Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Attentive
Tenacious

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

Westie Staffs 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.

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

Portugal

United States

Mastiff-Type

West Highland White Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier

Unknown

2000s

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Black
Gray
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

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 Westie Staff can have a litter of 5-10 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.

Westie Staffs 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.

Westie Staffs 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

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Heart Diseases and Disorders

Hip Dysplasia

Inguinal Hernias
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Skin Evaluation
Blood And Urine Analysis
Diagnostic Imaging
Eye and Ear Examination
DNA

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

Westie Staffs 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.

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Westie Staffs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

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

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

The Westie Staff is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

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.

Westie Staffs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

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

The Westie Staff 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, Westie Staff should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
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 40-50 pound (18 - 23 kg) Westie Staff feed 2.5 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 Westie Staff is somewhere $2.20 - $3.40 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 Westie Staff is between $67 - $101. This makes an average of $804 - $1212 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.

Westie Staffs are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

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

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Westie Staffs 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.

Westie Staffs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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

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