The Tornjak has a fearless nature, a clever mind and a pleasant disposition. He is generally a calm dog when in the home – not one to bounce around foolishly all day. His steady activity level matches that of his generally stable attitude. He is loyal and affectionate with his owners and those whom he loves, including children. However if problems arise and a stranger (human or animal) threatens his home and/or property he won’t hesitate to defend it. Originally bred to guard livestock, he takes his job as a guardian very seriously which means it also takes him a while to warm up to strangers.

Tornjaks are obedient when trained, and training is a necessity because of their large size and powerful frame. Intelligent, they enjoy working with their owners and having a job to do. This breed often takes to obedience training quickly and happily, and many Tornjaks boast a great memory. Some can become willful or even pushy with owners that don’t enforce limits, so make sure to stay fair… but firm when needed.

Tornjaks are incredibly healthy dogs for their size, living 12-14 years on average. They developed in harsh climates and conditions which meant that only the fittest survived. Today they are easier keepers than other breeds of dog and tend to thrive easily. They can live outdoors in even cold and snowy weather thanks to their thick coats, and don’t tend to require as much food as one might otherwise assume for such a large dog.

The Tornjak is either indifferent to strange dogs (if meeting in a neutral territory) or potentially territorial and defensive (if they come onto his property). He isn’t known for being randomly dog-aggressive without reason, however, as long as he was properly raised and socialized. When raised with other dogs in the same household, he is often very social and friendly with his housemates, and doesn’t tend to get into fights or quarrels.

Tornjaks require only minimal exercise, particularly when they are still growing. At all ages they prefer off-leash running and play rather than leashed exercise but should always learn how to walk on a leash for the sake of manners, safety and laws. Although they are a low-energy breed, they don’t tend to thrive in apartment settings as they do best with lots of outdoor time where they can stretch their legs in a cool climate.

The medium-length, yet thick coat of the Tornjak needs to be brushed weekly (at minimum) to keep him looking and feeling his best. The coat can be prone to mats and tangles if not kept up with regularly. Furthermore during shedding seasons the Tornjak will require even more brushing – up to once per day! Doing so will speed the process along and keep the house cleaner as well. Giving the dog a bath when he’s shedding will also serve to loosen the hair and help with upkeep. Depending upon the desires of the owner, he only needs to be bathed a few times a year but can be given baths more frequently if desired. He doesn’t normally have a strong doggy odor. One more note about cleanliness – the breed can be prone to drooling.

Tornjaks tend to develop very deep bonds with their owners, so much so that they can be difficult to re-home if the situation calls for it. They seek to be near those they love at all times, often moving from room to room in order to stay with “their people”. Although there are some that are kept as outside-only dogs, they were often raised this way from puppyhood. Those who are raised primarily indoors for several years will have a very hard time transitioning to outside-only life later on. Unless the dog is being used for the purpose of guarding flocks of animals, it is discouraged to keep them as outdoor-only pets.

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The independent-minded Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog worked as a Livestock Guardian in the Carpathian mountains, and did this job without help from his owners. Today, he is just as faithful and reliable towards both his flock and owner. This giant-sized, confident breed served as an intimidating deterrent to predators and strangers alike – with a strong temperament to match his imposing size. He was, and still is, more than willing to back up his bark with a bite! This is not a breed for the novice dog owner.

With his own family, the Romanian Mioritic is affectionate and friendly. He tends to bond very strongly with the “family pack”, which also includes pets, livestock and children. Cats, other dogs, and even smaller animals will be included as long as he grows up with them from puppyhood. With strangers, he is extremely mistrustful and territorial. In the family, the Mioritic considers it his job to watch over and protect “his pack”. Many will choose a preferred spot in the home to lay down while they keep watch – spending most of their time in that one special place. Some will choose a particular person whom they give extra time to, and will follow that person from room to room. Despite being good with kids, he is not big into playing and prefers… again, to simply observe and keep watch over.

