Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Mountain View Cur - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Mountain View Cur - Breed ComparisonMountain View Cur is originated from United States but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Mountain View Cur may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Mountain View Cur may weigh 31 kg / 68 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Mountain View Cur may live 4 years more than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Mountain View Cur and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same litter size. Mountain View Cur requires Low Maintenance. But Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
46 - 66 cm
18 - 26 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
44 - 64 cm
17 - 26 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 29 kg
35 - 64 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 26 kg
30 - 58 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
None
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
yellow, brindle, black and brindle. These dogs commonly have white markings on the muzzle, solid black, chest and feet.
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
short hair
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

mountain view curThe Mountain View Cur is an American bred dog that resulted from years of deliberate breeding and careful culling of the litters to improve the Mountain Cur into a hunting dog with a better temperament and a stronger hunting instinct. Because of these generations of culling and refining the Mountain View Cur is so uniform within the breed that it is considered a thoroughbred as well as a purebred. Developed at the end of the 1980’s by Michael and Marie Bloodgood. The foundation for their breeding program was the Mountain Cur.

The new Mountain View Cur were meant to be stronger in every way than the original Mountain Cur. They could track, hunt and tree both large and small prey. It’s work ethic is unsurpassed regardless of the weather or terrain. Highly intelligent and motivated the Mount View Cur can use its incredible prey drive to follow the game at any cost. Yet it can be trusted off lease because while hunting the Mountain View Cur will instinctively go to the hunter and check in occasionally.

This breed is ultimate hunter, known for treeing squirrels and racoons. His strongest drive is to please the human he is with. He has a gentle, loving temperament. Because of their desire to please, they are great companion animals as well as hunters. In addition to coons and squirrels, the Mountain View Cur could hunt possum, coyote, pheasants, turkey, hare, grouse, hare and rabbits. They are also willing to fight with lions, bobcats, bears, and wild boars. Surprisingly they can herd as well.

They are a healthy breed and very hearty with a long lifespan. They are extremely popular in the mountains and hills of Appalachia, but they are rare and almost unknown outside the United States. Puppies are very expensive and there is a waiting list that could be very long. The original Mountain View Curs descended from just two Mountain Curs – one male, one female. As the program went on Mountain View Curs were bred to Mountain Views Curs and then other Mountain Curs were added in.

Originally the breed was registered as a part of the Kemmer Stock Breeders Association Registry. Eventually however the breeders of View Curs came to believe that they had an entirely new breed and the American Squirrel and Night Hunters Association was the choice to register the breed in 1995. One year later the Mountain View Cur Registry was founded.

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

mountain view cur puppy - descriptionThe Mountain View Cur is a rugged, healthy breed that has very little in common with its ancestor the Mountain Cur at least in its looks. The Mountain View Cur is born with no dewclaws while the Mountain Cur has them. The Mountain View Cur is a stronger and more muscular breed as well. They have a flat domed head with ears that are high set and short. Her eyes are dark and prominent, its neck and back strong and muscular, while its chest is deep. Half the pups are born with a bobtail and half have their tales docked. About 10% are black, brindle or brindle and black. They all have white on the feet, chest and muzzle.

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

Children friendliness

mountain view cur dog - characteristicsVery child friendly, playful and gentle

Special talents

Scent and well-disciplined self-control

Adaptability

This breed is designed to work and to hunt. They are happiest when they have a job or are in the woods with you. They have excess energy and need space. They will not do well as a 24 hour inside dogs. They need space to run and hunt.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent, excellent ability to learn whatever you want to teach them.

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

mountain view cur puppies - health problemsThe Mountain View Cur is a very healthy breed without a lot of genetic issues due to the purity and isolation of the breed. No genetic deformities or illness. They are susceptible to a few health concerns.

Bloat – like most larger dogs, the Mountain View Cur is susceptible to bloat. This occurs when the dog’s internal organs, stomach and intestines become inverted and twisted. This can occur when the dog eats a large meal immediately before or after strenuous exercise.

  • Ear Infections – Ears need to be kept clean especially after every hunt.
  • Eye Infections/Issues – Similar to ear infections
  • Hunting Accidents – by far the biggest danger to the breed is accidents

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

Feeding the puppy

mountain view cur dogs - caringThe Mountain View Cur puppy after 12 weeks of age will need to eat 3 meals per day until they are 6 months old. From 6 months to one year they need 2 meals a day. They need high quality dry dog food made especially for puppies that will become large dogs.

Feeding the adult

An adult Mountain View Cur can eat only once a day and be healthy. They need a high quality dry food for large dogs.

Points for Good Health

Extremely healthy breed with stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

The Mountain View Cur is a hunter and an extremely active one at that. They also have herding tendencies. Though they are not hyper, they need a lot of exercise. They also need a job. They want nothing more than to please their person, but they need a job to stimulate both his body and mind. He needs daily walks and a fenced yard to run in. They are good at agility, search and rescue, herding, field trials, police work, and hunting.

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