The name, "Dog from Castro Laboreiro", refers to a small town, Castro Laboreiro, in the far north of Portugal, now a parish in the Melgaço urban area in  the mountainous, rocky area was once quite remote. The modern breed is descended from a very old molosser type, which worked with livestock herders in the mountains, defending against wolves and other large predators.

 

The desired appearance for which the Cão de Castro Laboreiro has been bred is somewhat wolflike in outline. It is a large dog, but not oversize. Height should not be above 60cms at the withers and weight should not be more than 40 kg; females somewhatsmaller.