Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Active
Curious
Playful
Independent
Agile
Intelligent
Confident
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Fearless
Faithful
Easygoing

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

Schipeses are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

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 Schipeses as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Mastiff-Type

Maltese and Schipperke

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Black
White

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Schipeses have longer coats compared to most dogs.

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 Schipese can have a litter of 3-7 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.

Schipeses 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.

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

Usually Very Healthy

Distichiasis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Dental Problems

Hip Dysplasia

Entropion
Ectropion
Portacaval Shunt
Hypoglycemia
Hypothyroidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Shaker Dog Syndrome
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Eye Examinations
BAER Testing
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

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

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

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

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

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

Schipeses sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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 Schipese, 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 Schipeses usually need at least 40 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.

The Schipese requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

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, Schipese 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 8-12 pound (4 - 5 kg) Schipese 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 Schipese 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 Schipese 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.

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.

The Schipese is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

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

Schipeses 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.

Schipeses are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Schipeses 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.

Schipeses 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.

Schipeses are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.