Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Obedient
Devoted
Lively
Gentle
Steady
Spirited
Assertive

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 Shih Apsos as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Mastiff-Type

Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Shih Apsos are known for their coat 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 Shih Apso 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.

Shih Apsos 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 Shih Apso breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Usually Very Healthy

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Kidney Problems
Liver Problems
Bladder Stones and Infections

Hip Dysplasia

Ear Infections
Allergies
Eye Disease
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Wellness Check
Chest X-rays
Dental and Oral Examinations
Clinical Exam
Eye and Ear Examination

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

Shih Apso 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.

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

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

Walking, Tracking, Nose work, Freestyle, Fetch, Long walks, Loves swimming, Playing Ball, Holidays, Sleeping, Eating Snacks, Toys, Walk, Brushing, Chase, Shake, Walks, family, W, Walks, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Play, Running, Cuddles, Family play, Hiking, Playdate, Shake hands, Discipline, Stay

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.

Shih Apsos are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Shih Apso 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 Shih Apso, it's at least 4 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 Shih Apsos 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.

Shih Apsos have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat 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, Shih Apso should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
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 15-18 pound (7 - 8 kg) Shih Apso 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 Shih Apso is somewhere $1.30 - $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 Shih Apso 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.

Shih Apso has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

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.

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

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

Shih Apsos 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.

Shih Apsos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Shih Apsos are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Shih Apsos 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.

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