When it comes to training, the Mioritic Shepherd tends toward stubbornness. This isn’t surprising when one remembers that he was originally bred to make decisions on his own and work independently. He can also exhibit a sensitivity to harsh handling, so corrections should always be fair. As this breed can exhibit excessive dominance when given too much freedom, obedience training is required. An owner of this powerful guardian breed must also be ready to put a stop to any excessive protective behaviors he might try (excessive being the key word here – protection is in this breed’s blood and cannot be extinguished). A dog that understands obedience commands will be much easier to communicate with and handle.

The coat of the Mioritic is long and does require regular grooming. This said, the harsh texture and general properties of the coat itself means that it is still lower maintenance than other long haired breeds. As this is a giant breed with a love of romping outdoors, it is mostly dependent on the owner’s desired level of cleanliness as to how much grooming needs to be involved. As a dog that originally lived almost exclusively outdoors, the coat is somewhat dirt resistant which means that the majority of dirt will dry and fall off in a few hours – but whether it falls off to the extent that an owner would be happy with is another story! It is recommended that the dog is brushed at least once a week (all the way to the skin), at which time the owner can also clean teeth, ears and eyes. Baths can be given as much, or as little, as desired.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherds have an active nature when younger and do require daily exercise. Long hikes or walks are always appreciated. When they mature, they don’t require as much exercise although should still be given a daily walk. Unlike some breeds that also require a regular mental job in addition to exercise, the Mioritic already chooses his occupation – guarding his family – so he doesn’t necessarily need anything extra. This said, he enjoys participating in activities with his people so any extra games or sports will be icing on the cake for a fulfilling life!

Although the majority of Mioritic Shepherd Dogs usually live healthy lives during their average 12-14 years, all purebred and mixed breeds are susceptible to health issues. Hip dysplasia and bloat are the most common health maladies seen in this breed. Dogs that aren’t brushed to the skin when being groomed can form mats which then makes them prone to skin irritations. Furthermore dogs that live outside frequently are more prone to parasites without the proper treatment. Regular grooming, health care and general maintenance will play a big part in keeping the Mioritic healthy and happy!

Photo By Summer06

The Estrela Mountain Dog is brainy, valiant and vigilant. This imposing-looking molosser breed is a gentle giant with the family (including children), but will stop at nothing to protect his charges. Originally used as a Livestock Guardian Dog, although he still can be used for this purpose today, in leu of a flock he will use his protection abilities for the humans he loves instead. This breed tends toward being dominant and needs the right owner in addition to early training and socialization so as to not become too much to handle. Even well-raised Estrelas are often domineering as well as suspicious of strangers. This said, the breed is extremely loyal, loving and affectionate to those whom he lives with, and will form a particularly close bond with his favorite member of the family.

Estrela Mountain Dogs enjoy spending time with their owners but are not generally demanding dogs. This is not to say that they aren’t without their drawbacks, however. Estrelas, as the alert guardians that they are, have no qualms about using their voices often and freely. This is not a quiet breed, particularly if one lives in an area where there are many sights and sounds to bark at! The breed also requires a very high fence. Once they get out, they will often try to escape repeatedly (having gotten a taste of freedom). It’s best to keep them in the yard from the beginning so as to not start this “game”.

The Estrela can be either longhaired or shorthaired and both coat lengths should be brushed once a week at minimum. With the correct coarse coat texture, they are not particularly difficult to brush or to groom. Like all dogs, nails, teeth and ears must be checked regularly and taken care of. The coat will require baths when it gets dirty – and the bath will help pull out any dead undercoat at the same time.

EMDs can be playful when engaged in exciting endeavors, particularly when they are young. As they grow older they will calm down and be fairly easy to live with. Despite their serene and laid-back energy level, they don’t make good apartment dogs and instead require room to really stretch their legs. Remember – this breed was tasked with safeguarding flocks on huge tracts of land! They evolved to have plenty of endurance and stamina to do this job, and if they are crammed into too small of a living space with nothing to do, can become frustrated and destructive. All this said, they can live in smaller spaces if the owner is willing to walk the dog much more frequently and dedicate plenty of time to giving the dog an enriching life.

