Castro Laboreiro Dog adult in black and white

Castro Laboreiro Dog

Castro Laboreiro Dogs have a very distinctive bark: highly resonant, generally starting with low tones and ending in a long high pitch, rather like screeching.

About the Castro Laboreiro Dog

Castro Laboreiro Dogs are mastiff–type lupoid dogs characterised by an almost rectangular body. They are vigorous animals of pleasant overall appearance, sometimes with a rather striking colour. Their gait is free, easy and energetic.

Loyal and docile with people they know, Castro Laboreiro Dogs do a great job protecting livestock from attacks by the many wolves that still prowl the mountains of northern Portugal. They are simply awesome watchdogs, seeming never to switch off even for a moment. These dogs carry themselves nobly but they are hardy mountaineers and that severe expression they wear is fearsome.

Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Breed specifics

Country
Portugal
Group
FCI Group 2
Size category
Large
Avg life expectancy
11–13 years

Confident / Calm / Gentle / Resilient / Intelligent / Loyal

Key facts

  • Makes a great watchdog
  • Requires minimal grooming
  • Obedience training is essential

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