Do you know all the Portuguese dog breeds?

They are functional dogs and valued for their specific skills, as well as their companionship and loyalty.

Take a look at our article and discover all the existing Portuguese dog breeds.

Barbado da Terceira

Barbado da Terceira ©Portuguese Canine Breeding Club

Agile, dynamic, intelligent

They are very brave and fearless dogs and drive wild livestock with enormous agility and efficiency! They are companions and loyal to their owner, intelligent, easy to train, happy, sweet and willful.

They are guide, guard and companion dogs.

The Barbado da Terceira is a Portuguese dog breed, originating from the island of Terceira, in the Azores. With the beginning of settlement in the Azores islands, it was necessary to control and collect the various species of cattle that were brought to the Azores, soon after their discovery. Thus, different types of dogs arrived in the Azores.

Serra de Aires dog

Serra de Aires dog ©Portuguese Canine Breeding Club

Attentive, rustic, intelligent

Exceptionally intelligent and very lively! They are known for their friendly, affectionate and loyal temperament. Pets are extremely dedicated to their family, natural protectors and tend to be reserved with strangers, being alert and wary when necessary.

They are also excellent companion, sporting and guard dogs.

They are medium in size, rustic and sober, but extremely agile and fast, with wide and elastic movements.

The Serra de Aires is one of the Portuguese dog breeds and is a working dog. It originates in the Alentejo and is used to guide and guard animals. It adapts perfectly to the wide temperature range of this region, having great resistance.

The Estrela mountain dog

Serra da Estrela dog ©Portuguese Canine Breeding Club

Austere, protective, resistant

Inseparable companions of their shepherds and faithful guardians of their flocks, which they defend from predators and livestock thieves. They make wonderful farm and home guardians and also make good family dogs.

Despite being rustic, with an imposing attitude and lively movements, they at the same time have a calm, attentive and expressive appearance. There are two varieties – long-haired and short-haired – but they always have a “black mask” on their faces.

They are flock protection, guard and companion dogs, also used as draft animals.

Since ancient times, this Portuguese dog breed has settled in the Serra da Estrela region, losing its true origin over time. It is found throughout the Serra, up to the highest altitudes.

Castro Laboreiro dog

Castro Laboreiro dog ©Portuguese Caniculture Club

Reserved, serious, vigorous

Of noble nature, very agile and active, these dogs have a characteristic alert bark, which begins with a deep tone, rising to low tones, to end with prolonged high tones.

Thanks to their constant vigilance and frequent patrols, they are the ideal sentinels of the assets entrusted to them. They are always ready to protect their territory and their family.

Due to its protective temperament, this Portuguese dog breed requires proper socialization and training from an early age, with positive upbringing.

The Castro Laboreiro dog is one of the oldest breeds on the Iberian Peninsula and owes its name to the village from which it originates, the village of Castro Laboreiro, in Alto Minho.

Transmontano Cattle Dog

Transmontano Mountain Dog ©Portuguese Caniculture Club

Autonomous, elegant, imposing

Always calm and with a serene look, they are cautious without being aggressive. Although they are reserved, they have a docile temperament.

It is the largest Portuguese dog breed and is very sensitive to good treatment and attention. The Cães de Gado Transmontano are corpulent, strong and rustic, characteristics highlighted by their imposing appearance and proud bearing.

They are guard and protection dogs for sheep and goats.

In ancient times this breed established itself in the high regions of Portugal, precisely in Trás-os-Montes, evolving until it established itself, in perfect harmony with the conditions and type of work required.

São Miguel Fila dog

São Miguel Fila dog ©Portuguese Canine Breeding Club

Brave, faithful, strong

Sheepdogs par excellence, they are also good guardians of property and skilled in self-defense. With a very strong temperament towards strangers, but docile towards their owners, these dogs require adequate socialization and positive reinforcement. They are very intelligent dogs and very receptive to commands.

With short, smooth, dense fur, slightly fringed on the tail and behind the thighs, the skin is thick and resistant. It is a Portuguese dog breed with a strong and rustic appearance.

Dog native to the island of São Miguel, in the Azores, also known as “Cão de Vacas”, for its guarding qualities and for its use in monitoring livestock. There are references to the Cão de Fila de São Miguel, from the early 14th century.