Rafeiro do Alentejo

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Portugal

Group: Guard dog (livestock and regular)

Height: males 22-29 in., females 25-29 in.

Weight: males 110-130 lbs., females 100-12- lbs.

Life span: 12 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes

Good with other pets: yes with early socialization

What is the origin of the Rafeiro do Alentejo?

The Rafeiro do Alentejo takes its name from Alentjo, an historic region in Portugal bordering on Spain, where summers are very hot and winters very cold. It is also known as the Alentejo Mastiff and Portuguese Mastiff. The Rafeiro probably came to Portugal with people from Central Asia thousands of years ago.

What does the Rafeiro do Alentejo look like?

The Rafeiro is a powerful dog and can be up to 30 inches tall and weigh 130 lbs. The head is bearlike with a short neck. Eyes are dark. Ears are folded and hanging. The long tail curves at the end. The coat is short to medium long, dense and smooth. Colors are black, fawn, yellow, brindle. Regular brushing will keep the coat in good condition.

What is the temperament of the Rafeiro do Alentejo?

The Rafeiro is a quiet, serious dog. Due to its size it should have early positive, consistent obedience training and socialization. The Rafeiro is a dog for someone experienced in handling dogs of this size. They get along well with children and are very protective of family and home.

What is the Rafeiro do Alentejo used for?

The Rafeiro excels as a guard dog of persons, property and livestock. It is resistant to bad weather.

Possible Health Issues

Hip dysplasia, bloat/gastric torsion