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, Poolkys 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

Active
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Trainable
Faithful
Instinctual

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

Poolkys 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.

Poolkys aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Portugal

United States

Mastiff-Type

Poodle and Silky Terrier

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Black
Brown
White
Sable
Silver
Fawn

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

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

Straight

Wavy

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 Poolky can have a litter of 3-5 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.

Poolkys 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.

While the Poolky breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Usually Very Healthy

Hip Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Periodontal Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Von Willebrand's Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Eye Examination
Radiographs
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
Complete Physical Examination

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

Poolkys' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

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

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

Walk, Fooling around, Humping

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 Poolky, it's at least 7 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 Poolkys 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.

Poolkys have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Clipper
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 8-20 pound (4 - 9 kg) Poolky feed 0.7 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 Poolky is somewhere $1.40 - $1.70 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 Poolky is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $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.

Poolky is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

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.

Poolkys 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.

Poolkys make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

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

Poolkys 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.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Poolkys 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.

Poolkys are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

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

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