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Cao da Serra de Aires
Puppies for Sale
Cao da Serra de Aires
(Serra de Aires Mountain dog) (Portuguese Shepherd Dog)
(Portuguese Sheepdog)
This is Corn Dog at 7 months old .
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Description |
The coat of the Cao da Serra de
Aires is either long and smooth or with a slight wave. It does not have an undercoat.
Colors include yellow-red chestnut, gray, fawn, wolf, or black. A few white hairs are
permissible but patches of white hairs are not, except for white patches on the chest. The
forelimbs are symmetrically covered with long hair. It has a beard, which gives it a
mature look. The eyes are round and dark, with a gentle expression. The moderate size ears
usually hang down the sides of the cheeks, but sometimes they are cropped. Cropping is
banned in some European countries. For his moderate size, the dog appears rather high on
the legs. His feet are particularly adaptable to rough terrain. His legs are strong and
his chest is deep. The hair is longer on the head, giving the dog bangs and a banged-up
untidy look. It has a wide, sturdy head with a prominent nose, and strong jaws and teeth.
The tail is pointed reaching the dog's hocks. |
Temperament
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One of the most devoted and clever of
the sheepdogs. This is a high spirited, happy dog that is eager to work. Very loyal and
bonds with its own people. The Cao da Serra de Aires demands extremely consistent and
well-balanced training. It has a lively above-average intelligence and learns quickly and
easily but can be stubborn and dominant. Therefore they have always been a challenge for
shepherds to train. Once trained, this dog is more reliable then any owner could possibly
wish. It requires a confident, firm handler. These dogs mix well with other dogs, although
some males may try to dominate other males. They can live happily alongside other pets
provided they have been correctly socialized. Cao da Serra de Aires are usually patient
with children but the males in particular can be possessive of their territory. This breed
is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog. It tends to like only the livestock
it cares for and its master. These it will defend tirelessly. This all-purpose shepherd
has proven outstanding in both guarding and herding sheep, cows, horses, and pigs. These
dogs are known for their quick, clever attitude and are particularly adept at bringing
back strays. They love their master "above everything on earth." It is said that
it is unlikely to snap or bite unless provoked. |
Height, Weight
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Height: 16-22 inches (41-56
cm.)
Weight: 26-40 pounds (12-18 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
- |
Living
Conditions |
The Cao da Serra de Aires is not
recommended for apartment life. Assuming it gets enough exercise it will be calm indoors.
As a working dog with a need for exercise, they prefer living outdoors, but do enjoy an
occasional visit in the home. |
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Exercise |
The Cao da Serra de Aires has
extreme stamina. If it gets enough exercise, including a
daily, long walk, it will be calm in the house. This breed does
very well in agility. |
Life
Expectancy |
About 12-13 years. |
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Grooming |
Check the all-weather coat regularly
for tangles but do not brush the coat too much, as it will affect the texture and the
rough look. Trim any excess hairs between the pads of the feet. This breed should be
shampooed only when necessary. |
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Origin |
The Cao da Serra de Aires is almost
100 years old. This shaggy, all-purpose herder, drover, and guardian dog from the southern
plains of Portugal may descend from Briards imported by count de
Castro Guimaraes, which then bred with local mountain dogs. Although he appears similar to
the Berger des Pyrenees and the Catalan Sheepdog, no reliable evidence is forwarded to
suggest a direct line of ancestry. For most of this century, the Cao da Serra de Aires was
the companion of poor shepherds in southern Portugal, but by the 1970's it was almost
extinct. Fortunately, the beauty of its coat and its docile disposition came to the notice
of breeders, and today, its appeal to middle-class Portuguese dog owners ensures its
survival. Although it is virtually unknown outside its native land, this shaggy-looking
canine is a class dog, worthy of more international recognition. Owners say that these
little "monkey dogs," nick-named for their peculiar-looking muzzle and quaint
expression, have been a part of the farming operation and family life for as long as they
can remember. As with many working breeds, workability was more important than looks, and
the standard was not fixed until 1930. |
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Group |
Herding |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, NKC, APRI, ACR |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
NKC = National
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
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