Portuguese Sheepdog Temperament: Intelligent and very lively, hardy and prudent, very devoted to the shepherd and flock entrusted to him, avoids strangers and guards at night.
Table of Contents
Portuguese Sheepdogs as Watch Dogs?
The medium-sized Portuguese Sheepdog can be cautious around strangers but is loyal to his family (including children and other dogs). When walked at night, he is extra-vigilant about making sure nobody threatens his owner. As such he makes a good guard dog. Most will only show aggression if their owner is actually being attacked – this breed is normally soft-tempered (albeit cautious) with strangers. When at home, he is keen to announce visitors although he may get carried away with his voice – the breed can be loud and is known to bark at just about any noise they hear.
Are Portuguese Sheepdogs Aggressive?
The Portuguese Sheepdog has a strong tendency to be standoffish and distrustful in the presence of strangers. Timely and extensive socialisation is imperative for this breed otherwise human aggressiveness can become a real issue. This dog usually demonstrates a well-developed protective instinct, which makes it a rather acceptable watchdog. The breed has both enough power and desire to guard its family and territory and can be tasked into an excellent guard dog.
Portuguese Sheepdogs Background
The Portuguese Sheepdog is a native herding dog breed of Portugal. Also known as the “monkey dog” because of its monkey-like appearance, this dog breed is rare and barely found outside of its country of origins, including the UK. Bred to guard and herd livestock, Portuguese Sheepdogs are relatively easy to train. They are excellent family companion dogs and get on well with children and other canine animals. Do you plan on getting a Portuguese Sheepdog? Here is a brief background of this herding “monkey dog” native to the country of Portugal.
Family and Bonding
If you can invest the time and effort into this high-energy working breed, the Portuguese Sheepdog will make a loyal, protective, and affectionate companion.
Friendly
The Otterhound Portuguese Sheepdog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Otterhound and the Portuguese Sheepdog. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Otterhound is known for being amiable, boisterious, and even-tempered. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Otterhound or the Portuguese Sheepdog? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Otterhound Portuguese Sheepdog Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Otterhound Portuguese Sheepdog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Otterhound Portuguese Sheepdog Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
Portuguese Sheepdog Nature
Also, because of its playful, inquisitive nature, the Portuguese Sheepdog can be described as having a “monkeyish” personality.
Intelligence
Considered one of the most devoted of all the sheepdogs, this happy dog is eager to please and will work if you need him to. He forms deep bonds with his humans, yet needs well-balanced training. Its above-average intelligence allows it to learn new tasks easily, but this breed can display dominant and stubborn traits if not taught to respect its master. They do well with other dogs and kids, although males can be quite territorial. Perfect as a watchdog, the Portuguese Sheepdog is quick, lively and clever. He is also hardy, energetic, quick to please, happy and courageous, making this dog an all-around good choice.
Love
Portuguese Sheepdogs as a Pack Animal
Portuguese Sheepdogs were bred to be protective of their homes, flocks and families.
Physical Traits
The Portuguese Sheepdog was originally utilized by the poor shepherds in the Serra de Aires Mountain ranges and on the southern plains of Portugal. In later years, the dog was highly valued for its lively temperament and for its rather peculiar appearance. Did you known that the Portuguese Sheepdog is the only breed of herding dog without an undercoat? This makes the dog less resistant to extreme weather conditions. This type of coat though is a plus factor for choosing this breed for a pet. The dog would not need extensive maintenance as its coat is matt free. The dog has a peculiar face that is very similar to the face of a monkey. This is the reason why the dog was fondly called monkey dog. A Portuguese Sheepdog has a long coat that is slightly wavy. The coat that has the texture of a goat?s hair is moderately thick. This type of hair comes in yellow, chestnut, fawn, black and in wolf gray color. A Portuguese Sheepdog can have tan markings. A white patch on the chest of the dog enhances its appearance. Long smooth hair covers the head as well as the entire body of the dog. The upstanding coarse longish hair that covers the head forms an untidy looking beard, moustache and eye brows and give the dog a wizened appearance. The dog has a broad head, a straight cylindrical muzzle and a slightly raised black or dark colored nose with large nostrils. Medium sized ears hang down close to the sides of the head. Round dark eyes give the dog a gentle expression. This is a medium sized rather long on the legs breed. The dog?s long back is straight. The medium width chest is deep. Set on high tail tapers to the tip and is usually carried between the legs when the dog is at rest. The tail is rolled up with a curved tip when the dog is in motion.