The Estrela doesn’t tend to be an expensive breed to care for compared to some breeds, as they eat relatively little for their size and tend to do better on low protein foods. The breed is also fairly healthy (there aren’t any health issues that arise frequently – hip dysplasia is seen occasionally but is not common) and they often live an average of 12 years. Although this large-giant breed may look enormous (and their thick coat makes them appear even larger) they are actually quite agile and hardy. Another plus – unlike similar breeds, the Estrela isn’t prone to excessive drooling.

When it comes to training, The EMD has an independent nature and will take more effort than other breeds. Without the right motivation he prefers exploring and guarding more than performing. The amount of time an owner puts into training (as well as the skill of the owner) equals the performance of the dog. Be prepared to have a sense of humor if venturing into competitive obedience! The breed has a stubborn nature although is actually quite intelligent. It is said that they are so intelligent that they try and convince their owners that they are stupid! Quite a clever ruse for getting out of work….

Estrella Mountain Dogs tend to do well around other dogs as long as they were socialized well. Many prefer to be the only-dogs in the family but will get along with other dog housemates – again, if socialized. They also don’t tend to chase or hurt other animals, with the exception of any animal whom they might see as a threat to their “pack” (humans and family pets). They have a fairly low prey drive so they are often trustworthy with cats.

Photo By Traceywashere at the English Wikipedia

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is brave and fearless when faced with an adversary  – either human or animal – and is one of the most serious guarding breeds in existence. With his family however, he is gentle and loyal, even with children (although he may see kids as things to protect rather than take orders from). He will even protect other pets in the household if he feels they’re in danger (livestock guarding was one of the many duties assigned to this breed). This giant molosser is still rare in the United States.

The coat of the Caucasian is very dense and somewhat long, and it does shed quite a lot! These coats need substantial grooming – and brushing may need to be done daily. Coming from the Russian region, these dogs take better to the cold than the heat. Dogs living in hot temperatures will definitely need frequent brushing to get as much loose undercoat out as possible! Nail care, regular tooth care and ear cleaning should be another part of the grooming routine. Finally, the breed does drool so strategically-placed towels around the house wouldn’t be a horrible idea.

The Caucasian Shepherd benefits from regular exercise which can include daily walks. Doing so will help keep him from getting overweight and putting too much pressure on his joints. Although roaming around a large yard is preferable to not having access to a yard at all, it is in itself not enough. The breed does have a lot of endurance despite being a fairly low-energy animal. He should be kept on leash at all times when off the property, primarily because of his distaste of strangers but also because he is apt to wander. This does not mean he should be kept on a chain in the backyard, however. A fenced yard is a must!

Although intelligent, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be a challenge to train because of their high independence. This said, obedience must be taught and practiced regularly because this is a physically strong, highly protective breed. It is recommended to start the training while young for two reasons – first, a puppy will be easier to control and manage on a leash while obedience is first being introduced. Second, this breed will only work for a person whom he respects – so it is best to start the relationship off by showing that you will be making and enforcing the rules! This breed is not one to blindly follow orders, and is a “thinking” breed that will consider the situation before completing a command.

An untrained Caucasian can turn into a huge liability if not properly trained and managed. This is one of the most territorial and protective breeds in the world, and does not take kindly to people coming into the home – whether it be intruder, household guest or longtime friend of the family. Some owners find they must make sure their dog is crated in another room before having someone visit. This breed is not only a watchdog (his normally quiet self will turn into a barking frenzy when someone enters the property), but is an unquestionable guard dog with fast reflexes and a very strong defense drive. Such a dog needs an owner with lots of experience, particularly with guarding breeds. Furthermore, it is impossible to over-train or over-socialize this breed (provided they are done right) and both are non-negotiable!

