Alentejo Mastiff
Breed Description

The Alentejo Mastiff carries several names that reflect its rich Portuguese heritage and regional origins. Most commonly known as the Rafeiro do Alentejo in its homeland, this magnificent breed has earned various appellations throughout its long history as a livestock guardian and estate protector. The name Rafeiro itself is a Portuguese term that historically referred to a mongrel or common dog, though this designation belies the breed's refined development over centuries of selective breeding for specific guardian traits. The Alentejo portion of the name directly references the vast southern Portuguese region where these dogs developed their distinctive characteristics.

In English-speaking countries, the breed is frequently called the Alentejo Mastiff, a name that emphasizes its impressive size and mastiff-type build while maintaining the geographic connection to its homeland. This designation helps international dog enthusiasts immediately understand the breed's physical category and working heritage. The Portuguese Watchdog represents another common English name, highlighting the breed's primary historical function as a vigilant protector of property and livestock. This name gained traction as the breed became better known outside Portugal and breeders sought terminology that communicated its capabilities to potential owners.

The Rafeiro Alentejano serves as an alternative Portuguese designation that maintains the regional specificity while using a slightly different grammatical construction. Portuguese speakers may use this term interchangeably with Rafeiro do Alentejo, and both versions appear in breed documentation and kennel club records. Historical texts occasionally reference these dogs as Mastins Portugueses or Portuguese Mastiffs, a broader category that encompasses several guardian breeds developed throughout the Iberian Peninsula. This terminology connects the Alentejo Mastiff to its larger family of Mediterranean livestock protectors.

International recognition for the Alentejo Mastiff has grown significantly since the mid-twentieth century when dedicated breeders worked to standardize and preserve the breed. The Clube Português de Canicultura, Portugal's national kennel club, maintains the breed standard and oversees registration within the country. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale granted definitive acceptance in 1954, following the establishment of the first official breed standard in 1953. This international recognition placed the Alentejo Mastiff among the officially acknowledged breeds worldwide and opened doors for breeding programs beyond Portugal's borders.

The United Kennel Club recognized the Alentejo Mastiff in 2006, expanding its visibility in the United States and providing American breeders and owners with official registration options. This recognition came at an important time, as interest in rare and heritage breeds had begun increasing among American dog enthusiasts. The American Kennel Club currently includes the Alentejo Mastiff in its Foundation Stock Service, a program that tracks and documents rare breeds working toward full recognition. This designation allows the breed to participate in certain AKC events while building the population and documentation necessary for eventual full acceptance.

The Alentejo Mastiff benefits from oversight by several kennel clubs and breed organizations that work to preserve its traditional characteristics and ensure breeding practices maintain the health and temperament that made this breed invaluable to Portuguese herders. The Clube Português de Canicultura stands as the primary authority for the breed, maintaining the official standard and overseeing registration within Portugal. This organization has played a crucial role in the breed's preservation, particularly during periods when the Alentejo Mastiff population faced significant decline.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Alentejo Mastiff within Group 2, which encompasses Pinscher and Schnauzer types, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain Dogs, and Cattle Dogs. More specifically, the breed falls under Section 2.2, covering Molossoid breeds of the Mountain type. This classification reflects the breed's physical characteristics and working heritage, placing it alongside other large guardian breeds that share similar origins and purposes. The FCI breed standard, numbered 96, provides detailed specifications for physical appearance, temperament, and movement that breeders reference when evaluating breeding stock and show dogs.

The United Kennel Club positions the Alentejo Mastiff within its Guardian Dog Group, recognizing its primary function as a protector of livestock and property. The UKC breed standard aligns closely with the FCI standard while incorporating language accessible to English-speaking breeders and judges. This organization has been instrumental in promoting the breed in North America, where interest has grown steadily since the early 2000s. UKC recognition allows Alentejo Mastiffs to participate in conformation shows, providing venues for breeders to evaluate their dogs against the standard and connect with others dedicated to the breed.

The American Kennel Club maintains the Alentejo Mastiff within its Foundation Stock Service, a designation for rare breeds building toward full recognition. This status requires careful documentation of breeding records and gradual increase in registered dogs before advancement to miscellaneous class status and eventual full recognition. FSS participation allows the breed to compete in AKC companion events and maintains official records that support future recognition efforts. American breeders have worked diligently to increase the breed's presence while maintaining quality standards.

