Barbado da Terceira
Also called Terceira Bearded Dog, Terceira Cattle Dog
From Terceira island in the Azores, Portugal.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, wavy double coat
A medium-sized, athletic herder covered in a long, thick, wavy coat with a dense undercoat, finished off by the full beard that gives the breed its name.12
Personality what they are like
A bright, happy and sensitive dog that learns quickly and wants to cooperate, with a bit of a stubborn streak. It is protective of its home and works willingly with cattle.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An athletic working breed that needs daily exercise and a task or training to keep it content.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The long, wavy coat and beard need regular brushing to stay free of tangles.1
Home where they are happiest
Happiest in an active home with room to move, ideally with owners who have some dog experience.2
Company who they like around
A devoted family and companion dog that thrives with close contact and consistent, kind handling.2
The story where it all began
Its ancestors arrived on Terceira with settlers and sailors from the fifteenth century onwards, and the most useful herding types were kept for working the island's cattle. The dog stayed a local working breed until Portuguese recognition in 2004.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Clube Português de Canicultura
- Recognised as a Portuguese breed in 2004 (also recognised by the Portuguese veterinary authority DGV the same year).1
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service since 2021.1
- FCI
- Not recognised by the FCI.1
How many 2221
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Barbado da Terceira. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Barbado da Terceira, and at what times?
Feed your adult Barbado da Terceira at least two meals a day at consistent times, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a Barbado da Terceira eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.4
How often should I bathe a Barbado da Terceira?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, or about every two months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Barbado da Terceira need brushing?
Brush your Barbado da Terceira at least once a week to prevent tangles, as Furry Diary's plan recommends. For its long, wavy coat and beard, more frequent brushing may be needed to keep it mat-free.15 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Barbado da Terceira's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Barbado da Terceira need?
This athletic breed needs daily exercise, including walks and play, plus a job or training to stay content. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day to keep your dog happy and healthy.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Barbado da Terceira's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible using dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears after baths or swimming, and never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Barbado da Terceira live?
Lifespan varies for this breed; please ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.
Is a Barbado da Terceira good with children and other pets?
This devoted and happy breed is generally good with children when raised with them. Early socialization is important due to its protective instincts, so supervise interactions with other pets.21
Can a Barbado da Terceira be left alone?
This breed thrives on close contact and may struggle with long periods alone. It is best suited to owners who can spend plenty of time with it, or provide mental stimulation and a dog walker if needed.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Barbado da Terceira - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, history, population
- Barbado da Terceira - American Kennel Club akc.orgused for temperament, activity, companion role
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.