Unlike many breeds used for Livestock Protection, the Caucasian Shepherd has a high prey drive and can also be dog-aggressive to other canines coming onto their properties. He was expected to get rid of predators in any way possible, even if it meant chasing after and killing them. While some bloodlines purposefully have tried to weed this trait out, other working lines seek to keep this in the gene pool. While the breed should never be needlessly uncontrollable, it is worth noting that a well-bred Caucasian is, to put it simply… too much dog with too much drive for most people! This is not the same thing as a Saint Bernard or other similarly-looking dog. Do you own a Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

Photo By Alexanmder Skoridanov

The Pyrenean Mastiff is friendly to those whom he knows and trusts, although protective of his family. This intelligent molosser breed from Spain is a silent guardian and working breed who watches and protects when necessary. Originally tasked with protecting flocks of sheep in harsh climates, he is brave enough to take down large predators such as wolves if necessary. Oftentimes, only four or five Pyreneans would protect flocks of up to a thousand sheep! This is one of the oldest and most primitive of the Livestock Guardian Dogs. Although they have a similar name, the Pyrenean Mastiff is not the same breed as the Great Pyrenees although the two breeds are related. Along with the Spanish Mastiff, all three breeds developed in a similar area and were used for comparable tasks.

Pyreneans are obedient when trained although do require an owner who upholds firm household rules. Without any rules they may try to push boundaries – an obvious problem for such a giant breed. For this reason they are recommended for experienced owners only. Obedience training is non-negotiable and must be taught. As an independent thinker, training doesn’t come as natural to them as other breeds created to work with people so they will need to be motivated to work! Use plenty of praise and positive reinforcement and start early while they are still small.

Pyrenean Mastiffs have few health issues (hip dysplasia and bloat are seen occasionally) and live fairly long compared to other giant breeds – 10-13 years. This massive breed does require exercise although puppies shouldn’t be walked long distances. They need time for their bodies to get used to the routine and joints need to finish forming. Do take note, however, that even healthy Pyreneans tend to drool fairly excessively and shed heavily twice a year. They do require regular grooming. The thick double coat needs to be brushed every few days and nails must be trimmed regularly – including dewclaws. They don’t need frequent bathing although should be washed when necessary.

Temperamentally, Pyreneans are laid-back and calm. They tend to be reliable and steadfast companions who get along with other pets (even small ones) and children alike. They also don’t tend to mind being left alone or suffer from separation anxiety in general. Fearful and phobic Pyreneans aren’t common as long as they have been socialized (and socialization is extra important for livestock guardian breeds – so make sure to put the time in!). For the most part this is an easy-going breed with a gentle and affectionate nature. Unlike many other Livestock Guardian Dogs, the Pyrenean Mastiff isn’t nearly as suspicious of strangers who enter the home… as long as they are welcomed by the family. They will take fast action if actual danger or a home intrusion takes place, however!

Pyrenean Mastiffs who live in high-traffic areas tend to be louder-than-average dogs since they were bred to bark a warning at anyone entering their territory. Although teaching a quiet command is very possible, it is likely that they will need that command frequently as a reminder. It can be hard to train one to stop completely since it is so ingrained in their makeup. Those that live in more remote or quiet atmospheres are much quieter, however. The breed is also more likely to resource-guard than other breeds, meaning they might become possessive of food or toys. They should be taught the “leave it” and “drop it” skills early in life. It is helpful for all Pyrenean puppies to learn these 3 commands while young.

Be aware that the giant Pyrenean does require a lot of food and is therefore more expensive to keep than a smaller breed. He also fares best in a larger home, ideally with a yard. He was originally bred for traveling with the flock and, while not a super active fellow, does expect to stretch his legs often. A ranch or farm would be ideal, although a large home could suffice. This is a breed best kept by those who can afford to take care of him properly.