The Associação dos Criadores do Rafeiro do Alentejo, established in 1994, focuses specifically on the preservation and promotion of the breed within Portugal. This dedicated breed club brings together breeders committed to maintaining traditional type and working ability. The organization hosts events, provides education, and supports breeding programs that prioritize health and temperament. Their work has proven essential in maintaining genetic diversity within the Portuguese population and connecting breeders internationally.

Breed standards across organizations emphasize consistent physical characteristics that define the Alentejo Mastiff. The standard describes a large, rustic dog with a massive, bear-like head and a calm, confident expression. Males should stand between 66 and 74 centimeters at the withers, while females range from 64 to 70 centimeters. Weight standards call for dogs that appear powerful without excessive bulk, typically falling between 35 and 60 kilograms depending on sex. The coat should be medium in length with a dense undercoat, appearing in various colors including black, wolf gray, fawn, and yellow, often with white markings or in a brindle pattern.

The Alentejo Mastiff presents an imposing figure that immediately conveys power, substance, and capability. This giant breed stands among the largest of the Portuguese dog breeds, with males typically reaching 25 to 29 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 77 and 132 pounds. Females present slightly smaller but remain substantial dogs that command attention and respect. The overall impression should be of a rustic, powerful animal built for endurance rather than speed, with the physical attributes necessary for protecting livestock from predators and human threats alike.

The head of the Alentejo Mastiff represents one of its most distinctive features, described in breed standards as massive and bear-like. The skull is broad and rounded, proportional to the substantial body, with a moderately defined stop between the forehead and muzzle. The muzzle itself is strong and slightly shorter than the skull length, ending in a large, dark nose. The expression should appear calm and confident, reflecting the breed's steady temperament. Dark brown eyes contribute to this expression, appearing highly intelligent and watchful without showing aggression in normal circumstances.

The ears of the Alentejo Mastiff are medium-sized and triangular with rounded tips, set at approximately mid-skull height. They fold at the base and hang close to the head, reaching to just past the eye level when measured. This ear carriage provides protection for the ear canal while allowing the dog to detect sounds effectively. The neck is short and muscular with a moderate dewlap, blending smoothly into the powerful shoulders. This construction provides the strength necessary for the breed to physically confront threats when required.

The body of the Alentejo Mastiff demonstrates the breed's working heritage through its robust, well-muscled construction. The trunk is strong and slightly longer than tall, with a deep, broad chest that provides ample lung capacity for sustained activity. The forechest is pronounced, and the ribs are well-sprung without appearing barrel-shaped. The back remains straight and strong, while the loin is short and broad, connecting to a slightly sloping rump. This body construction enables the breed to cover ground efficiently while maintaining the power necessary for its guardian role.

The limbs of the Alentejo Mastiff appear strong and straight when viewed from the front or rear, with substantial bone that supports the breed's considerable weight. The front legs are well-muscled and positioned under the body to support the deep chest. Hindquarters are equally powerful, providing the drive necessary for movement and the stability required for confrontations with predators. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes and thick pads that protect against rough terrain. Nails are typically dark and strong.

The tail is long and thick at the base, reaching to the hocks when the dog stands naturally. In repose, the tail hangs downward with a slight curve at the tip. When alert or in motion, the tail may rise but should not curl over the back. The tail serves as an indicator of the dog's emotional state and contributes to the overall balance of the animal's appearance. A brush of longer hair on the underside of the tail adds to the breed's natural, rustic appearance.

The coat of the Alentejo Mastiff consists of medium-length hair that lies close to the body with a dense undercoat providing insulation against temperature extremes. The coat texture is straight and somewhat coarse, offering protection from the elements without requiring extensive grooming. Hair is slightly longer around the neck, on the hindquarters, and on the underside of the tail. Acceptable colors include black, wolf gray, fawn, and yellow, either solid or with white markings. Brindle patterns are also permitted. A white chest marking is common and acceptable within the standard.

The Alentejo Mastiff traces its origins to the vast plains of southern Portugal's Alentejo region, where it developed over centuries as an indispensable partner to shepherds and farmers. While the exact origins of the breed remain somewhat mysterious, historians and breed experts generally believe these dogs descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs that accompanied migrating peoples across Europe and Asia Minor. The theory most commonly accepted suggests these powerful guardian dogs traveled westward from the Tibetan Plateau through Asia Minor, crossing the Balkans with Roman legions before eventually reaching the Iberian Peninsula.

