Portuguese Sheepdog
Complete Breed Guide
"I’m clever and caring—a great combo if you ask me!"
Quick Facts About Portuguese Sheepdogs
Non Sporting
37–59 lbs
16–22"
No
Overview
The Portuguese Sheepdog is an extremely intelligent herding breed from Portugal. They can learn things very quickly, but they tend to be dominant if you don’t show them you’re the leader. Portuguese Sheepdogs are extremely loving and loyal, and will go to great lengths to protect their herd and their families.
The Portuguese Sheepdog, or Cão da Serra de Aires, is a Portuguese herding dog that exhibits unmatched devotion toward their family and livestock. They are extremely smart and can pick up on new things very quickly, although sometimes they choose not to listen. The Portuguese Sheepdog needs an owner who knows how to be in charge, otherwise they will think they're the one running the show. However, if you are experienced and strong-minded, there are few dogs that will devote themselves to you as much as this one.
Temperament and Behavior
Portuguese Sheepdogs are natural protectors who watch over their families and their herds with great devotion. Strangers are usually welcomed with barking and a more reserved, suspicious demeanor. Portuguese Sheepdogs with strong and firm owners are very well-behaved, but owners who don’t know how to become pack leader will find themselves with an unruly animal. Portuguese Sheepdogs like to be dominant because they consider themselves protectors, so you’ll need to make them understand that you are the leader.
Coat & Grooming
The Portuguese Sheepdog’s coat is meant to protect them from all kinds of weather. You should check their long-ish fur for any tangles, but you shouldn’t brush them any more than once a week. A Portuguese Sheepdog should only be bathed using shampoo when absolutely necessary.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Portuguese Sheepdogs are used to wide open spaces with room to chase and herd livestock. They don’t usually do well in apartments and prefer a rural home with room to run and hopefully take care of a flock. Portuguese Sheepdogs are at home living outside, but they also need to be allowed to come in and visit their people families. They love children and can learn to get along with other pets, sometimes even adopting them into their herd. The best way to make sure a Portuguese Sheepdog likes your other animal friends is to raise them together.
Exercise & Activity
Portuguese Sheepdogs have extreme endurance. They are used to watching over a herd all day long, so they naturally possess lots of excess energy. The more you exercise your Portuguese Sheepdog, the easier they will be to train. If you’re not using them as a herding animal, you’ll want to take them on long daily hikes or walks.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Portuguese Sheepdog FAQs
Common questions about the Portuguese Sheepdog breed, answered by our editorial team.
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