Barbado da Terceira Dog: Characteristics, Origin, Temperament & Lifespan

The Barbado da Terceira dog is a Portuguese breed of herding and guard dog. It is from the Atlantic island of Terceira in the Azores, for which the breed is named. And the breed is also known as Terceira Cattle Dog.

The breed derives from the various dogs brought to the Azores by colonists and visitors since settlement of the islands began in the 15th century, particularly from those with an aptitude for cattle herding. The Barbado da Terceira dog was used both as a herding and as a guard dog.

The breed was recognized by the Direcção-Geral de Veterinária of Portugal in 2004, based on the results of a collaboration between the Clube Português de Canicultura, the Direcção Regional de Agricultura of Terceira and the University of the Azores.[1]

A census in 2005 found 222 of the dogs. The Barbado da Terceira dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Barbado da Terceira Dog Characteristics

The Barbado da Terceira dogs are very beautiful and medium-sized dog with a voluminous and robust look. They have strong head with parallel axes. Their muzzle is relatively short and wide, with abundant beards which name the breed.

Nose of the Barbado da Terceira dogs is wide and cube-shaped, framing the face with a characteristic look. Their eyes are very expressive, showing intelligence and naughtiness. The color of the eyes varies between honey and dark brown, but they should not be totally or partially blue.

Their ears are of medium-size, hanging and set high. The neck is short and well muscled. The body, bulky and with a deep chest, is just slightly longer than the height at the withers. The tail has a medium to low setting.

The coat of the Barbado da Terceira dogs is wavy, neither curly nor smooth. And their common colors are black, grey, fawn and yellow.

Average body height of the mature dog is between 20 and 23 inches at the withers for the males, and between 19 and 21 inches for the females. Average live body weight of the mature males is between 25 and 30 kg, and between 21 and 26 kg for females.

Temperament

The Barbado da Terceira is a strong willed and assertive dog. Therefore, these dogs need an owner that knows how to handle dogs and implement the rules of healthy companionship, preferably someone with previous experience with dogs.

It is very easy to educate a Barbado da Terceira dog. As it’s greatest joy is to please it’s owner, if the dog feels it’s master is pleased with it’s attitude, it will try to uphot it. It is thus a very pleasuring companion.

Lifespan

Average lifespan of the Barbado da Terceira dog is around 12 years (or even more if cared properly).

Feeding

How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.

The Barbado da Terceira dogs are medium sized dogs. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with average to high energy and exercise needs. You can consult with your vet for better recommendations.

Caring

Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Barbado da Terceira dogs. Like many other dog breeds, these dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise to stay fit and stay in shape. They need to be taken on a daily, long brisk walk, if they are not actively working as flock guardians.

Health

The Barbado da Terceira dogs are generally healthy. And very little health problems are known about this breed. Although, you should always keep good contact with a vet in your area.