Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss mountain dogs |
| Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | 40–55 kg |
| Height | 64–74 cm |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years |
Temperament
Calm, attentive and protective, it guards flocks and property with determination. Wary of strangers.
History
A Portuguese breed from the Alentejo, used to guard livestock against wolves and thieves.
Fun facts
It is one of the largest Portuguese dogs; its short coat and sturdiness suit the southern climate.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo coat
A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.
A short, dense coat with an undercoat that sheds in the moult; a large guardian breed.
What we do in the salon
A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | Usually no cut needed. |
Special attention
A large breed: when booking, tell us your dog’s size so we can prepare.
Care at home between visits
- Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
- Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
- Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
- Look after the nails and ears.
Frequently asked questions about the Rafeiro do Alentejo
Does the Rafeiro do Alentejo shed a lot?
It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.
How often should I bring my Rafeiro do Alentejo to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Does it need clipping?
Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.