Cao da Serra de Aires

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The C�o da Serra de Aires (also called Portuguese Sheepdog) is a lively and friendly herding, drover and guardian dog that got its name from a range of hills and mountains which are called 'Serra di Aires'. The breed is nicknamed ' Cao Macao' which means ' monkey dog' due to its lively and friendly nature. This is a medium size indigenous regional Portuguese dog which has been in use for more than 100 years. The dog is believed to be a cross breed between the Briards and the Pyrenian Sheepdog.

It is a medium sized dog with long shaggy coat long body. The dog stands between 17.5 to 21.5 inches and weighs between 26 to 40 pounds. The head is strong, broad but never round with a slightly longer than wide skull and a short muzzle. Nose is slightly raised from profile and has large nostrils. It is usually black. Medium size round eyes have expression of liveliness, intelligence and docility. Ears are of medium length and set high. When natural, they hang out and when cropped, they hang straight and triangular in shape. Medium length neck blends smoothly into the body. Body is slightly longer than tall with a long straight or slightly hollow back. Forelegs are strong and straight while hindlegs are strong and slightly angulated. Tail is high-set, pointing and tapers towards the base. The coat is long, smooth or slightly wavy and comes in different colors and shades.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by UKC and FCI.

Color

The colours are yellow, chestnut, grey, fawn and wolf grey, with shadings from light to ordinary dark, and black, more or less marked with tan with or without mixed white hairs, but never with white patches, except a small patch on the chest.

Coat

The coat is very long, smooth or slightly wavy, forming long beards, mustache and eyebrows, but not covering the eyes. Hair is very long on the head, body and legs, including between the toes. Hair are of medium thickness and of goat like texture; dense and evenly distributed all over the body; there is no undercoat or wool.

Personality

Care

The shaggy coat needs to be checked for tangles but excessive brushing should be avoided as it will damage the texture of the coat. Excess hair between the pads of the feet should be trimmed. It can be dry-shampooed.

Training

It needs a firm and consequent training, made by a person with a lot of patience, without an attitude too severe, otherwise you can't achieve the wanted results. Being a stubborn and independent dog, it needs a master with a strong character

Activity

This multipurpose dog is very energetic and needs lots of physical activities. It can take part in different dog sports such as agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking and herding events. It is suitable for families with large yards where the dog can burn off its energy with running and playing.