Throughout this extensive migration spanning thousands of years, the dogs adapted to various regional conditions, developing characteristics suited to their specific environments and the needs of the people who relied upon them. In the Iberian Peninsula, tribes whose livelihoods depended on cattle and sheep husbandry found these large, protective dogs essential for defending their valuable livestock from both predators and human raiders. The Alentejo region, with its vast open plains and extreme temperature variations between seasons, required dogs of particular hardiness and dedication.

The traditional use of the Alentejo Mastiff centered on the biannual transhumance that characterized Portuguese pastoral life for centuries. Shepherds would move their flocks between the lowland Alentejo plains for winter grazing and the mountain pastures of the Douro region during summer months. These journeys covered hundreds of kilometers and exposed flocks to numerous dangers, including wolves, which remained a significant threat throughout Portugal well into the modern era. The Alentejo Mastiff accompanied these journeys, serving as the primary defense against predators and cattle rustlers who might target the valuable animals.

As Portuguese society evolved and permanent settlements became more common, the Alentejo Mastiff transitioned from a transhumance companion to a guardian of fixed properties. Large agricultural estates known as latifundios characterized the Alentejo region, and these properties required vigilant protection. The Alentejo Mastiff proved equally capable in this role, developing a reputation for being particularly alert at night when most threats occurred. Historical accounts describe these dogs patrolling their territories with calm determination, reserving their considerable physical power for situations that truly required it.

The late nineteenth century marked the beginning of formal recognition for the Alentejo Mastiff, as the dogs began to be known specifically by their regional designation. However, it was not until the 1940s and early 1950s that serious efforts began to document and standardize the breed. Two distinguished Portuguese cynologists, António Cabral and Filipe Romeiras, conducted a census of remaining breed specimens at the end of the 1940s. Their work led to the establishment of the first official breed standard in 1953, providing written criteria that would guide breeding decisions and preserve the traditional type.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale granted definitive acceptance to the breed in 1954, marking international recognition that should have secured the breed's future. However, the following decades proved extremely challenging for the Alentejo Mastiff. Portugal underwent significant social and economic changes during the 1960s and 1970s, including the large-scale movement of people from rural areas to urban centers. Traditional pastoral practices declined, and with them, the working population of Alentejo Mastiffs diminished dramatically. By the early 1980s, the breed faced genuine extinction risk, with only a handful of quality specimens remaining.

The dedication of a small group of Portuguese breeders prevented the Alentejo Mastiff from disappearing entirely. These individuals located remaining dogs throughout the Alentejo region and established breeding programs focused on preserving traditional type and temperament. The Associação dos Criadores do Rafeiro do Alentejo, founded in 1994, formalized these preservation efforts and provided a structure for coordinating breeding decisions. Gradually, the population began to recover, though the breed remains relatively rare both in Portugal and internationally.

Modern interest in heritage breeds and livestock guardian dogs has benefited the Alentejo Mastiff significantly. The United Kennel Club extended recognition in 2006, opening the American market to the breed and providing official registration for dogs imported from Portugal. Today, small but dedicated breeding programs exist in several countries, working to increase the population while maintaining the physical and temperamental characteristics that make the Alentejo Mastiff unique. The breed continues to serve in its traditional guardian role on some Portuguese properties while also finding homes as family protectors and companions with experienced owners who appreciate its history and capabilities.

The Alentejo Mastiff possesses a temperament ideally suited to its heritage as a livestock guardian and estate protector, combining calm confidence with unwavering loyalty to those it considers family. This breed does not display the nervous energy or excitability found in some guardian breeds, instead projecting a sense of quiet watchfulness that can shift instantly to decisive action when genuine threats appear. Understanding this temperament is essential for anyone considering adding an Alentejo Mastiff to their family, as these dogs require owners who appreciate their independent nature and respect their guardian instincts.

Independence represents a defining characteristic of the Alentejo Mastiff personality, developed through centuries of working without direct human supervision. Traditional use required these dogs to make decisions about threats and responses without waiting for instruction from distant shepherds. This bred-in independence means the Alentejo Mastiff does not seek constant direction or approval from its owner, instead assessing situations and acting according to its own judgment. While this makes them excellent guardians, it can challenge owners who expect immediate compliance with commands.

The protective instinct of the Alentejo Mastiff runs extraordinarily deep, extending to everything the dog considers part of its responsibility. This includes human family members, other household pets, livestock, and the property itself. The breed approaches this duty with remarkable seriousness, patrolling territories and monitoring for potential threats with sustained attention. This protective nature becomes particularly pronounced after dark, when the breed becomes more vigilant and more suspicious of unfamiliar visitors. Historical accounts describe these dogs as being more active and alert at night, a trait that served them well when predators and thieves were most likely to strike.

