The Barbado da Terceira dog breed was developed on the Portuguese island of Terceira to work herding cattle and guarding livestock. Today this medium-sized breed is known for being loyal and smart.
Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues. Remember, if possible, to adopt! Don’t shop if this is the breed for you.
Barbado da Terceira dogs were originally bred for the purpose of working as livestock guardians and cattle herders on the island of Terceira, which is part of the Azores Islands in the Atlantic. These dogs have gained a strong reputation for being exceptionally loyal, as well as relatively easy to train; although, novice dog parents may struggle with this breed. They are also very people-focused companions to the point where they don’t do well if left alone for long periods of the day. Befitting the breed’s working dog roots, they will need ample space to roam around. They also require a good amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation. This is a dog who doesn’t suit a small apartment setting and thrives on lots of company.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Working DogsHeight:19 to 22 inchesWeight:46 to 60 poundsLife Span:12 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Barbado da Terceira comes with a coat that’s usually some mix of black, fawn, yellow, and grey. It is often described as slightly wavy.
- The breed is considered medium maintenance; brushing the coat a couple of times a week should suffice.
- The Barbado da Terceira is considered to be a good choice of dog for a household that includes children. This is a dog who will thrive in a busy and active family setting.
- The Barbado da Terceira has picked up a reputation for sometimes acting in a bullying manner towards other dogs, so this might not be the best choice if your household already includes a resident canine.
- You’ll need to make sure that you can provide the dog with sufficient space to live and play in. This is a dog who will benefit greatly from a safe outdoor area to roam around in.
History
The roots of the Barbado da Terceira go back to the 1500s when the breed was brought by settlers to the island of Terceira in the Atlantic. Originally, the Barbado da Terceira was tasked with being a working dog in charge of guarding livestock and herding cattle.
Later on, towards the tail end of the 20th century, the breed was brought to Portugal, where the dogs gained popularity as faithful family pets. While the Barbado da Terceira is a super smart dog who takes well to training and learns quickly, it is also a breed that requires strong leadership from the humans in their life.
These days, the American Kennel Club officially recognizes the Barbado da Terceira as part of its Foundation Stock Service class.
Size
Most Barbado da Terceiras stand 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 46 to 60 pounds.
Female Barbado da Terceiras are often a slight bit smaller than males.
Personality
If you’ve been considering adopting a Barbado da Terceira, you might be wondering exactly what sort of dog you’ll be adding to your family. Well, when it comes to the breed’s temperament, it is often remarked at just how loyal and smart the dog is.
The Barbado da Terceira will form exceptionally strong and loving bonds with the humans it is closest to, but in return, the dog will also require a large amount of attention and companionship. This is a dog who will thrive in a busy and active family setting.
While the Barbado da Terceira is a quick learner, remember that this is also a dog with working roots that will need to be shown strong and assertive leadership by the humans in their life.
Adopting a Barbado da Terceira involves a significant commitment to training and caring for the dog, but a successfully socialized Barbado da Terceira can become a wonderful part of your family unit.
Health
Barbado da Terceiras are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions.
The only notable health issue Barbado da Terceiras tend to suffer from is hip dysplasia. Not all Barbado da Terceiras will get this condition, but it’s important to be aware of it if you’re considering this breed.
Care
If you adopt a Barbado da Terceira, you’ll need to make sure that you can provide the dog with sufficient space to live and play in. This is a dog who will benefit greatly from a safe outdoor area to roam around in.
Being that the Barbado da Terceira is such a smart dog, you’ll also want to add smart and interactive toys to daily play and exercise sessions, along with committing to a regular training regimen. Challenging the Barbado da Terceira mentally will ensure that the dog does not become bored or frustrated and develop destructive behaviors.
Other needs for the Barbado da Terceira include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Barbado da Terceira’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the accompanying bacteria. Daily is better.
Check your Barbado da Terceira’s nails once a month and see if they need to be trimmed. Although, if a Barbado da Terceira is given sufficient outdoors time, there’s a strong likelihood that their nails will stay in great condition naturally.
Also, make sure to check the dog’s ears for signs of debris or dirt that might have accumulated there.
Feeding
An ideal Barbado da Terceira diet should be formulated for a medium breed with high energy levels.
The Barbado da Terceira has a tendency to gain weight if the dog is not given a high level of daily exercise. Keep your Barbado da Terceira in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.
As with all dogs, the Barbado da Terceira’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Barbado da Terceira’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs — including weight, energy, and health — to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Barbado da Terceira comes with a coat that’s usually some mix of black, fawn, yellow, and grey.
The Barbado da Terceira’s coat is often described as slightly wavy. The breed is considered medium maintenance; brushing the coat a couple of times a week should suffice.
The Barbado da Terceira can adapt to a range of climates and conditions. During the warmer summer months, make sure that your dog has access to enough fresh water to stay cool and hydrated.
Children And Other Pets
The Barbado da Terceira is considered to be a good choice of dog for a household that includes children. Make sure that early socialization takes place and that boundaries are properly set on both sides. Always supervise play sessions that involve very young children, especially with such an active and strong-willed dog.
The Barbado da Terceira has picked up a reputation for sometimes acting in a bullying manner towards other dogs, so this might not be the best choice if your household already includes a resident canine.
Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Always make sure to reward your Barbado da Terceira for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen.
Rescue Groups
Rescues specifically for Barbado da Terceira dogs might be hard to come by, as this is an uncommon breed. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:
- Wright-Way Rescue
- Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
