We know very little about the time when the first domestic animals appeared, there is practically no confirmed information about them. There are no legends or chronicles about that period in the life of mankind when we were able to tame wild animals. It is believed that already in the Stone Age, ancient people had domesticated living creatures, the ancestors of today's domestic animals. The time when a person received modern domestic animals remains unknown to science, and the formation of today's domestic animals as a species is also unknown.
Scientists suggest that every domestic animal has its own wild progenitor. Proof of this are archaeological excavations carried out on the ruins of ancient human settlements. During the excavations, bones belonging to the domestic animals of the ancient world were found. So it can be argued that even in such a distant era of human life, we were accompanied by domesticated animals. Today there are species of domestic animals that are no longer found in the wild.
Many of today's wild animals are feral animals due to the fault of man. For example, let's take America or Australia as a clear proof of this theory. Almost all domestic animals in these continents were brought from Europe. These animals have found fertile ground for life and development. An example of this is hares or a rabbit in Australia. Due to the fact that there are no natural predators dangerous for this species on this continent, they multiplied in huge numbers and became wild. Since all rabbits were domesticated and brought by Europeans for their needs. Therefore, we can say with confidence that more than half of wild domesticated animals are former domestic animals. For example, wild city cats and dogs.
Be that as it may, the question of the origin of domestic animals should be considered open. As for our pets. Then the first confirmations in the annals and legends we meet a dog and a cat. In Egypt, the cat was a sacred animal, and dogs were actively used in the ancient era by mankind. There is plenty of evidence for this. In Europe, the cat appeared in its mass after the crusade, but firmly and quickly occupied the niche of a pet and mouse hunter. Before them, Europeans used different animals to catch mice, such as the weasel or the genet.
Domestic animals are divided into two unequal species.
The first type of domestic animals are farm animals that bring direct benefit to humans. Meat, wool, fur and many other useful things, goods, and are also used by us for food. But they do not live with a person directly in the same room.
The second type is animal pets (companions), which we see every day in our homes or apartments. They brighten up our leisure, entertain us and give us pleasure. And most of them, for practical purposes, are almost useless in the modern world, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, parrots and many others.
Animals of the same species may not infrequently belong to both species, both farm animals and pets. A striking example of this, rabbits and ferrets are kept as pets but also bred for their meat and fur. Also, some pet waste can be used, for example, cat and dog hair for knitting various items or as a heater. For example, dog hair belts.
Many doctors note the positive impact of pets on human health and well-being. We can see that many families who keep some animals at home note that these animals create comfort, calm, and relieve stress.
This encyclopedia was created by us to help pet lovers. We hope that our encyclopedia will help you in choosing and caring for your pet.
If you have an interesting observation of the behavior of your pet or have a desire, share information about some kind of pet. Or you have a nursery, a veterinary clinic, or a hotel for animals near your house, write to us about them at the address so that we add this information to the database on our website.
Portuguese sentry- a stocky dog with a short neck, a voluminous chest, well-developed hips and a very strong strong back.
Height at the withers 76 cm, weight 43-50 kg. These breed-typical features are evaluated first. Wool of medium length. The color is piebald or spotted. Spots of gray, brindle, black, red, yellow in various proportions are combined with white. In addition to a strong build, one can also note such features characteristic of this breed as powerful, bony limbs, oval paws and a noticeable dewlap on the neck.
The Portuguese Guard Dog, originally from the south of Portugal, was apparently formed by crossing Spanish Mastiffs (which is noticeable by its size) with various guard dogs. This combustible mixture produced a truly perfect guardian with an innate attachment to cows and sheep. This dog is rarely seen in the house, more often it can be found on pastures and farms in Portugal. In the US, the Portuguese watchdog is commonly used to protect flocks of sheep.
The breed is recognized by the FCI.
Although this dog is capable of being man's best friend, its vocation is guard duty. This is a strong energetic dog, it is difficult to keep it behind the most intricate lock. Best of all, the Portuguese guard feels in the countryside, carrying out the difficult service of protecting livestock. Has a quick reaction, largely relying on instinct.
E. de Prisco, J. B. Johnson. "Small atlas of dog breeds"
general information
The Rafeiro do Alentejo (Portuguese Watchdog) is a powerful multifunctional dog that first appeared in Portugal many centuries ago. This heavily built, courageous breed mostly serves as a property guard in its homeland, but it can also make a level-headed and obedient family pet. A representative of this breed is almost impossible to meet in other countries.
History of the breed
In the early stages, the rafeiro do Alentejo developed in the territory of Alentejo, which is located on the southern border of Portugal with Spain. It is obvious that he got his name in honor of this region, which is her historical homeland. This dog has evolved without direct human intervention, which is why it is considered a mixed breed. The true origin of Rafeiro do Alentejo is nothing more than a matter of conjecture and conjecture.
Most experts do not doubt the close relationship of this breed with the Tibetan Mastiff. It is very likely that the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Saint John Water Dog are also the progenitors of the Portuguese Watchdog. It is also assumed that representatives of this breed interbred from time to time with the Estrelian mountain dog and the Spanish mastiff, who were involved in the seasonal driving of cattle through the territory of the Alentejo.
Rayfeiro do Alentejo was valued by the local tribes for its impressive strength, calm temperament and pronounced protective instinct. This breed was an experienced and skilled herdsman who was able to ferry livestock across vast areas with minimal human assistance. She was also responsible for protecting the herd from wild predators. As soon as the local population changed their way of life to a more sedentary one, the primary role of this dog changed from a shepherd to a guardian of the property of the Portuguese aristocracy.