With family members, the Alentejo Mastiff demonstrates deep devotion tempered by dignified reserve. These dogs do not typically engage in exuberant displays of affection, preferring to show their attachment through constant presence and watchful attention. They often position themselves where they can observe family activities while maintaining awareness of their surroundings. This calm, steady companionship proves deeply satisfying for owners who do not require demanding attention but appreciate knowing their dog is always present and always watchful.

Children within the family generally receive gentle, patient treatment from properly socialized Alentejo Mastiffs. The breed seems to understand the vulnerability of young family members and adjusts its behavior accordingly. However, supervision remains important due to the breed's substantial size rather than any aggressive tendencies. An enthusiastic Alentejo Mastiff could accidentally knock over a small child simply through its sheer mass. Teaching children appropriate behavior around large dogs helps ensure positive interactions and prevents misunderstandings.

Strangers typically encounter reserved wariness from the Alentejo Mastiff, particularly when they approach the property unannounced. This suspicion is not aggressive in nature but rather cautious, as the dog assesses whether the newcomer represents a threat. Proper introduction by a trusted family member usually results in acceptance, though the Alentejo Mastiff may never display the same warmth toward visitors that it shows family members. This discriminating nature makes the breed excellent at its guardian function while requiring owners to manage introductions carefully.

The Alentejo Mastiff's calm disposition makes it a surprisingly peaceful household companion despite its imposing size. These dogs do not require constant activity or entertainment, instead being content to rest near their family while maintaining awareness of their environment. This low-key approach to daily life means they do not create chaos in the home but rather add a sense of security through their presence. However, this calmness should not be mistaken for laziness, as the breed remains ready to respond to any perceived threat with surprising speed and determination.

Socialization during puppyhood proves critical for developing a well-adjusted Alentejo Mastiff. Early exposure to various people, animals, environments, and situations helps the dog learn to distinguish between genuine threats and normal activities. Without adequate socialization, the breed's natural suspicion can become problematic, leading to inappropriate responses to harmless situations. Dedicated owners who invest time in socialization find themselves rewarded with a confident, discriminating guardian that enhances rather than complicates daily life.

Integrating an Alentejo Mastiff into family life requires understanding the breed's unique needs and adjusting living arrangements to accommodate its substantial size and guardian nature. These dogs can become wonderful family companions when placed in appropriate homes with owners who appreciate their capabilities and respect their heritage. However, they are not suitable for all living situations, and prospective owners should carefully evaluate their circumstances before committing to this impressive breed.

Space requirements for the Alentejo Mastiff exceed those of most breeds due to its considerable size and need for territory to patrol. Apartment living is essentially unsuitable for this breed, which thrives when it has property to oversee and protect. A securely fenced yard provides essential space for daily movement and allows the dog to fulfill its natural desire to monitor its surroundings. The fence should be substantial, as while Alentejo Mastiffs are not typically escape artists, their size means they could overcome inadequate barriers if sufficiently motivated.

Rural and suburban properties with acreage represent ideal environments for the Alentejo Mastiff. The breed genuinely flourishes when it has livestock or other animals to protect, connecting with its ancestral purpose in ways that enhance its wellbeing. Properties with chickens, goats, sheep, or cattle provide the Alentejo Mastiff with meaningful work that satisfies its instincts. Even without livestock, these dogs appreciate having substantial territory to patrol and will naturally establish routines for checking boundaries and monitoring for intrusions.

Family dynamics influence how well an Alentejo Mastiff integrates into household life. The breed generally works best in households with adults who can provide consistent leadership and children old enough to understand appropriate behavior around large dogs. Very young children may find the breed's size intimidating or may inadvertently provoke reactions through rough play. Families with experience handling large, independent breeds typically transition most smoothly to Alentejo Mastiff ownership.

The Alentejo Mastiff's relatively calm indoor demeanor makes it surprisingly manageable as a household companion despite its size. These dogs do not require constant entertainment and are content to rest near family members during quiet times. They typically choose positions that allow them to monitor household activities and be aware of anyone approaching the property. This watchful presence provides a sense of security that many families appreciate, knowing their guardian is always alert to potential concerns.