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The Slovensky Cuvac is a watchful guardian who is loyal and brave. This molosser breed will defend his owner from danger – whether human aggressor or large animal. His large size, solid bone and thick white coat (so he could be seen at night and differentiated from a wild animal) are all breed characteristics which help him do his job. Furthermore, he possesses a constantly observant nature with the energy to back it up if the situation so calls for it. Not only was he utilized for guarding man and beast, but he also accompanied shepherds and drove livestock.

Potential owners, be aware – the SC does tend to shed a lot, especially in the summer. They will need regular brushing to pull out the undercoat, particularly when it gets hot. In high-shedding times, they may need to be brushed daily. They should never be shaved, however! Doing so ruins the insulation features of the coat – and yes, the coat protects from both the heat as well as the cold as long as it is well-groomed.

The Slovensky Cuvac is an affectionate family dog but may be aloof toward strangers until he gets to know them. Early socialization is recommended. Even with socialization, most are territorial of the home and very suspicious of anyone entering the property. With family, however, the breed is extremely empathetic and attuned to the emotions of those he loves. Unlike some breeds, the SC doesn’t just single one member of the family out to spend time with. Instead, he will “do the rounds” and check on everyone in the house throughout the day. This includes children, with whom he is extremely gentle (although he may be suspicious of visiting children). Because he is so social, he does not do well when left alone all day. Neither does he thrive when dumped at a doggie daycare or boarding kennel frequently.

The SC, despite his size, should never be a clumsy dog. In fact, he is surprisingly agile! The breed enjoys exercise and outings with his family and makes an excellent hiking or long-distance walking companion. Very versatile, many have even participated in summer boat rides and winter snow activities! The breed does best with active people or families. These exercise requirements, combined with the fact that he requires a knowledgeable owner ready to provide plenty of structure, means that the breed is best for experienced owners only.

The Slovensky Cuvac can be trained for any number of different activities although he does tend to get bored with constant repetition. Keep your training routines short and mix up the order of commands to keep the dog on his toes! Furthermore, keep in mind that this breed is very independent and may resort to extreme stubbornness if he feels the training isn’t fair. On the other hand, once he learns something, he won’t soon forget – this is a breed trait which was useful when he “made the rounds” with his flocks. Anything different and out of place would be recognized immediately and scrutinized, so a good memory was useful.

The SC, despite his large size, tends to ride well in the car and is a good guest in hotels, tents and other short-term living situations. As long as he is accompanying his owner, he is happy to be out and about! During the rest of the time, however, he is often happiest in a house with a large fenced yard that he can patrol and stretch his legs. Yard-and-garden-obsessed owners should be aware that these dogs do love to dig, though! Make sure that he can’t jump the fence or dig out underneath it – part of being a responsible owner of a guarding breed means keeping him secure.

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The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has been used for guarding both flocks of animals as well as people, so it comes as no surprise that he is exceptionally brave and self-assured. He is also fairly self-sufficient, often being tasked with deciding on his own who is friend and who is foe. Because he is a giant breed (males often reach well over 100 pounds) with strong guard dog instincts and an independent nature, he is not a dog for a first-time dog owner!

Make no mistake – the Central Asian takes his guarding duty very seriously! A highly territorial nature goes along with these instincts. He was originally tasked with guarding people and their possessions, so he will protect his family with his life. While this may seem like a great highlight of the breed, it also means that the owner has a lot of responsibility. For the life of the dog, the owner must provide rigid structure, regular life-long obedience training, and constant supervision whenever the dog is around other people. Many Central Asians take issue with people coming over to the house – so this is definitely not the dog for those who like to throw big parties! While some classify him as a livestock guarding dog, he only guards livestock if it’s in his territory – just as he will guard anything in his territory. This may include guarding the car from the UPS driver or other similar circumstances. The breed is not for the faint of heart!

