Maremma Sheepdog tends to gain weight easily, needs increased exercise and playtime along with controlled food intake.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Alert
Dignified
Intelligent
Determined
Friendly
Loyal

Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Maremma Sheepdogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose a Rafeiro Do Alentejo if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Italy

Portugal

Mastiff, Native Mountain Dogs

Mastiff-Type

Working (AKC)
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Guardian Dog (UKC)

Brown
Amber

Brown

Black

Black

White

Pied
Brindle
Fawn
Gray
Black

Maremma Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

Wavy

Straight

A Maremma Sheepdog can have a litter of 11-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Rafeiro Do Alentejo can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

While the Maremma Sheepdog breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Usually Very Healthy

Bloat

Hip Dysplasia

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Maremma Sheepdogs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Maremma Sheepdog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Maremma Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Maremma Sheepdogs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Maremma Sheepdog dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Petting, Kiss, Brushing, Walk, Play, Run, Swim, Play ball

Hug, Walk, Run, Chase, Fetch, Tug-of-war

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Maremma Sheepdog, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Rafeiro Do Alentejo, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

The Maremma Sheepdog requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Ideally, Maremma Sheepdog should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 75-100 pound (34 - 45 kg) Maremma Sheepdog feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 88-110 pound (40 - 50 kg) Rafeiro Do Alentejo feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Maremma Sheepdog is somewhere $3.50 - $4.90 per day.

The average cost of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Maremma Sheepdog is between $112 - $154. This makes an average of $1344 - $1848 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Rafeiro Do Alentejo is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Maremma Sheepdog has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Maremma Sheepdogs are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

The Rafeiro Do Alentejo is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Maremma Sheepdogs are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Maremma Sheepdogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Maremma Sheepdogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Maremma Sheepdogs have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very fond of playing and prefer other activities.

Maremma Sheepdogs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos can be difficult to train and require consistent and patient training.