Rafeiro of alentejo

Overall description of the breed

The Alentejo Morning is a very ancient breed, originating from Portugal, specifically from the mountainous province of the same name, also known as the Alentejo Mastiff. It is a direct descendant of ancient Middle Eastern molosses. This breed likely emerged through crossbreeding between different breeds, including the Spanish Mastiff, the Estrela, and local dogs.

In its early days, the Alentejo was used for wild boar hunting, a skill highly appreciated by the Portuguese nobility, including King Don Carlos. Later on, it was employed as a livestock guardian, showcasing excellent skills in this role, which it continues to fulfill to this day.

Although it's not widely spread beyond the borders of Portugal, it was exported to several European countries and the United States without achieving the expected success. It was ultimately officially recognized by the International Cynological Federation on November 24, 1954, and its current breed standard was published on November 4, 2008.

The Alentejo Mastiff is a large, powerful breed with an imposing appearance. It boasts a developed muscular structure and rather robust movements. Despite its tall stature, it maintains a body length greater than its height, placing it in a rectangle shape. Its trunk is massive, with a deep chest that extends to the elbows, coupled with a well-developed thorax.

Its bone structure is robust, resulting in a heavy and swaying gait, although it's also responsive in its movements. Its back is straight, sturdy, and solidly built. A slight curve can be observed in the region of the loins and belly. The Alentejo Mastiff has a thick tail, attached high and extending the line of its back.

Its head is broad and proportional to the rest of its body. It has an elongated muzzle and a rounded skull, with a subtle stop. The coat of the Alentejo Mastiff can be short or medium-length, dense, compact, and with a satiny, silky texture. Colors accepted by the breed standard include gray, black, various shades of fawn, as well as brindle. White markings may also be present.

The Alentejo Mastiff is a highly pleasant dog to live with, especially within a family setting, where it stands out due to its strong protective instinct. It enjoys playtime with its loved ones and is always ready for fun activities that allow it to take a break from territorial surveillance. With a strong character, it requires firm training from a young age to be well-behaved in adulthood.

Reliable in its various guarding tasks, thanks to decades of selective breeding focused on protecting livestock, its propensity to safeguard its family is deeply ingrained in its genes. Suspicion is a prominent trait in this breed, and it can easily display aggression in the presence of strangers on its territory. Early socialization is crucial to mitigate these aggressive tendencies.

It's particularly attached to its loved ones, but it doesn't tolerate solitude well. Regular presence or contact with a family member is necessary to maintain its balance. Faithful and loyal, it's an excellent everyday companion, dedicated to preserving its territory and the well-being of its loved ones.

As adults, males measure approximately 66 to 74 cm (26" to 29") at the withers, while females measure between 64 and 70 cm (25" to 27.5") and weigh between 43 and 50 kg (95 to 110 lbs).