Although the Central Asian Shepherd is a fairly low-active dog in the house, they do need regular exercise such as a daily walk. Despite their fairly big frame, some people are surprised to learn that they are up to long physical tasks and have no problems with hiking. They do best in homes with a fenced yard in which they can stretch their legs between exercise sessions. Keeping them behind a fence or on-leash when out in public is part of the responsibility that an owner must commit to. And when it comes to fencing… anything less than a 6 foot fence is no match for a Central Asian.

The CAS was developed through natural selection rather than being man-made. As such, there can be a bit of variation in appearance. This said, most members of the breed have a thick undercoat that will shed profusely once a year – and may seem almost unending! Other than this shedding period, the breed is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Unlike many other molosser breeds, they don’t drool. They are also a fairly healthy and hardy breed, with many individuals living 14-15 years – often unheard of in dogs of this size! Sometimes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and crippling ACL can occur, although no breed (or mix breed) is immune to the possibility of health issues.

The Central Asian is intelligent, although very independent, and therefore is more difficult than other breeds to train. While the guarding nature of the dog comes naturally and needs no additional training, he definitely requires obedience – more than most breeds, in fact. The training must begin while he is still young and manageable, and be combined with extensive socialization. He must be taught that boundaries should never be crossed. Central Asians were not bred to follow orders. While he should never be allowed to make his own rules, he may need extra time to understand the concept of following commands. Selective deafness is one of the more common ways that he may show his stubborn side – yes, this breed is prone to blowing off commands. He needs a trainer that understands how to work with these traits.

Although they can be quiet in the right households, many CAS can be very vocal in certain situations. Dogs who are kept outside all night are some of the worst offenders, but dogs living in cities or other densely populated areas have also been known to be problem barkers. This is not the best breed for those who have neighbors who might complain about noise. Another possible pitfall is the fact that the breed is big on digging and can create giant craters in the yard.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog isn’t a typical “family pet”, although can make a great companion if all of his needs are met. He tends to get along well with children and other pets in the family (dogs, cats, small animals and livestock alike) if introduced early. A note should be made, however – he is very dominant and may not take well to new dogs introduced to the family later in the Central Asian’s life – especially if the new dog is also vying for the dominant position in the pack. Neither is he a good candidate for dog parks for similar reasons. Although aloof with strangers (at best), he is extremely loyal and loving to his family, and will show a lot of affection for them in his daily interactions.

The original uploader was Gsicard at English Wikipedia.

The Spanish Mastiff is huge (weighing in between 140 and 200 pounds), yet caring and loving with his owners. He is very aware of his own size and therefore self-assured and even courageous in new situations (when properly socialized). Originally a livestock guardian breed – he will go after a dangerous animal with no hesitation. At home he is polite with family although very wary of strangers entering the home. This awe-inspiring breed is intelligent and fairly long lived for a giant dog, with a lifespan around 10-12 years.

Because of his size, the Spanish Mastiff must be socialized and trained from early on – before he gets too big to handle. Many work very well for food. An owner/trainer must stay consistent with commands and make sure the rules are always followed. Don’t let them make their own rules! If the dog seems to be getting bored, figure out if the dog just needs different motivation, if you need to add more commands to keep things interesting, or if the dog is just trying to get out of doing work. It’s important to stay firm, but fair. Some members of the breed have the tendency toward dominance so training is vital to teach them that you are pack leader.

An expert at protecting both livestock as well as property and home, the Spanish Mastiff’s bark alone is enough to deter most would-be intruders. It can be particularly loud and travel great distances. Originally, this breed would travel with sheep farmers while the shepherds moved their flock to new pastures. It was the Spanish Mastiff’s job to protect the vulnerable sheep from predators. This is a job that they take very seriously. Their hard-working roots also means they are adaptable to all sorts of weather and terrain, although they are much more at home on a larger property than in cramped city life.

Inside the house, the Spanish Mastiff is exceptionally calm and even dignified. Although he shows soft affection he is not one to wear his whole heart on his sleeve. Not that he isn’t loyal (because he very much is), but he prefers to show his affection in subtle ways rather than greet his owners at the door with endless licking and excitement. He’s not the biggest fan of other dogs, however, and may be aggressive towards them. He also does best with either no children or older children, as he can accidentally hurt them.

