TOP 10 Portuguese Dog Breeds List

10) Estrela Mountain Dog
The first dog breed in this video is one of the oldest breeds in the Iberian Peninsula – The Estrela Mountain dog. It is a very big dog which was bred as livestock and farms guardian. This is a very strong dog who is a formidable opponent to any intruder – person or wild animal, but at the same time it is amazing affectionate, loyal and docile companion.

9) Barbado da Terceira
This dog breed is named and it hails from the island of Terceira, which is part of the Azores. This breed was developed from various dogs brought to Azore islands by colonists in the 15th century and they were developed for herding and guarding work. They are up to 30 kgs heavy and 60 cm tall, which is 66 pounpds and 22 inches.

8) Portuguese Sheepdog
The Portuguese Sheepdog is medium sized breed with wavy hair that often obscures its eyes. Because of the furry face and happy and lively nature they are nicknamed as a monkey dog. They are not only very lively and energetic but also extremely loyal. We are not sure about the breeds certain origin, but they were most like developed from Briards, Pyrenean Shepherds and Catalan Sheepdogs.

7) Rafeiro do Alentejo
Another livestock guardian. This is quite large and strong breed with massive head, dense and straight coat and you can find them in many colors, commonly in grey, black, fawn, yellow. They can also have white markings or they can be brindled.

6) Portuguese Pointer
The first hunter on this list, the Portuguese Pointer is an excellent bird and small game hunter. This breed is totally tireless, very active and energetic with strong work ethic and great loyalty and affection towards it owner.

5) Saint Miguel Cattle Dog

The second breed from Azores, this time from the Sao Miguel Island and another strong dog breed with height up to 60 cm which is 24 inches and weight up to 35kg which is 77 pounds. It is a great hard worker, specialized for working with cattle. Today they are very often kept as companion dogs and they are good for this purpose, due to their gentle temperament.

4) Transmontano Mastiff
And once again, this very big molloser type of a dog used as livestock guardian. This is actually the largest of all Portuguese dogs. They are up to 60 kg heavy and 75 cm tall, which is 132 pounds and 30 inches.

3) Portuguese Podengo
The National breed of Portugal, the Portuguese Podengo is a great hound with amazing sight and scent. You can find them in three sizes, the pequeno, medio and grande. Each variety is used to hunt different game. The small type hunt rabbits, Portuguese Podengo Medio hunt wild boar and the largest Portuguese Pondego Grande hunt deers and wild boar.

2) Castro Laboreiro Dog
This breed is also known as Portuguese Cattle dog or Portuguese Watchdog. Both names are very descriptive, because they were bred to watch over herds of livestock. This is very brave, courageous and strong dog, that is not afraid to stand up against much stronger predators, like wolves.

1) Portuguese Water Dog
The last dog in this video is the Portuguese Water dog, which is BTW the correct answer to our quiz, because they lived in White House during the Obama presidency. They are well known for their thick curly coat. It is another hard working breed and they were most often used to to herd fish into fishermen's nets and retrieve broken nets.