Castro Laboreiro dog

Castro Laboreiro dog

Last updated: Sep 04 2023

Castro Laboreiro dog is also known as cão de Castro Laboreiro and Portuguese cattle dog. This dog originates from and northern mountains of Portugal. Used mostly for guarding purposes, the Castro Laboreiro dog is an intelligent, dominant, and fearless dog.

Very loyal to his owner, Castro Laboreiro dog can also be aggressive toward strangers, and because of that, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. Socialization is a must with these dogs if you want to have a good well-behaved dog.

Photo by: Nuno Pereira

Castro Laboreiro dog

Height:

21-25 in (55-64 cm)

Castro Laboreiro dog

Weight:

55-88 lb (25-40 kg)

Castro Laboreiro dog

Origin:

Portugal

Castro Laboreiro dog

Life Expectancy:

11-14 years

Dog Breed Characteristics

Energy Level
Grooming Needs
Exercise Needs
Trainability
Intelligence
Kid Friendly
Dog Friendly
General Health

Grooming

Castro Laboreiro dog has a smooth, flat, and thick coat. Regular brushing is required to keep these dogs looking good. Castro Laboreiro dogs shed and especially during shedding seasons when daily brushing is recommended if you want to keep the amount of hair under control.

The most common color is a “mountain color” – brindle coat with different shades of grey and black brindling.

The rest is basic care. Like any other dog, the Castro Laboreiro dog requires regular teeth cleaning and bathing. Weekly check their ears for any sign of infection or bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Their nails need to be trimmed if you hear them clicking on the floor.

Exercise

Castro Laboreiro dog has a lot of energy, and you will have to provide these dogs with many daily activities. They were bred to work all day, so be prepared to spend a lot of your free time outside with your dog.

These dogs will enjoy many fun activities, including hiking, obedience, chasing the ball, etc. If their needs are met, you can be sure that you will end up with the best possible dog in the house.

Socialization

Castro Laboreiro's dog also requires proper socialization, like any other dog breed. The best way is to start with the socialization process as soon as you bring your Castro Laboreiro dog home.

The most important thing is to allow your dog to explore all different sights, sounds, people, and other animals so he could learn how to properly react in many different situations he may find himself in. With proper socialization, your dog will be well-behaved, and you don’t have to worry that he will develop behavior problems.

Castro Laboreiro dog and kids

Castro Laboreiro dog is not a great choice if you have small kids in your household. They are best suited for older kids who can properly play and interact with the dog. If they are properly introduced from an early age your dog and kids will get along, and the kids will have an excellent playing partner.

However, you should never leave Castro Laboreiro dogs alone while they are playing with kids so you can be sure that any unwanted behavior wouldn’t emerge.

Castro Laboreiro dog and other animals

Castro Laboreiro dogs are not the best choice if you have other dogs in the house. Although with the right socialization, they can learn to get along, they are best suited to be the only dog in the house.

Health

Castro Laboreiro dog is a healthy dog breed with a life expectancy of 11-14 years. To be sure that you will end up with the best possible dog regarding health, always buy him from a responsible and official dog breeder.

Because they regularly test their breeding dogs, you can be sure that their puppies won’t have any inherited diseases.  Always ask to see the results of tests from the puppy’s parents.

Castro Laboreiro dog breeders

Castro Laboreiro dog is not a very popular dog across the world, so you must be patient if you want to get this dog. When trying to find Castro Laboreiro dog breeders take your time and explore all your options.

We advise you only to search and contact official and responsible dog breeders because if you do so, you can be sure that your future puppy will have the best possible start in life  - good and responsible breeders take good care of their dogs and provide them with everything they need.

If you decide that this is the right dog for you, you must be prepared to start with the socialization process as soon as your puppy comes home. You must be firm and consistent if you want to have a well-behaved dog.

World Dog Finder team

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Updated at04.09.2023.

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