So you’re looking to adopt an Rafeiro do Alentejo, or already have one?
According to the American Kennel Club, “Since the beginning of the breed’s history, Rafeiros Alentejanos were used in packs as hunting dogs for big game, though this function has gradually disappeared over time. More recently, the breed is a guard dog for property and livestock, watching sheep and cattle. They also often work alone in prairies and will defend the herd against any intruders. Hailing from Portugal, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large-sized dog, powerful, rustic, sober, and calm. He moves with a heavy, slow roll. His coat is short or medium-length and thick, straight and dense. They can be black, wolf grey, or fawn, with or without brindling, always with white markings; or white with patches of these colors. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is an excellent farm and estate watch dog. He is also a very useful livestock protector, being more vigilant at night and very serious when guarding territory or any other property entrusted to him. He has a calm and confident expression.”
An Rafeiro do Alentejo typically ranges from 63.5cm to 73.66cm in height, and weighs from 34.926612490000004kg to 59.874192840000006kg.
There are a few pet insurance companies in New Zealand that offer dog insurance for Rafeiro do Alentejo breeds. Try Cove Insurance as they are currently offering a one-month free promotion. Typically Rafeiro do Alentejo insurance ranges from $30 per month to $65 – but of course this varies depending on a range of other factors such as gender.