About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 71.0-84.0 cm

Height range  : 48.0-56.0cm

Weight range : 20.0-27.0kg

Coat : long|wavy to curly|dense or heavy|double-layered|facial beard , mustache , eyebrows

Life expectancy years : 12-14

Colors: black|yellow|fawn|gray|grey|white patches.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Portugal|Azores|Terceira Island

Similar Breeds : Border Collie|Belgian Malinois|Australian Shepherd|Shetland Sheepdog

 

History

The breed developed on Terceira Island in the Azores where it herded cattle and guarded livestock. Sources place its roots in the 1500s and note later recognition in Portugal in 2004 and entry into the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the breed gained visibility outside Portugal.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

intelligent|loyal|protective|docile|willful|joyful|sensitive|affectionate

Personality

loyal|intelligent|joyful|docile yet willful|sensitive|affectionate|protective|people-focused

Needs

regular exercise|mental stimulation|space to roam|companionship|routine ear , dental , nail care|consistent grooming

Social Needs

strongly bonded to family|does not do well left alone for long periods|generally good with children when socialized|may herd family members or act pushy with other dogs without guidance

Grooming 

brush once or twice weekly|occasional baths with mild shampoo|regular dental care|regular nail trimming|routine ear checks and cleaning|coat needs moderate maintenance

Nutrition

balanced diet matched to age , size and activity|measured meals are preferred to avoid weight gain|adult dogs may do well with 2 to 3 meals daily in some guidance|avoid obesity and adjust intake to activity level

 

Breed Standard

medium-sized robust Portuguese herder and guardian|voluminous rustic appearance|long wavy or heavy coat|facial beard and eyebrows|floppy ears|adapted for herding and guarding cattle

Did you know?

The Barbado da Terceira comes from Terceira in the Azores and remained little known outside Portugal for many years. It is in the AKC Foundation Stock Service and is noted for its beard-like facial furnishings.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Atopic Dermatitis, Immune-mediated Diseases

 

Symptoms

1. lameness or limping may occur
2. reluctance to rise , jump or climb may appear
3. rear limb muscle loss and hip pain may develop

1. weight gain without increased appetite may occur
2. lethargy and reduced desire to exercise may appear
3. dry dull coat , hair thinning , skin or ear infections may develop

1. anxious appearance , looking at abdomen may occur
2. drooling , retching without producing anything , abdominal distension may appear
3. weakness or collapse may develop

1. pruritus , face rubbing , foot licking may occur
2. alopecia , erythema , scaling , crusting or ear problems may develop
3. secondary pyoderma , seborrhea or otitis externa may occur

1. signs may vary and can include weakness , lethargy , fever , pallor , bruising or shifting lameness depending on the disorder

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may begin as the dog grows and may appear in younger dogs before arthritis or later as arthritis develops

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate because breed sources identify hip dysplasia as a known concern and ACVS indicates hereditary risk and growth factors may contribute

Hypothyroidism

1. usually affects middle-aged dogs and average onset may be around 6 to 7 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate because VCA indicates it is one of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs and may affect many breeds

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. acute onset may occur suddenly and risk may increase in older dogs

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate because risk may be higher in deep-chested , older , large dogs and those fed a single large meal daily

Atopic Dermatitis

1. typical onset may be between 6 months and 3 years and signs may begin mildly before becoming more apparent

Probability Of Onset:

1. it is one of the most common skin diseases of dogs worldwide and may be heritable

Immune-mediated Diseases

1. onset may vary by disorder and treatment may become prolonged once disease is recognized

Probability Of Onset:

1. probability may vary by specific disease and relapse may occur if therapy is tapered too rapidly

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. this is not described as a chemical deficiency and instead joint laxity may lead to cartilage wear and loss of support

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

1. this is not a chemical deficiency and is described as a rapidly progressive mechanical , circulatory emergency

 

Hip Dysplasia       

 1. this is not described as a chemical deficiency and instead joint laxity may lead to cartilage wear and loss of support

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

1. this is not a chemical deficiency and is described as a rapidly progressive mechanical , circulatory emergency

 

Hypothyroidism

 1. the body may lack adequate thyroid hormone levels and common causes may include lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy

Atopic Dermatitis

1. the text indicates epidermal barrier components may be impaired and cutaneous lipid barrier support may be reduced

Immune-mediated Diseases

  1. 1. these disorders are not described as simple deficiencies because immune dysregulation may drive tissue damage

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require palpation and specially positioned hip x-rays under light sedation
    2. treatment may include weight control , limited exercise , physical therapy , NSAIDs and in selected cases surgery such as JPS , DPO-TPO , THR or FHO

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve TT4 and confirmatory free T4 by ED or a thyroid panel
    2. lifelong oral levothyroxine may be used with periodic monitoring

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. 1. immediate veterinary evaluation is required
    2. stabilization may include intravenous fluids , oxygen and gastric decompression
    3. surgery with de-rotation and gastropexy may be required and early treatment may improve outcome

 

Atopic Dermatitis:

  1. 1. management may include ruling out other pruritic causes , controlling secondary infections , topical care , allergen-specific immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory treatment
    2. depot corticosteroids is not recommended

 

Immune-mediated Diseases:

  1. 1. initial treatment may use immunosuppressive prednisolone and other agents such as azathioprine , cyclosporine , leflunomide or mycophenolate might be considered depending on the disorder
    2. tapering too rapidly is not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. glucosamine can,might be helpful according to the external text
    2. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful according to the external text
    3. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint inflammation and ACVS notes fish oil omega-3s are often recommended
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. no supplement is established as a cure and thyroid hormone replacement may be more helpful
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. no supplement may prevent GDV according to the external text
recommend product

Atopic Dermatitis

  • 1. long-chain omega essential fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing inflammation and improving skin barrier support
    2. zinc can,might be helpful for epidermal barrier support
    3. nicotinamide can,might be helpful for epidermal lipid barrier support
recommend product

Immune-mediated Diseases

  • 1. no universal supplement is established in the provided immune-mediated treatment text and therapy may depend on the specific disease
recommend product