Purina

Other names/Nicknames:

• Portuguese Sheepdog

Country/Date of origin:

• Portugal
• 1800’s

Height:

• 16 to 20 inches

Weight:

• 26 to 40 pounds

Personality:

• Loyal and obedient.
• Suspicious of strangers.
• Intelligent.

History:

This is an old-fashioned type of sheepdog that has been used to herd livestock for many centuries.  Some authorities believe that it is possibly descended from a pair of Briards that were imported into Portugal from France.  It was not until about 1930 that the appearance of this dog became standardized.  It is still used to work sheep in its homeland but is becoming popular as a show dog and house pet.

Body Type:

• A medium-sized, shaggy dog that bears a strong resemblance to the Briard.
• The long tail is slightly curved at the tip and is carried low.  It is not altered.
• The medium-sized ears hang and are not usually altered.

Coat:

• Long, slightly wavy, and of medium coarseness.
• There is no undercoat and the coat does not form cords, as does the Puli and other sheepdogs of Eastern Europe.
• Has a beard and mustache of long hair, as well as thick eyebrows.
• Allowed colors are any shade of fawn, yellow, brown, gray, or black-and-tan.
• Parti-colors are not permitted.
• Moderate grooming required.

Health and Wellness:

• Generally very healthy.
• Possible hip dysplasia.

What you should know:

• Very active and quite clever, it will herd anything.
• It is sometimes called the monkey dog in its homeland because of its unique facial expression.
• Responds well to obedience training.
• While it is becoming more popular in Europe, it will not be easily found in the United States.