Portuguese Sheepdog

Also called Cão da Serra de Aires, Cão Macaco, monkey dog

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Portugal, in the Alentejo region, named after the Serra de Aires hills.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight17 to 27 kg1 2

Height, male45 to 55 cm1 2

Height, female42 to 52 cm1 2

Sizemedium

exceptionally intelligent

lively and energetic

devoted to its family and flock

1 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, goat-like coat

A long, straight or lightly wavy coat with a slightly rough, goat-hair feel and no undercoat. The hair forms a beard, moustache and eyebrows on the face but does not hide the eyes.1 2

Coloursyellowbrownchestnutgreyfawnwolf greyblackany of these with tan markings1 2

Personality what they are like

A bright, bouncy and very loyal herding dog. It is devoted to its shepherd and animals, somewhat wary of strangers and naturally alert at night, which also makes it a good watchdog and a fine companion.1 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to cover long distances with livestock on open plains, it has great stamina and needs daily exercise plus mental work such as training or dog sports.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long coat benefits from regular brushing to keep it free of tangles, with a little attention to the facial furnishings.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active home with outdoor space and a job to do.1 3

Company who they like around

Very attached to its people and happiest when included in family life.1 3

The story where it all began

The breed grew up as an all-round farm dog in the Alentejo, moving sheep, cattle, goats, horses and pigs. Its ancestry is often linked to Briards brought to Portugal in the early 1900s by the Count of Castro Guimarães and crossed with Pyrenean Sheepdogs.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Portuguese shepherds nicknamed it cão macaco, the monkey dog, for its bearded face and lively manner.2
2
It has herded an unusual mix of animals, including sheep, cattle, goats, horses and pigs.1
3
The breed standard likens the coat texture to goat hair.1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 93, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 30.03.2009. Wikipedia gives 1996 for FCI recognition.1
UKC: Recognised (per Wikipedia, as of 2006).2
AKC: Has an AKC breed page.3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Portuguese Sheepdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
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

Start a free diary

Briard

Pyrenean Sheepdog

Catalan Sheepdog

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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.

FCI Standard No. 93, Cão da Serra de Aires fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, use
Wikipedia: Portuguese Sheepdog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, nickname, recognition
AKC: Portuguese Sheepdog akc.orgused for temperament, roles

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.