Portuguese Sheepdog

The Portuguese Sheepdog — Cão da Serra de Aires — is a shaggy Alentejo herding dog nicknamed the monkey dog for its expression.

History

It was developed on the estates of the Alentejo in southern Portugal in the early twentieth century, when a Portuguese count imported Briards and crossed them with local herding dogs to work sheep, goats, cattle and pigs across large properties. Mechanised farming nearly ended it in the 1970s, and Portuguese breeders rebuilt it from working stock still on the estates.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, intelligent and devoted to its own household, wary of strangers and very quick to learn — Portuguese shepherds rated it for working without instruction.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and mental work. The long goat-like coat needs regular brushing and does not shed heavily.

Health

Generally robust, with hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.