Interaction with other household pets requires consideration and proper introduction. Alentejo Mastiffs raised with other animals from puppyhood typically coexist peacefully with dogs, cats, and other pets. Their guardian instinct can actually extend to protecting smaller animals they consider part of their family group. However, introducing adult Alentejo Mastiffs to new pets should proceed gradually and under careful supervision until acceptance is clearly established. Same-sex dog aggression can occur, particularly between intact males, so this should factor into household planning.

Visitors to homes with Alentejo Mastiffs require management to ensure positive experiences for all involved. The breed's natural suspicion of strangers means owners should introduce guests properly, ideally meeting outside before entering the property. Once introduced by a trusted family member, most Alentejo Mastiffs accept visitors, though they may maintain watchful distance rather than seeking interaction. Delivery personnel, service workers, and other regular visitors benefit from consistent introduction protocols that help the dog learn to recognize and tolerate their presence.

Travel with an Alentejo Mastiff presents logistical challenges due to the breed's size. Vehicle accommodation requires appropriately sized vehicles with adequate cargo areas or backseat space. Airline travel is essentially impractical for dogs of this size. Owners should plan for pet care during vacations, either through trusted pet sitters who can manage large guardian breeds or boarding facilities equipped to handle giant breeds with protective instincts. Establishing reliable care options before emergencies arise prevents stressful last-minute arrangements.

The financial commitment of Alentejo Mastiff ownership exceeds that of smaller breeds across multiple categories. Food costs are substantially higher due to the volume these dogs consume. Veterinary care, medications, and preventive treatments are often dosed by weight, increasing costs proportionally. Equipment including crates, beds, leashes, and collars must be sized and constructed for giant breeds, which typically commands premium pricing. Prospective owners should honestly assess their ability to sustain these expenses throughout the dog's expected lifespan.

Training an Alentejo Mastiff requires approaches tailored to the breed's independent nature and guardian heritage. These dogs are highly intelligent but were developed to make decisions without human direction, which means they do not share the eager-to-please attitude found in breeds developed for close handler cooperation. Successful training builds on understanding and respect rather than demanding compliance, with owners who appreciate the breed's perspective achieving the best results.

Early training and socialization cannot be overemphasized for Alentejo Mastiff puppies. The window for primary socialization closes relatively early in a dog's development, making the first several months crucial for exposure to varied people, animals, environments, and experiences. Puppies that receive thorough socialization develop into adults capable of distinguishing genuine threats from normal activities. Those deprived of these experiences may react inappropriately to harmless situations, creating management challenges that could have been prevented.

Positive reinforcement methods work most effectively with the Alentejo Mastiff, building cooperation through reward rather than demanding submission through force. These dogs respond well to treats, praise, and other rewards for desired behaviors. They are sensitive to harsh treatment and may become defensive or shutdown when subjected to punishment-based training. The goal should be developing a partnership where the dog chooses to cooperate because doing so brings positive outcomes, not one where it complies from fear.

Consistency in training proves essential for the Alentejo Mastiff, which benefits from clear expectations maintained by all family members. When rules vary between people or situations, the dog becomes confused about what behaviors are actually required. This independent breed will readily take advantage of inconsistency, choosing its own preferred behaviors when guidance is unclear. Families should discuss and agree upon expectations before bringing an Alentejo Mastiff into their home.

Basic obedience training provides foundation skills that improve daily life with an Alentejo Mastiff. Commands such as sit, down, stay, come, and leave it give owners tools for managing their dog in various situations. While the breed may never achieve the instant responsiveness of handler-oriented breeds, reliable responses to fundamental commands make the difference between a manageable giant breed and a liability. Training sessions should be kept relatively short and engaging, as the Alentejo Mastiff loses interest in repetitive drills.

Leash training deserves special attention given the breed's substantial size and strength. An adult Alentejo Mastiff that pulls on leash can easily overpower many handlers, creating dangerous situations. Beginning leash training in puppyhood establishes appropriate behavior before the dog reaches full size. Even well-trained adults may pull toward perceived threats, so handlers should always maintain awareness and use appropriate equipment including sturdy leashes and well-fitted collars or harnesses.

Exercise requirements for the Alentejo Mastiff are moderate compared to high-energy breeds but remain important for maintaining physical and mental health. One to two hours of daily activity typically suffices, including walks, yard time, and opportunities to patrol territory. The breed does not require or particularly enjoy intense exercise such as extended running or highly active games. Their guardian heritage predisposed them to conserve energy for when it truly matters, meaning they prefer steady activity over exhausting exertion.

