Rafeiro Do Alentejo has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Whippet has low obesity risk, but needs exercise and food monitoring for optimal health.

Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Affectionate
Gentle
Lively
Friendly
Intelligent
Quiet
Outright
Adaptable
Companionable

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

Whippets 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.

Whippets are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Portugal

England

Mastiff-Type

terrier, greyhound, spaniel

Unknown

1800s

Guardian Dog (UKC)

Hound (AKC:1888)
Sighthound & Pariah (UKC)

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Red
Brindle

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Whippets have coats that can be either short or medium in 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 Whippet can have a litter of 12-15 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.

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

Usually Very Healthy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Von Willebrand's Disease
Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Corneal Dystrophy

Hip Dysplasia

Cataracts
Lens Luxation

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Blood Test
Dna For Vwd
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

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

Whippets thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

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

Whippet has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

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

Whippets need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

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

Whippets are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Whippet minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

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

Whippets are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Whippet dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.

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

Run, Nap, Hunt, Fetch, Nose work, Eating Snacks, Dog Parks, Walks, Playdate, Tug-of-war, Toys

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

The Whippet is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

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

In general Whippet should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

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 25-40 pound (11 - 18 kg) Whippet feed 2.8 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 Whippet is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 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 Whippet is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 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.

Whippets 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.

Whippets are not cat friendly.

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

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

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

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

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

Whippets 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.

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