Portuguese Sheepdog
A shaggy, agile Portuguese herding dog with a monkey-like face and a lively, devoted nature.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 45–55 cm · Females 42–52 cm
- Weight
- Males 17–27 kg · Females 12–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–120 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Wavy, long
- Colours
- Yellow, Brown, Grey, Fawn, Wolf grey, Black
- Bred for
- Herding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Portugal
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 93 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 4/5 – High |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a rare, rustic herding breed
- enjoy daily activity and training
- can offer close companionship
Think twice if you …
- want a dog that loves every stranger
- are away for long hours
- prefer a low-energy companion
Care
Temperament
Lively, intelligent and very loyal, sometimes to one person in particular. It is reserved with strangers and alert around the home. It is sensitive and does best with gentle handling.
Exercise
An hour or more of daily exercise, with some off-lead running, keeps it happy. Herding, agility and long walks suit it well.
Grooming
Brush the long coat a few times a week to prevent tangles. It has little undercoat and sheds moderately.
Training
Quick to learn and keen to work with a trusted handler. Reward-based training and early socialisation help it stay confident with strangers.
Health
This rustic breed is generally robust, though hip and elbow dysplasia are seen. Breeding dogs are usually hip and elbow screened, so ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Portuguese Sheepdog, or Cão da Serra de Aires, comes from the Serra de Aires region in central Portugal, where it herded sheep, goats, cattle and even horses. As farming changed it became rare, and the breed was rescued by enthusiasts in the 20th century and is still uncommon outside Portugal.
It is a medium-sized, agile dog with a long, goat-like coat. It is lively and devoted to its owner, often closely attached to one person, and watchful with strangers. It needs a home with activity and company, and does well with owners who enjoy training and outdoor life.
Did you know?
In Portugal the breed is affectionately called 'cão macaco', the monkey dog, because of its expressive bearded face.