Mental stimulation benefits the Alentejo Mastiff as much as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, scent games, and opportunities to use their intelligence keep these dogs engaged and prevent boredom. The breed's guardian instincts can be channeled constructively through training exercises that simulate their protective role. Property patrol satisfies both physical and mental needs, giving the dog meaningful activity that connects with its fundamental nature.

Professional training assistance may benefit first-time Alentejo Mastiff owners or those struggling with specific behavioral challenges. Trainers experienced with guardian breeds understand the unique approaches these dogs require and can provide valuable guidance. Group classes offer additional socialization opportunities, though owners should choose classes appropriate for large, independent breeds rather than those oriented toward small companion dogs.

The Alentejo Mastiff generally enjoys robust health befitting its heritage as a working breed developed through natural selection in demanding conditions. The breed's rustic origins and continued use in working roles have helped maintain genetic health that sometimes suffers in breeds developed primarily for appearance. However, like all giant breeds, the Alentejo Mastiff faces certain health predispositions that responsible owners should understand and monitor. With appropriate care and attention to breed-specific concerns, these dogs typically enjoy lifespans of 12 to 14 years, which is quite respectable for their size.

Parasite prevention administered consistently protects against heartworm, intestinal parasites, and external parasites that can cause illness. Health screening including hip, elbow, and cardiac evaluations helps identify issues before they become severe.

Grooming requirements for the Alentejo Mastiff remain manageable despite the breed's substantial size, thanks to its medium-length coat that maintains itself reasonably well between sessions. The double coat consists of a somewhat coarse outer layer with a dense undercoat that provides insulation against temperature extremes. This coat type served the breed well in the Alentejo region's climate, where hot summers and cold winters demanded protection from the elements without requiring extensive care from busy shepherds.

Regular brushing keeps the Alentejo Mastiff's coat healthy and reduces loose hair around the home. Weekly brushing sessions typically suffice during normal periods, using a slicker brush or undercoat rake to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. These sessions also provide opportunities to check for skin issues, parasites, or injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed beneath the dense coat. Most Alentejo Mastiffs accept grooming readily when introduced to the process during puppyhood.

Seasonal shedding increases grooming requirements significantly twice annually when the Alentejo Mastiff blows its undercoat. During these periods, daily brushing helps manage the substantial volume of loose hair that would otherwise cover furniture, clothing, and floors throughout the home. An undercoat rake proves particularly useful during heavy shedding, reaching through the outer coat to remove loose undercoat effectively. Some owners find outdoor grooming sessions preferable during shedding seasons to keep loose hair out of the home.

Bathing needs remain minimal for the Alentejo Mastiff, which maintains a relatively clean coat through its natural properties. Bathing every few months or when the dog becomes noticeably dirty typically suffices. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from the coat, potentially causing skin dryness and irritation. When bathing is necessary, thorough rinsing removes all shampoo residue, which can cause itching if left in the coat. The dense undercoat requires considerable drying time, and owners should ensure the dog is completely dry to prevent skin issues.

Nail care requires regular attention to prevent overgrowth that can cause discomfort and affect gait. Monthly nail trimming typically maintains appropriate length, though frequency varies based on the surfaces where the dog walks regularly. Hard surfaces naturally wear nails down, while dogs that spend most of their time on soft ground may need more frequent trimming. Introducing nail trimming during puppyhood helps ensure adult dogs accept the process without resistance.

Ear care prevents infections that can develop in the Alentejo Mastiff's folded ears, where warmth and moisture create favorable conditions for bacteria and yeast. Weekly ear checks allow early detection of problems, with cleaning as needed when debris or excess wax accumulates. Signs of ear infection including odor, discharge, redness, or scratching warrant veterinary attention. Proper ear care becomes especially important for dogs that swim or are exposed to water frequently.

Dental care protects the Alentejo Mastiff from periodontal disease, which can affect overall health beyond the mouth. Daily tooth brushing represents the gold standard for dental care, though many owners find weekly brushing more practical to maintain. Dental chews and toys designed for large breeds provide supplemental cleaning between brushings. Professional dental cleanings may be recommended periodically based on the individual dog's dental health status.

Regular health checks during grooming sessions help identify potential issues early. Running hands over the entire body during brushing reveals lumps, bumps, or sensitive areas that might indicate problems. Checking between toes for foreign objects, examining the skin for parasites or irritation, and noting any changes in coat condition all contribute to maintaining the Alentejo Mastiff's health. These observations should be shared with veterinarians during regular checkups to ensure complete health monitoring.