The medium-length coat of the Spanish Mastiff requires daily brushing to keep it clean and healthy. How often these dogs should be washed is argued among owners, but most dogs do benefit from a good bath when they get considerably dirty. The breed is not known to be particularly smelly, but it will depend on where he lives and the owner’s preference for cleanliness. A few key notes for grooming this breed, however – one unique feature of the Spanish Mastiff is the wrinkled dewlap underneath the neck – this does need to be kept dry so it doesn’t develop sores. It’s also important to clean the ears every week, as the heavy flaps tend to trap moisture and dirt. Finally, clean around the eyes every few days as the wrinkles on the head can cause some eye cleanliness issues. Like all other breeds, keep up with tooth and nail care (this breed sometimes has extra dewclaws which means extra nails to cut).

When it comes to exercise, a long walk daily is preferred. Because of their roots, they enjoy moving from place to place. They don’t necessarily need to jog (this is a slower-paced breed) but they do need to stretch their legs. Most Spanish Mastiffs also appreciate being able to roam in a big fenced yard in addition to their walks. They are independent-natured and appreciate time to themselves in which to watch over their property.

The Spanish Mastiff does best when living with an experienced dog owner. Remember, this is a guard dog and as such requires more understanding and work than the average dog. For example, one cannot just expect to have constant parties at their house or bring their dog with them to crowded events without massive socialization. Even then, an owner must understand the innate nature of the breed and watch the dog for any signs of protectiveness.

A few caveats. As might be expected from this wrinkle-headed creature, the Spanish Mastiff does drool and snore. He also makes a huge mess when drinking water. Furthermore the breed can suffer from hip dysplasia. Not only is it important to choose the individual dog wisely, but also to do plenty of research and soul-searching before embarking on owning one. For those who are up for the challenge, many will never go back to any other type of dog.

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The Alentejo Mastiff (AKA the Portuguese Mastiff) is cool and composed until he needs to take action. This commanding livestock guardian breed is self-assured and should never be timid – although his large frame often means that most humans won’t mess with him anyway. Although one of his original jobs was to guard livestock, he makes an excellent guard of home and property as well. Another early job of this Portuguese breed was that of big game hunter. These dogs would hunt in packs to take down wild boar.

The coat of the Alentejo is short-medium length, with a thick and dense double coat. Generally, this is a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, although they require more grooming when they shed (usually twice a year). They require very infrequent bathing (unless being shown) and the only trimming that is required is clipping the hair from the bottoms of the feet. Like all dogs, however, make sure to keep up with nail care!

Generally a medium-active dog, the Alentejo is said to exert most of his energy during the night – which makes sense since most of his protective duties historically happened at night! This doesn’t mean that they will only protect at night, however, only that they may be more alert and vigilant. Without a flock of sheep, they will guard their owners (including children) and general territory. When not watching over them, the Alentejo Mastiff can be playful and affectionate with children and are usually extremely gentle.

The Alentejo Mastiff is said to be “sober” in the Portuguese standard, which roughly means that he is serious. Like most molosser breeds and livestock guardians, this trait means that an owner needs to be just as serious as he is. Putting the time in to socialize him early and often, as well as dedicating energy to training him, are very important. This is not the breed for a novice owner! A dog of this size who hasn’t received adequate training or socialization can become a liability. When it comes to obedience training the breed is very independent, unlike a Lab or other “traditional” obedience breeds. Combine this with the facts that they have stubborn natures and tend to mature slowly and one might see that they will take a bit more work than many breeds.

The Alentejo does need regular exercise and it is recommended that he be given about an hour’s walk each day if possible (30 minutes may be fine for lower energy individuals). This is not an apartment dog for many reasons, not the least of which is his suspiciousness of strangers. He does best in a large home with a fully fenced yard, without cats or small animals that tend to roam. As they also don’t tend to do great with other dogs, they work best in only-dog situations.

