Portuguese Sheepdog
葡萄牙牧羊犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Cão da Serra de Aires or Portuguese Sheepdog is a medium-sized herding and livestock-guarding dog with appreciable rusticity and sobriety, extremely agile and swift, whose long goat-textured coat and simian attitudes have earned it the local nickname "monkey dog". The coat is straight or slightly wavy, without undercoat, forming a long beard, moustache and eyebrows that must not cover the eyes. Males stand 45–55 cm and females 42–52 cm, and both sexes weigh 17–27 kg.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 42–55cm |
| Weight | 17–27kg |
| Breed group | FCI: 1 |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Long coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
The breed standards this profile is built from don't list breed-specific health screening. Ask a vet which checks suit the dog in front of you.
Behaviour
Exceptionally intelligent, devoted to shepherd and herd
The FCI standard's Behaviour / Temperament section calls the breed exceptionally intelligent and very lively, very devoted to the shepherd and the herd, somewhat wary of strangers and vigilant at night, and notes that it is nowadays also an excellent companion, sporting and guard dog. It is known for its skill in keeping livestock in the pastures and in searching out stray animals, is always vigilant against predators, and conducts its work with joy and pleasure.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
FCI nomenclature — Portuguese Sheepdog (standard no. 93, group 1)
FCI nomenclature entry for the Portuguese Sheepdog (Cão da Serra de Aires), with the official breed standard in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Portuguese Sheepdog — FCI nomenclature entry (standard no. 93, group 1) — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]FCI-Standard N° 93 — Portuguese Sheepdog, 04.11.2008 (English) — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.