Mantiqueira Shepherd

The Mantiqueira Shepherd is a Brazilian mountain herding dog from the Serra da Mantiqueira, developed on dairy farms in the country's south-east.

History

It comes from the mountain range between Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where it worked dairy cattle on steep ground. It was recognised as a Brazilian breed only recently, having existed as a regional working type for generations.

Temperament

The breed is known for being hard-working, docile with its household and watchful with strangers — a farm dog expected to herd, guard and get on with the family in the same day.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and work. The medium coat needs regular brushing. It responds well to consistent handling.

Health

Generally robust; nothing is widely documented as specific to this recently recognised breed. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.