Rafeiro de Alentejo

The Rafeiro de l'Alentejo is a breed of ancient origin, which was selected over the centuries in the arid and hot region of Évora in the Alentejo plains in Portugal. It is said to be related to the Spanish Mastiff. Used as a hunting dog, the Rafeiro de l'Alentejo is above all a herding dog traditionally used in Portugal for the protection of herds. A rustic dog, it then fed on its hunting and scraps. The breed population declined and owes its survival only to the work of a few passionate breeders supported by the University of Évora. The Rafeiro de l'Alentejo is practically impossible to find outside of Portugal. In 2010, with 156 registrations in the Portuguese Book of Origins (LOP), the Rafeiro de l'Alentejo represents the 7th most popular Portuguese breed among the twelve recognized. In 2012, no registrations were made in the French Book of Origins (LOF) for the Rafeiro de l'Alentejo.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard describes the Rafeiro de l'Alentejo as vigilant, calm, confident, neither aggressive nor timid, naturally gifted for guarding. It is a gentle and docile dog with its family, threatening to strangers. Training must be firm and gentle, with any brutality being prohibited.

The Rafeiro de l'Alentejo is a large mountain dog with a nonchalant and powerful appearance. The well-muscled body is longer than it is tall, without being longilineal. Attached at medium height, the long tail, thick at the base, is slightly curved or hooked at the tip. At rest, it is carried drooping and reaches at least the hock. The limbs are strong, spaced, and plumb. The gaits are heavy, slow, and undulating. The voluminous head, almost massive, is reminiscent of a bear and in profile is slightly convex. The small eyes are elliptical in shape and dark brown in color, preferably. Attached at mid-height, the ears are slightly mobile, small, folded, and drooping. The attachment is narrow. Rounded triangular in shape at the tip, the length of the ear is equal to or slightly greater than the width. The coat is short or preferably medium-length, thick, smooth, and dense. The coat can be black, gray-wolf (louvet), tan, or yellow, brindle or not, always with white markings.