So you’re looking to adopt an Portuguese Sheepdog, or already have one?
According to the American Kennel Club, “Portuguese Sheepdogs are medium-sized dogs with appreciable rusticity and sobriety and are extremely agile and swift. Their long hair has a goat-like texture, without an undercoat, and can be straight or slightly wavy. The dense and evenly-distributed coat forms a long beard, mustache, and eyebrows that are not so long as to cover his eyes. Coat colors can be yellow, brown, grey, fawn, wolf grey in shades ranging from light to dark, and black, accompanied by tan markings. This lively breed has a simian-like attitude and appearance, which is why it is known in its native region of Portugal as a “monkey dog”. The Portuguese Sheepdog is exceptionally intelligent and lively. Very devoted to the shepherd and his herd, he can be somewhat wary of strangers and vigilant at night. Today, he is also an excellent companion, sporting and guard dog. He is known for his skillful ability to keep livestock in pastures and also for searching out stray animals. He is always vigilant and successfully alerts if predators are in the area. This breed is extremely devoted to its work and conducts it with joy and pleasure.”
An Portuguese Sheepdog typically ranges from 41.910000000000004cm to 54.61cm in height, and weighs from 17.009713875kg to 26.761949830000002kg.
There are a few pet insurance companies in New Zealand that offer dog insurance for Portuguese Sheepdog breeds. Try Cove Insurance as they are currently offering a one-month free promotion. Typically Portuguese Sheepdog insurance ranges from $30 per month to $65 – but of course this varies depending on a range of other factors such as gender.