Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may grow 34 cm / 13 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may weigh 51 kg / 112 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may live 3 years more than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same litter size. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
Portugal
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
dense, flat
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
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:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrier smoothThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

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

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

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

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

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

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

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

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

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

  1. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
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