The Rafeiro do Alentejo or Alentejo Mastiff, is a large breed of dog that originated inPortugal. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is of the livestock guardian dog type, and the name refers to its area of origin, Alentejo, in south-central Portugal. Although the word rafeiro means mongrel in Portuguese, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is recognized as a breed by the Portuguese Caniculture Club .

 

The Rafeiro is a very large dog, averaging 47.5 kg and 73 cm at the withers.The head is described as bear-like. Eyes should be dark, never yellow. The ears are set medium high and fold downwards.

 

The breed standard describes the breed is marked by seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of conduct, his movement as slow and rolling, and as having a calm expression. Individual dogs may vary in behaviour and temperament, and puppies must be well socialized.