The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Cão de Castro Laboreiro

Information and Pictures

Cão de Castro Laboreiro dog is laying in grass. There is an emblem overlayed in the top left corner. In the bottom the website - www.villalaboreiro.com

Adult Cão de Castro Laboreiro, photo courtesy of Villa Laboreiro

Other Names
  • Castro Laboreiro Livestock Guarding Dog
  • Castro Laboreiro Dog
  • Portuguese Cattle Dog
Description

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro has a thick resistant coat, which is slightly rough to the touch. Coat colors include black, chestnut and mahogany.

Temperament

The Laboreiro is a very brave protective flock guardian dog that is intelligent, very dominant and fearless. It is a loyal, docile friend to its owners, but is sometimes aggressive with strangers. The Laboreiro is trustworthy and very tolerant of children within its own family. All those the Laboreiro does not know is considered suspicious, is not trusted and will be watched closely. It will only tolerate orders of its owners. It will not tolerate a stranger telling it what to do. This breed will instinctively patrol its territory. It lives with its livestock, not letting strange people or animals anywhere near what it is protecting. The Laboreiro will find high ground to rest where he can watch over his flock. This is not a yappy breed; if the Laboreiro is barking, the dog feels there is something wrong. This is a breed which requires a very dominant owner. Starting from puppyhood, the dog must learn to respect its owner, not fear him. Harsh training does not work with this breed. These dogs may be difficult to control and need experienced training and firm handling. Not a breed for the average owner. Does best with a job to do.

Height, Weight

Height: 20 - 24 inches (51 - 60 cm)

Weight: 50 - 75 pounds (45 - 75 kg)

Health Problems

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Living Conditions

This breed is not suited to apartment life. It needs at least a large yard.

Exercise

This breed needs some type of job to do. When not working it needs to be taken on a daily, long walk.

Life Expectancy

About 11 - 13 years

Litter Size

About 5 to 10 puppies

Grooming

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Origin

It is difficult to pin point the origin of the Laboreiro, however it is related to the Rafeiro Alentejano and most likely originated from Euro-Asia.

Group

Flock Guardian

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Close Up - Cao de Castro Laboreiro laying outside and there is a tree in the background. The website - www.villalaboreiro.com - is overlayed down the left side

Adult Cão de Castro Laboreiro, photo courtesy of Villa Laboreiro

A Cao de Castro Laboreiro puppy is laying in a pen outside. There is an emblem overlayed at the top left of the screen. The website - www.villalaboreiro.com - is overlayed down the right side

Cão de Castro Laboreiro puppy, photo courtesy of Villa Laboreiro

A Cao de Castro Laboreiro is laying next to a rock, in a small amount of grass on a rock. There is an emblem overlayed at the top left of the screen. The website - www.villalaboreiro.com - is overlayed down the right side

Photo courtesy of Villa Laboreiro

The Head of a Cão de Castro Laboreiro is photoshoped into a circle. It has its mouth open and tongue out.

This rare livestock guardian is a Portuguese native. Photo courtesy of Castro Laboreiro Livestock Guarding Dog website