Page written by André Oliveira, Portugal,
who work for the Genetical Departement of the University of Porto
in the matter of studing the population of dogs of Northern Portugal,
especially the Cão de Gado Transmontano.
This breed have earlier also been known under the names Rafeiro Montano and Rafeiro Transmontano, but the correct name of the breed is Cão de Gado Transmontano.
The Cão de Gado Transmontano is a Portuguese breed that have its place in group of
Portuguese live-stock guardian dogs descending from the same ancient origin; Cão da Serra da Estrela,
Cão de Castro Laboreiro, Rafeiro do Alentejo and Cão de Gado Transmontano.
In earlier times
the "Transumâncias" (cattle displaces from low altitude to high altitude in summer and high to low altitude in
the winter) finished in the beegining of the 20'th century. The finishing "Transumâncias" and the beginning of organized dog breeding in Portugal led to a most efective separation between the animals that accompany
the cattle in their displaces. Nowadays the Cão de Gado Transmontano still existes in all Northern Portugal region, and it still mantains all characteristics that makes it usefull as a livestock guardian.
The Cão de Gado Transmontano is not recognized by the Portuguese Kennel Club, (Clube
Português de Canicultura), but it is represented nowadays by a group of homogeneous animals that have a very
important role in their region of origin.
Most of the Cão de Gado Transmontano (more than 95%) are still used as live-stock guarding dogs. This
function is most important in the economy of the northern Portugal people, since their economy is based in agriculture-pasturing .
10 months old male.
The Cão de Gado Transmontano is an untiring guardian of sheeps that still can be found in great numbers in
all the Trás-os-Montes region. There have been founded a breeders
Association named "Associação de Criadores do Cão de Gado Transmontano".
A Governemment Institution, the "Parque Natural da Montesinho", have developed a program of breed promotion wich includes a annual confirmation exhibition with the support of Clube Português de Canicultura.
The "Parque Natural da Montesinho" are also involved in registration of litters and puppy distribution to the sheep owners.
For information about coat, colours and size, go to the Cão de Gado Transmontano Fact Sheet.
