Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Quick
Lively
Gentle
Joyful
Inquisitive

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

Silkyties are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Portugal

United States

Mastiff-Type

Shetland Sheepdog and Silky Terrier

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Black
Gray
Silver
Cream
White
Brown
Red
Fawn

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Silkyties 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 Silkytie 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.

Silkyties 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 Silkytie breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Usually Very Healthy

Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Cataracts
Allergies
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Eye Examination
Radiographs
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests

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

Silkytie 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.

Silkyties have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per 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 Silkytie, it's at least 8 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 Silkyties 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.

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

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
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 10-20 pound (5 - 9 kg) Silkytie 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 Silkytie 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 Silkytie 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.

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 Silkytie 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.

Silkyties 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.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Silkyties are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Silkyties 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.

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