Rafeiro do Alentejo

The breed is claimed to be descendants from huge dogs of the Tibetan highlands thousands of years ago. The breed was used for cattle guarding as well as guarding of the tribes from rival tribes and cattle rustlers. The large, self-confident Rafeiro do Alentejo stands 25 to 28 inches tall and weighs 100 to 132 pounds. The breed needs to be socialized from an early age to be good with animals and the family, also the breed is fairly active and likes a job to do, so a large yard with a secured fence is recommended.