In the 18th century, the powerful Portuguese monarchy ceased to exist and the rafeiro do Alentejo, which was a symbol of monarchical power, prosperity and wealth, was in danger of complete extinction. Fortunately, two cynologists, Antonio Cabral and Philippe Romeiras, decided to prevent the final decline of the Rafeiro to Alentejo. They began to keep systematic records of their dog breeding practices, and also kept track of the current population of the breed. Thanks to their efforts, the first breed standard was developed in 1953.
In the 60s and 70s of the twentieth century, the Portuguese watchdog population again experienced a serious decline. The fact is that as a result of the political instability in Portugal during these decades, many individual dogs were killed, while others turned into stray animals. By the 1980s, purebred representatives of the breed had become so rare that its very survival seemed hardly possible. The efforts of the faculty of veterinarians in Evora and the dedicated work of fans of the breed helped to prevent its final extinction.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo was one of the first Portuguese breeds to receive official recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In 2005, she was registered with the American Kennel Club's Special Breeds Division (AKC' Foundation Stock Service). The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006.
Temperament and character
The Portuguese Watchdog is a calm, strong and even-tempered dog with a tendency to dominate. Therefore, it is not recommended to acquire this breed as a first dog, as an inexperienced owner is likely to experience serious difficulties in regards to its training and socialization. It should undergo obedience training as early as possible in order to become an obedient and well-mannered companion dog. It is common for this dog to be protective of the people it loves, so it usually treats the younger members of the family with due tenderness and discretion. However, this breed should not be left alone with a small child without proper supervision.
As a rule, the Rafeiro do Alentejo shows a natural alertness when meeting with an unfamiliar person. The dog usually displays a very responsible attitude towards his job as a guard and will not hesitate to resort to the necessary aggression if the situation calls for it. Due to its intimidating appearance and deep sonorous bark, this breed usually makes an excellent watchdog. It is worth noting that the Portuguese watchdog has a stable and peaceful disposition and rarely acts as an aggressor itself.
Without extensive socialization, this breed may have some problems communicating with other dogs. Its domineering nature and considerable physical strength mean that its confrontation with another dog can have very serious consequences. Therefore, the Portuguese watchdog should always be kept on a leash during walks. This breed has an average hunting instinct and is able to get along with other pets if it has been introduced to their society from an early age. She will undoubtedly accept a house cat as part of her pack if they have lived together long enough.
Health
The most common diseases include:
hip dysplasia;
gastric twisting.
dog care
Rafeiro do Alentejo has a medium maintenance requirement. Its medium-length coat needs regular and thorough combing to keep it attractively glossy and well-groomed. This dog sheds as the seasons change, and will shed a fair amount of their hair twice a year. During these periods, she should be brushed on a daily basis to get rid of dead hairs in her coat.
It is also important to pay due attention to such traditional dog grooming procedures as nail clipping and teeth brushing. The ears of the Portuguese Watchdog should be checked and cleaned periodically to prevent possible health problems in this area.
Training
The training of the Rafeiro do Alentejo is usually a task of moderate difficulty. Unlike most other breeds, this dog does not strive to please its owner. This serious and reliable working dog would rather be in charge of guarding your home than doing some trivial tricks to entertain your guests.
This dog's training strategy should be based on firm but fair handling and copious amounts of his favorite treats. It is not recommended to resort to coercion in working with this dog, since such methods will not bring adequate results. If the Portuguese watchdog notices a weakness in the character of the trainer, she will never perceive him as a true leader and, therefore, obey him. Therefore, it would be a wise decision to entrust the training of a representative of this breed to an experienced trainer.
Exercises
The adult Rafeiro do Alentejo is a calm and balanced dog that will be quite satisfied with a long and vigorous daily walk. This breed usually behaves calmly and relaxed in a home environment, although it likes to live outside where it can serve as a guard.
Due to her strong protective instincts, she is not well suited to an apartment, and she will be perfectly content to live in the suburbs in a house with a spacious and securely fenced yard. Without the proper amount of physical activity, the Portuguese Watchdog will gradually turn into a nervous and rebellious animal with a penchant for destructive actions.
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The Portuguese Watchdog (Rafeiro do Alentejo) is a breed of guard, shepherd dog known for many centuries. This breed originated in the Middle Ages in the south of Portugal, its ancestors were Spanish mastiffs crossed with some other guard breeds known at that time.
Portuguese guard dogs are very hardworking and responsible dogs, with good working qualities: strong, with excellent reaction. They must be used for their intended purpose, these dogs have a huge amount of energy, in order to spend it they need space and freedom, such a dog does not belong in a city apartment. Their main function is to protect livestock, representatives of this breed know instinctively how to do their job correctly. The Portuguese watchdog stoically endures any weather conditions, unpretentious in food. The coat protects them from any vagaries of nature, caring for their coat consists in regular combing it.
Representatives of this breed have good health, but it is worth noting that one of the most common diseases in this breed is hip dysplasia. This breed is recommended for experienced dog breeders who know how to communicate with large dogs. Training should start as early as possible and work with the dog every day. It takes a long time to get them to obey. But having received the trust of the dog, the owner of the Portuguese watchdog acquires a true friend who will not let you doubt his security qualities. 
Portuguese watchdog photo:
See photo Portuguese watchdog. Here is a collection of photographs. Very beautiful dog. Check it out by looking at the photo.
Portuguese guard video:
Portuguese watchdog puppies:
Portuguese watchdog with puppies and a child:
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