Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed ComparisonDandie Dinmont Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may grow 47 cm / 18 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may live 3 years more than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Dandie Dinmont Terrier may have less litter size than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
Portugal
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 10
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Mustard and Pepper Terrier, Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
reddish, Fawn, brown
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
Short to long
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

dandie dinmont terrierThe rough coated Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from Scotland. They were used centuries ago for hunting otters and badgers.

There are theories that exist that the dog is a cross between Scottish- and Skye Terriers while others believe there must be some Dachshund in the mix because of the long body of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recorded as a distinct breed in the late 1600s. The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875 while the American Kennel Club recognized the Dandie in 1886.

rafeiro do alentejoKnown also as the Portuguese Mastiff, the Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal and has always been used as guardian for livestock. Their numbers declined quite a bit when there was no longer a need for this kind of job.Today it is essentially a companion dog.

The official standard of the Rafeiro do Alentejo was established in 1953. The dog is is recognized as a breed by the Portuguese Caniculture Club as well as the Federation Cynologique Interationale.

Description

dandie dinmont terrier puppy - descriptionThe Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog who stands between 20 – 28cm at the withers and weighs between 8 and 11kg. He is recognizable by his fluffy head of hair.

He actually has quite a unique look with his long body and slightly over-sized head. He has floppy ears and a long tail. His coat is quite unusual too in that it can be silky and long around the face, legs and belly, while the topcoat is fairly shortish and crisp. His coat color is fawn to brown or reddish. He isn’t a heavy shedder.

Temperament:

Known also as the Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont makes an excellent family pet with his calm demeanor, being somewhat reserved around strangers.

He is an alert, intelligent little dog and will warn you of strangers coming into your space. He therefore makes a good watchdog. He is loving and loyal to his human family and will readily fit into life in the city or in the countryside.

They are good with children and pets but with his independent streak, he will require training and socialization if you want him to behave and be obedient.

rafeiro do alentejo puppy - descriptionThe Alentejo is a large dog standing at between 64 and 75cm in height and weighing 45 to 60kg. He is a powerful dog with a deep chest, dark eyes, floppy ears. His coat is short to medium length, thick and straight. The color of the coat is a mix of fawn, a wolf grey, white, cream and black.

Temperament:

This is a serious dog with a calm demeanour about him. It doesn’t matter how calm he is though, as every dog will require training ad socialization if you want to enjoy having an obedient, well mannered dog around you. This is particularly important with a large, independent, self-confident, territorial dog like this.

He isn’t an aggressive dog but he is protective, wanting to guard and look out for his human family. They are dogs that get on well with children and other pets in the home, being wary of strangers.

They’re not recommended for life in small properties in the city as he requires a large garden at least.

Characteristics

dandie dinmont terrier dog - characteristicsYour Dandie Dinmont is capable of being a wonderful companion. He loves spending time with his human family and is affectionate and loyal.

The small Dandie is able to fit into life in the city or country, just so long as he has his human family with him. Because he comes from Terrier dogs, he is no push-over though and he has an independent streak which will benefit from training and socialization.

Make sure you give this small dog of yours plenty of love and good care and you will find that you have a loyal, devoted friend in him.

rafeiro do alentejo dog - characteristicsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a quiet dog, but intelligent and strong-willed. Training and socialization will make him easy to get on with.

He will become an excellent companion, and can come indoors because he is well mannered and considerate. He was bred to be a guard dog, and the responsibilities he had taking care of livestock has been transferred to looking out for- and protecting his human family.

He makes a wonderful pet and companion, even with children and other pets, more so when brought up correctly by loving, firm, consistent dog owners.

Health Problems

dandie dinmont terrier puppies - health problemsYour pet Dandie Dinmont is a robust little dog who, with good care, can live to be anything between 12 to 15 years of age.

With every dog breed there will be health concerns, and these can include illnesses such as epilepsy as well as hypochondroplasia. All dogs have the potential to fall prey to health problems, and getting your pet from a reputable breeder can help to ensure you eliminate some of these diseases.

This small dog has a long body which means he can be affected by spinal problems. Genetics and body shape play a large role. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniate into the spinal cord space. The discs press on the nerves and pain and paralysis can follow.

rafeiro do alentejo puppies - health problemsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a generally healthy dog breed, and with good care can get to 11, 12 or 13 years of age.

Of course with a large dog like this, it is always a good idea to be aware of canine hip dysplasia, particularly because this is a large dog with a deep chest.

This makes him also vulnerable to bloat, a condition where the stomach swells with gas and which can be life threatening. Other things to watch for are ear infections and parasites.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

dandie dinmont terrier dogs - caringThe Dandie doesn’t require as much exercise as some other dog breeds but you want to make sure he goes with you on your walks, or you play ball with him in the garden. You don’t want to see a small dog like this becoming obese as it can herald in a host of health problems.

Grooming:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed a hang of a lot but still, you will need to brush him twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs. Also, the coat will require stripping twice a year. Some dog owners who prefer a low maintenance breed might not like knowing this, but it is a necessary part of his grooming. There are some dog owners who cut the hair rather, but then the texture of the coat will change. This is only important to know if you want to show your Dandie. Other Dandie owners take their pets to a professional groomer for clipping.

Check the Ears and Teeth:

Because the Dandie has floppy ears and a lot of hair around the face and ears, you will need to check his ears for dirt and wax build-up as these can cause an ear infection. If you’re nervous to be going inside your dog’s ears, the vet or the dog groomer can show you how.

Also, little dogs like this are prone to tooth decay, and you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can cause mouth infections which contribute to other diseases within the body.

Grooming:

rafeiro do alentejo dogs - caringMake your grooming time with this serious, calm canine friend of yours a special bonding time. His coat simply requires a brush twice a week to keep it healthy and shiny.

While bushing him, run your hands over him to make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps. Check inside the floppy ears to make sure they’re not red which could be the start of a painful ear infection.

Look a his nails and trim them if they’ve become too long. Check inside his mouth and make sure there aren’t any black, rotten teeth as this can seriously impact the health of your pet.

Exercise:

Options for exercise will include long walks and a chance to run off his leash. In the back yard it will be to his benefit to throw balls for him to fetch. You can even bring him indoors and play some calm games with him. He should have exercise every single day.

Diet:

Good food is needed for good health. It is always convenient to make use of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are on the market.

You don’t want to feed this to your dog day after day so provide your pet with some tasty home-made food too. Dogs want simplicity and consistency with their diets so they don’t battle with upset stomachs and an unnecessary trip to the vet.

Some home-cooked food twice a week and added to the dry kibble can keep him healthy and happy. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week.

Some people even cook it in bulk, refrigerate it and warm up small portions to add to the kibble. Raw meat added in occasionally can also be a good treat. Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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