups

For an average 88-110 pound (40 - 50 kg) Rafeiro Do Alentejo feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Rafeiro Do Alentejo Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Rafeiro Do Alentejo?

Rafeiro Do Alentejos has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Rafeiro Do Alentejo dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejo do well in apartments? Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos good indoor dogs?

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos good with kids? Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos good around children?

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos good with cats? How friendly Rafeiro Do Alentejos are toward cats?

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Rafeiro Do Alentejos can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs get along with other dogs? Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos OK with other dogs?

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are below average dog friendly dogs. Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos friendly with strangers?

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not stranger friendly dogs.

Playfulness

Do Rafeiro Do Alentejos like to play? Are Rafeiro Do Alentejos playful?

Rafeiro Do Alentejo don't really like playing. You need to find another activity to make them happy.

Trainability

Are Rafeiro Do Alentejo easily trained?

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs can be hard to train, they may not understand the association between commands and actions. To have them obey, consistent and patient training is required.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
    Rafeiro do Alentejo are known for their strong protective instincts and are often very loyal to their families.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a breed that doesn't make a lot of noise, this one could be a good pick as they are known for being quiet.
  • Good with children
    This breed is generally good with children and can make great family pets.
  • Low maintenance coat
    Rafeiro do Alentejo have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Rafeiro Do Alentejos, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Rafeiro Do Alentejos may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Rafeiro Do Alentejo's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Large size
    Rafeiro do Alentejo are large dogs that require plenty of space and may not be suitable for apartment living.
  • High energy
    Rafeiro do Alentejo have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Strong prey drive
    Rafeiro do Alentejo have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals, so they may not be suitable for homes with cats or other small pets.
  • Health issues
    As with any breed, Rafeiro do Alentejo may be prone to certain health issues, such as Hip Dysplasia, and other issues.