Like most sheepdogs, the Portuguese Sheepdog was birthed about a century ago. It has numerous names, including Cao da Serra de Aires and Monkey Dog. The Portuguese Sheepdog is known for its amazing friendliness as well as its joy-inducing effect.
The Portuguese Sheepdog is a breed native to Portugal and is rarely found in any other area. There are numerous other things that you might need to know about this breed. The next few paragraphs should be enough to cover that.
Portuguese Sheepdog History
The name of this breed may sound ancient, but the Portuguese Sheepdog has been around for no more than 100 years. The Portuguese Sheepdog was birthed in the Southern side of Portugal. There it became the lynchpin for herding and shepherding activities. The ancestors of this dog are believed to be the Briards. In contrast, others believe that the Berger des Pyrenees and the Catalan Sheepdog are the ancestors of this remarkable doggie.
The farmers of the Southern Plains of Portugal began to love and cherish this dog. Why wouldn’t they? The Portuguese Sheepdog has peerless supremacy in the fields of shepherding. Unfortunately, after the decline of Farming and industrialization, the breed began to decline. Their lowest point came in the 1970s. The standards for this dog were set in 1930. The UKC recognized this doggie in 2006. Unfortunately, the AKC has yet to recognize this dog breed.
Portuguese Sheepdog Characteristics
The Portuguese Sheepdog has a long coat that is prone to tangle. The colors for the coat are Fawn, Chestnut, Black, and Gray. The coat of the Portuguese Sheepdog is soft to touch but also resilient. The muzzle of the Portuguese Sheepdog is slightly long with big nostrils. The ears of the Portuguese Sheepdog are long and mostly indistinguishable from its coat. The eyes of the Portuguese Sheepdog will be lively and round. The coat of the Portuguese Sheepdog is nothing short of majestic. The Portuguese Sheepdog is like a giant Brussels Griffon. There is nothing to hate about this doggie.
How Big do Portuguese Sheepdogs Get
The Portuguese Sheepdog is, at best, a medium-sized doggie. Normally both the males and females will be 16 to 22 inches tall. The weight for both genders of this breed will remain between 26 to 40 lbs. There may be rare cases in which the doggie is beyond the normal ranges in proportions. Again these cases are very rare and not that problematic.
How Long Does Portuguese Sheepdog Live
The Portuguese Sheepdog, despite its amazing immunity, will still have a short lifespan. The Portuguese Sheepdog will usually have a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. It is pretty normal in dog years but still not close to that of other pure-breed dogs. The lifespan of this doggie should be maintained through healthy routines and positive nurture. All of this is covered in the care section below.
How Much Does a Portuguese Sheepdog Cost
The initial cost of the Portuguese Sheepdog remains between 700 dollars and 1800 dollars. The expense is reasonably high since it has two costly parent breeds. The price will further increase or decrease based on the health of your doggie. The healthier your doggie is, the more it will cost you.
Portuguese Sheepdog Temperament/Personality
The Portuguese Sheepdog isn’t one for violence. It has herding tendencies, which means it could be bossy to other pets. You will have to establish clear lines of dominance. It is also wary of strangers and animals that it finds potentially dangerous. It could make an efficient guard dog. Children aren’t at any risk from this dog. Socialization is recommended to make it more adaptable and friendly.
Considering its herding abilities, the Portuguese Sheepdog can become a slight problem. It is a brilliant dog, and half-hearted attempts to train it won’t work. You have to make the session interactive and dynamic. You will also have to be firm in the training sessions. Showing weakness will make the Portuguese Sheepdog more bossy and overwhelming.
Caring for Portuguese Sheepdog
Every extraordinary doggie will need the attention of its humans to maintain its health. As its human, it is your sovereign duty to maintain its health and meet all of its needs.
Portuguese Sheepdog Nutrition
The Portuguese Sheepdog will need a bit of volume to maintain its muscle. The average daily volume should be close to two or three cups. Our advice is not to exceed this volume. If you do exceed the diet volume, then ramp up the exercise sessions appropriately.
How to Groom a Portuguese Sheepdog
The Portuguese Sheepdog has a slightly hard-to-manage coat. It’s not excessively hard, but troublesome nevertheless. You will have to brush the coat about four to five times per week. If you don’t brush its coat, its coat will get tangled up. Honestly, untying a ball of yarn is easier than working out the knots in its coat. You will have to bathe it, but don’t overdo it. You may use a Stain and Odor Remover to keep obnoxious smells away. The nails must be trimmed after every two or three weeks later.
Portuguese Sheepdog Activity Levels
The Portuguese Sheepdog won’t need more than 40 to 50 minutes of exercise. You can keep it fit with just walks and moderate exercises. It may develop self-destructive behavior if left to its own devices for extended periods. You can use different toys like Plush Dog Toys and various Rope and Tug Toys to deplete these pent-up energies.
Caring for Portuguese Sheepdog
The Portuguese Sheepdog can have a luxurious life with minimal spending. How? First of all, get your doggie some Dog Pajamas. You know it’s time for your doggie to get some style points. You can also get your doggie some Dog Socks. We know that your doggie will love it. All of these will make your doggie feel appreciated. In the end, your doggie’s happiness is all that matters.
Portuguese Sheepdog Health
Despite its diverse genealogy, the Portuguese Sheepdog has a strong immunity. However, there are a few conditions that affect the Portuguese Sheepdog. The majority of these conditions are age and joint-related. Hip Dysplasia is the prime concern for this doggie. You will still have to be super careful about its health. Weekly medical check-ups are a necessity for this doggie. With age, you will have to amp the care routines you follow. In the end, the vet is the only person who can give you a comprehensive and detailed approach to the Portuguese Sheepdog’s health.
Breeds Similar to Portuguese Sheepdog
Best Dog Food for Portuguese Sheepdogs
The best dog food for Portuguese Sheepdog is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food has a grain-free recipe with buffalo, venison, beef, and bison as the key ingredients that ensure whole-body growth.
- Equipped with omega fatty acids for healthier coat and skin.
- Free from corn, grains, wheat, fillers, and artificial ingredients.
- Better digestion through probiotics.
Best Puppy Food for Portuguese Sheepdogs
The best puppy food for Portuguese Sheepdog is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. This food is made of wholesome ingredients like barley and chicken meal. It includes DHA from fish oil that promises better skeletal, vision, and cognition.
- Does not include artificial ingredients.
- Equipped with vitamin C, E, and antioxidants for stronger immunity.
- Ensures both good taste and nourishment.
Best Dog Crate for Portuguese Sheepdogs
The best dog crate for Portuguese Sheepdog is Lucky Dog Sliding Double Door Wire Dog Crate. This crate features a sliding door system that ensures your dog gets maximum safety and security. It saves your dog from bruises and bumps.
- Includes corner stabilizing to avoid rattling.
- Plastic pan for easy cleaning.
- Higher resistance against rust-through coated and reinforced wires.
Best Dog Bed for Portuguese Sheepdogs
The best dog bed for Portuguese Sheepdog is FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Orthopedic Deluxe Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This bed orthopedic design with soft faux fur covers makes it the best spot to sleep for your dog.
- Easy to get on with step-on structure.
- Relieves from joints and muscle pain.
- Distributes weight and pressure.
Best Dog Harness for Portuguese Sheepdogs
The best dog harness for Portuguese Sheepdog is PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. This harness has a no-pull structure that provides a stress-free walking experience to your dog. It contains four adjustment points for superior fitting.
- Saves your dog from choking and coughing.
- No twisting with martingale loop.
- Easy on and off through quick-snap buckles.
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