Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Playful
Loving
Stubborn
Independent
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Aggressive
Good-natured
Opinionated

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.

Avoid Japekes as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Portugal

United States

Mastiff-Type

Pekingese, Japanese Chin

Brown

Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Black
White
Brown
Red

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Japekes are known for their coat 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 Japeke can have a litter of 2-4 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.

Japekes are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

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.

Japekes 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

Patellar Luxation
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Hip Dysplasia

Cataracts
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Cleft Palate

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Physical Examination
Respiratory Tests
Eye examination
Radiographs

Rafeiro Do Alentejo has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Japeke has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Hug, Walk, Run, Chase, Fetch, Tug-of-war

Play, Daily Life, Teasing, Playing, Cuddling, Walking, Relaxing walks

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.

Japekes are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Japeke dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

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 Japeke, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Rafeiro Do Alentejos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Japekes usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

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

Japekes 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.

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
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 6-11 pound (3 - 5 kg) Japeke feed 0.5 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 Japeke 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 Japeke 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.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Japeke is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Japekes have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

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.

Japekes 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.

Japekes are not the best choice for families with kids.

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

Japekes are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

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

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Japekes 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.

Japekes are not known for being a highly playful breed.

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

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