Unfortunately, the Rafeiro Do Alentejo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Crusties are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Lively
Tempered
Sweet

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Crusties shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Choose a Rafeiro Do Alentejo if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Crusties are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Mastiff-Type

Yorkshire Terrier and Chinese Crested

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Brown
Black

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Crusties have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

A Rafeiro Do Alentejo can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Crustie can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Crusties are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Crusties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Usually Very Healthy

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Collapsed Trachea

Hip Dysplasia

None

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Ultrasound

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Crusties are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Crusties have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Crusties bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Crusties are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rafeiro Do Alentejo, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Crustie, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Crusties require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Crustie should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

For an average 88-110 pound (40 - 50 kg) Rafeiro Do Alentejo feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 7-13 pound (3 - 6 kg) Crustie feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Crustie is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Crustie is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Crusties make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Crusties have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Crusties are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Crusties are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Crusties are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very fond of playing and prefer other activities.

Crusties have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos can be difficult to train and require consistent and patient training.

Crusties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.