Portuguese Sheepdog
Description
The Portuguese Sheepdog, or Cão da Serra de Aires, hails from Portugal’s mountainous Serra de Aires region where it was bred to herd and guard livestock. Descended from Briards and other European herding breeds, this dog has a distinctive long, wavy coat and a lively, expressive face often called "monkey-like." Their appearance is somewhat tousled but they maintain a surprisingly clean coat with no typical dog odor. This breed is alert and protective, making them excellent watchdogs, but they bond deeply with family and are good with children. Their herding instincts may lead them to try guiding family members, especially kids, so early socialization is key. Though rare outside Portugal, they thrive in active homes that can meet their mental and physical demands.
Grooming
Portuguese Sheepdogs have a long, wavy coat that sheds minimally but mats easily, especially in moist conditions. Brush or comb them 3 to 5 times weekly, focusing on detangling behind the ears and under the armpits where mats form fastest. Regular light trims around the sanitary areas and feet keep them tidy between full grooms. Bathing every 3 to 6 weeks is ideal; dry their coat straight to avoid tangling. A full professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain coat health and manage matting. Their coat colors range from black, brown, fawn, gray, wolfgray, to yellow, often with tan markings, so check for dirt or staining in lighter areas. - Brush thoroughly 3–5× weekly - Detangle ears and armpits carefully - Light sanitary and feet trims as needed - Bathe every 3–6 weeks - Full groom every 4–6 weeks Pro tip: Use a slicker brush combined with a wide-tooth comb to gently work through tangles without damaging the coat.
Learn the Wavy routine:
→ Complete Wavy Grooming Guide
Walking
Portuguese Sheepdogs need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Their natural herding drive means they enjoy varied routes and opportunities to sniff and explore. Walks should include some off-leash time in secure areas to allow them to run and use their agility. A typical routine might be a brisk 40-minute morning walk with some obedience training, followed by a 45-minute evening stroll that includes scent games or fetch. This schedule helps burn off energy and satisfies their mental stimulation needs. Example: Morning walk—40 minutes with leash training and recall practice. Evening walk—45 minutes including off-leash play and scent tracking. Bottom line: Consistent, varied walks split into two sessions keep this breed balanced and happy.
Boarding
When boarding a Portuguese Sheepdog, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. These dogs are playful and alert, so staff should prepare two active play sessions daily combined with scent and brain games to keep them mentally sharp. Introduce new caregivers slowly and predictably to reduce stress, as they can be wary of strangers. A consistent routine helps them settle quickly. Their vocal nature means staff should be ready to manage barking with positive distractions. Enrichment should focus on interactive toys and problem-solving activities that tap into their herding instincts. Regular exercise breaks and socialization with familiar dogs can improve their stay. Bottom line: A well-sized crate plus structured play and mental challenges make boarding easier for this watchful, active breed.