What makes the Cão da Serra de Aires Unique?
A historical breed hailing from Portugal, the Cão da Serra de Aires has many positive characteristics that are beginning to rescue it from relative obscurity. These dogs are loyal, hard-working, and clever. Although they started their career as livestock guardians, members of this breed are more commonly found as pets today.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 45 to 55 cm (17½ to 21½ inches) Females – 45 to 55 cm (17½ to 21½ inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 17 to 27 kg (37 to 60 pounds) Females – 17 to 27 kg (37 to 60 pounds) |
| Origin: | Portugal |
| Life Span: | 12 – 13 Years |
| Colour: | Yellow, chestnut, grey, fawn, wolf grey (fulva e a lobeira), and black, with tan marks. |
| Litter Size: | 5 to 10 puppies |
Is the Cão da Serra de Aires Right For You?
These hardworking dogs are incredibly loyal to members of their families and will defend them fearlessly. They are also among the smartest breed of sheepdogs available. Cão da Serra de Aires are exceptionally good at guarding, herding, and retrieving livestock.
Cao da Serra de Aires benefit greatly from early socialization as well as obedience training. Consistent rules and a firm hand are a must for members of this breed. Lessons should be kept varied in order to hold their interest.
In 5 Words
- Intelligent
- Lively
- Confident
- Firm
- Strong-minded
Characteristics
Learn About the Cão da Serra de Aires
Description
General Description
Cão da Serra de Aires are medium-sized dogs with long bodies, level backs, and goat-like fur. They have high-set drop ears that hang close to their heads. Darkly colored noses and eyes are also present in members of this breed. Short muzzles, square heads, arched backs, and tucked stomachs can likewise be found on these dogs. Although a scissors bite is preferred, Cão da Serra de Aires with pincher bites are accepted in the show ring. These dogs should possess lengthy, undocked tails. A natural bobtail is considered a flaw in show animals. Cão da Serra de Aires should move with a fluid, agile gait.
Coat
Members of this breed have a moderately thick, single layer coat that may be smooth or somewhat wavy. Due to the fact that Cão da Serra de Aires do not have an undercoat, the dogs will be more susceptible to harsh weather conditions. The same trait that is problematic for working animals is a bonus for dogs that spend their life as pets because it allows them to be more easily groomed. According to FCI standards, individual dogs should likewise have a “long beard, moustache and eyebrows”, but their fur should not impede their eyes. Acceptable coat colors for members of this breed include wolf grey, plain grey, fawn, chestnut, yellow, and black with tan markings. Cão da Serra de Aires are only allowed to have a small white patch of fur on their chest, if they do at all.
Size
Females of this breed are somewhat shorter than their male contemporaries. On average, males stand between 17.5 and 21.5 inches (45 and 55 centimeters) tall and females measure around 16.5 to 20.5 inches (42 to 52 centimeters) in height. Dogs of both genders typically weigh about 37 to 60 pounds (17 to 37 kilograms).
Short History of the Cão da Serra de Aires
These dogs have been found in their native country for over a hundred years, if not longer. It is thought that the Cão da Serra de Aires breed is a cross between local Iberian herding dogs and an imported group of Briards. These dogs started their careers as companions and working animals for poor shepherds, but owe their current survival to their adoption by the middle class. The breed standard only dates back as far as 1930. In 1954, the Cão da Serra de Aires was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). By 2006, these dogs were also accepted to the United Kennel Club (UKC). Under the standards of both the aforementioned organizations, dogs of this breed are shown as “Portuguese Sheepdogs”.
Temperament
Some people feel that members of this breed resemble monkeys in terms of behavior. Yet these hardworking dogs are incredibly loyal to members of their families and will defend them fearlessly. They are also among the smartest breed of sheepdogs available. Cão da Serra de Aires are exceptionally good at guarding, herding, and retrieving livestock. Members of this breed will typically get along with other pets and dogs if they have been raised around them, but dominance can sometimes be an issue for male dogs. These dog may also be aloof around strangers or unfamiliar animals. Some may even be territorial, yet they do not usually bite unless given they are just cause to do so. FCI standards further state these dogs should not possess a “nervous, unbalanced temperament” as this is considered to be a major flaw. Although the dogs’ personality is not likely to be a problem, owners should be aware that a Cão da Serra de Aires does require a spacious yard in which to run and play. These active dogs are ill suited for apartment life. In fact, members of this breed would prefer to live outdoors for the most part as long as they have adequate shelter to protect them from adverse weather conditions.
Caring for Your Cão da Serra de Aires
General Health
Despite the fact that 12 to 15 years is the common lifespan for these dogs, Cão da Serra de Aires do suffer from a few common health conditions. Ehrlichiosis is sometimes transmitted to the dogs from ticks so owners should use proper parasite prevention medication to keep the biting insects at bay. Members of this breed may also suffer from abdominal tumors once they get to be over 8 years old. In order to keep dogs healthy, regular echograms are recommended after the dogs reach the aforementioned birthday. .
Care
Daily
Members of this breed will need daily exercise. A long walk is recommended but these dogs are also good at sports such as agility competitions.
Weekly
Dog owners will want to clean their pet’s teeth regularly in order to prevent health problems from arising.
Monthly
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medication is a must for all dogs. Most of these products are typically administered on a monthly basis.
Grooming & Bathing
Although too much brushing will damage a Cão da Serra de Aires’ coat, it is a good idea to regularly inspect the dogs for tangled fur to keep mats from becoming problematic. Excess foot hair and lengthy toenails should also be trimmed as needed. These dogs only need a bath when they get dirty as too much washing is likely to dry out their skin.
Although too much brushing will damage a Cão da Serra de Aires’ coat, it is a good idea to regularly inspect the dogs for tangled fur to keep mats from becoming problematic. Excess foot hair and lengthy toenails should also be trimmed as needed. These dogs only need a bath when they get dirty as too much washing is likely to dry out their skin.
Exercise & Training
Cao da Serra de Aires benefit greatly from early socialization as well as obedience training. Consistent rules and a firm hand are a must for members of this breed. Lessons should be kept varied in order to hold their interest. Cao da Serra de Aires are intelligent but they can also be stubborn. As a result, these dogs will not obey owners that they do not respect. Although members of this breed are sometimes difficult to teach, they do learn quickly and are incredibly reliable once they have been trained.
Cão da Serra de Aires Picture Gallery