Photo https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1498155

Alentejos aren’t generally noisy dogs but will bark when necessary. The breed isn’t big on strangers, especially those that come over to the house. A large, dominant dog such as this must have regular supervision when people approach the property – they do not take kindly to pet sitters, gardeners or other workers showing up to an unattended home and will take it upon themselves to guard their territory. Alentejos have a strong will and aren’t just passive observers. It is important to note that the breed is more likely to go after someone in a defensive way versus an offensive way, however if they are the only ones at home they will make the decision as to if someone is acting in a way that requires them to be defensive. Do you own an Alentejo Mastiff?

The Kuvasz is a livestock guardian dog from Hungary. Like most LGDs, they require a specific type of owner who can provide them with the structure and care that they need. Unlike herding dogs, livestock guardians would work alone (without people) and watch the flock. They took this job seriously, and if not provided a flock will instead watch over the owner or family in the same way. This bold, fearless breed is sensitive to any change in their surroundings and will alert you to anything that seems “off” – even something as innocent as rearranged furniture!

The Kuvasz thrives when given plenty of room, such as living in a rural home with a big yard. The home should have a secure, 6 foot fence around the perimeter. Most do not make good apartment dogs because they are far to concerned with the constant barrage of people moving outside the building, and can become nuisance barkers with frustration issues. Neither do they make good pets for those who work all day. Remember, they need something to watch over and if they don’t have a flock, you are that flock! With no one at home, they can develop anxiety and become destructive.

These always-white dogs have a lot of coat to keep brushed out and free from knots – and yes, they do shed! Despite this, however, their coat tends to repel dirt and they don’t require frequent baths unless being shown. It’s no surprise with their thick coats that these dogs love cold weather. They can live in warmer climates although their coat might not grow as long or thick. In general, the Kuvasz is a hardy and healthy breed, often living from 10-12 years on average with some living longer. Hip dysplasia, thyroid disorder and an eye condition called PRA are the health conditions most often seen – so make sure the breeder does health tests.

Despite their independent nature (actually, because of it) they must be socialized from an early age and given obedience training throughout their lives. As they can be slow to mature and even stubborn, an owner must be patient with the process. They do best with lots of praise and treats combined with fair discipline. Because long training sessions can bore them, they do better with plenty of short, consistent sessions throughout the day. Although not often seen in the obedience ring, the Kuvasz can still compete and do well in obedience as well as agility, carting, and other sports!

The Kuvasz makes an excellent companion for children, provided that they are raised with kids. As with the rest of the family, they can be incredibly gentle and sweet to kids although not overly demonstrative. They may have a harder time accepting kids if they never met one in puppyhood. They may also have a harder time with unfamiliar children that come to the house (they tend to be wary of any strangers entering their property). Supervision is always recommended, as well as teaching the kids the proper way to interact with dogs. This breed also may have a hard time being friendly with strange dogs.

The Kuvasz is not the best breed for a first-time dog owner. They require someone experienced in handling dominant breeds. Although they are intensely loyal, they are also fiercely protective which can result in a dog becoming dangerous in the wrong hands. Furthermore, they do not have the easygoing, willing-to-please attitude that many new owners expect from a dog. They are very independent and strong-willed, making them more difficult to train than a sporting or herding breed. Finally, their giant size and incredible strength makes them more dog than many people are able to handle!

While not incredibly active indoors, they still tend to have more energy than other breeds of their size. After all, they were bred to patrol large outdoor areas throughout the day – a trait which required a lot of stamina. The Kuvasz definitely requires daily exercise to keep him healthy and happy. Walks are good although jogging and hiking are even better! The amount of time he will need to spend exercising is another good reason to socialize him early – he will probably meet many strangers when out in public and a well-socialized Kuvasz should be reserved but never aggressive or timid. Socialization will not curb his natural guarding ability, but it will prevent him from becoming a liability.