Portuguese Cattle Dog Breed Description

An Owner's Portuguese Cattle Description
Raul knows what he wants and generally doesn't have any trouble getting it. He's big and strong and can seem a bit intimidating due to his size. But if he wants attention, he'll push his way in so that he can get an "Atta boy" compliment. If he wants to be heard he can do that too... loudly.

Raul will occasionally fall back on his breeding instincts and tend to be quite protective, which makes him a great watchdog. He is really more of a protector than a guard dog. He loves to look out for us and will keep any suspiciously acting people, mostly just with his unusual bark. This makes taking him camping with us a good idea, because he will also keep any threatening animals at bay.

Just last year, we were camping in Yellowstone National Park; during the night, a couple of bears were out looking for food. As they made their way towards our campsite, Raul began his low growl and by the time they were nearing our tent, Raul was right at the tent flap, letting them have it with a full dose of his steady, high-pitched bark. They couldn't take much of it and were quickly off in the other direction.

I know that Raul is a rare breed; he was not easy to find. We actually came to own him by accident. His previous owner, a tenant of ours, had to move back to his homeland to care for an ailing parent and couldn't take Raul with him. We agreed to watch him until he returned. That was seven years ago; yesterday Raul turned eight and there has been no sight of our former tenant and not so much as a ding on Facebook. I don't think he's coming back. Good thing, cause we couldn't ever give up Raul.

Introduction

These muscular and fearless guardian dogs were developed from mastiffs and other local dogs. Rustic in appearance, they are no rural innocent. With their unique voice (which progresses from a low growling noise to sharp, prolonged barking) they protect livestock from wolves and other predators, including humans. They are great watch dogs. Portuguese Cattle Dogs may be difficult to control unless they receive firm handling by an experienced trainer. Their coat comes in many colors and requires lots of grooming. These dogs weigh 50 to 75 lbs. and stand 20 to 24" at the shoulders.

History

Direct translation from the Portuguese is Dog from Castro Laboreiro, named for a small mountain village with a long history of human occupation dating back to the Romans. Even today, the area is scarcely populated. Livestock herding was the predominant way of life for centuries throughout the mountains and it was the Cattle Dog that protected the herds from wolves (and marauding humans as well).

They appear to be descendants of the molosser type of ancient dogs; they possess some mastiff traits as well.

Despite their significant talents and abilities as guardians and protectors, the breed never caught on outside the limited geographic area of its origin. It was recognized as a distinct breed by the UKC in 2006 but is increasingly rare today, even in its homeland.

General Description

The UKC standard describes the Cao de Castro Laboreiro as a mastiff with a unique coat. They have short coarse fur that is extremely dense and thick. Unlike other mountain breeds, they have no undercoat, so it is the density of their top (only) coat that protects them from the elements and from the predators they take on. Colors are those common to wolves: shades of grey, brown or red, in any and all combinations.

Typical mastiff traits: a broad flat skull, long strong muzzle. Tight lips, scissor bite. High set ears are triangular and hang close and flat against the head. Nose, lips and eye rims are always black. Eye color can range from hazel to nearly black. Whatever the color, the eyes of the Portuguese Cattle Dog have a severe expression that has been described as hard and serious.

The overall body is muscular. The thighs show their musculature, as does the deep chest and strong loin. Thick-based tail is high set and saber shaped. Never curls onto the back, even if the dog is excited.

Temperament

This is a dominant and vigilant guardian with a keen intelligence. They are known for having a wide range of vocal sounds that they use to indicate specific things; otherwise, they are silent, ever-present watchers. All people outside their own family are strangers and will be treated with mistrust. Socializing them as puppies is vital as they do not accept people readily once they reach maturity.

Like all herding breeds, they are at their best with a job to do. These dogs do not do well in apartments or other small confines. More than just daily exercise (mandatory) they need daily jobs to do, areas to patrol, people or livestock or property to patrol and guard.

Health and Care

Minimal shedders, the coat of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro needs little more than petting to keep it looking its best. Occasional brushing to remove outdoor debris should be done regularly only to acclimate the dog to the process from a young age. The same applies to nail trimming and teeth cleaning - start these in puppyhood so your Portuguese Cattle Dog will accept them as normal parts of its life.
 

Colors

Wolf gray most common. Any shade of gray, with or without a black mask; brindle.

Living Area

This breed needs some type of job to do. When not working it needs to be taken on a daily, long walk.

Recognized By

DRA

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