Overview
The Portuguese Sheepdog, or Cão da Serra de Aires, is a medium herding dog from the plains of southern Portugal. Its long, goat-like coat, bearded face and expressive eyebrows earned it the nickname cão macaco, the monkey dog. It herded sheep, goats, cattle and even pigs and was expected to work alone for long periods.
Serras are lively, intelligent and devoted to their own people, with a streak of independence that comes from working without constant direction. They are watchful with strangers and take a while to accept a new handler, but once they do they are keen and quick to learn.
Exercise and walking needs
Around ninety minutes a day, with something in it that resembles work. Herding breeds need to use their minds, and a Serra that only walks on a lead will find its own entertainment, usually at the owner's expense.
Training games, scent work and off-lead time in a safe space all count. They are excellent at agility and enjoy learning.
On the walk
- Recall: Good once the dog trusts you and usually stays within sight. Herding breeds like to keep the group together, which works in your favour.
- Herding: Watch for circling and nipping at the heels of running dogs, children or cyclists. Keep the lead on where that could cause trouble.
- Other dogs: Fine with familiar dogs, sometimes controlling with strangers. Introduce on lead and watch for the herding stare.
- Coat: Long, coarse and tangle prone. It collects burrs and mud; allow towelling time and keep out of brambles.
- Strangers: Reserved and sometimes barky. Not a greeter. Let people admire from a distance.
Tips for professional walkers
- Spend the first visit building trust with food and quiet handling before you expect much.
- Give the dog a task on the walk: a find-it game, a long heel pattern, or a carry.
- Check the ears and eyes for grass seeds after long grass; the hair traps them.
- Keep the group small on mixed walks and avoid pairing with dogs that run constantly.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog try to herd runners, bikes or children, and what works to interrupt it?
- How long did it take to accept new people, and what helps?
- How is the coat maintained between grooms, and should you leave tangles alone?