Active
Playful
Independent
Happy
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle

Calm
Protective
Sober
Independent
Selfish
Confidence
Territorial

Shih-Mos aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

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.

American Eskimo, Shih Tzu

Mastiff-Type

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Shih-Mos are known for their coat length.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have medium-length coats.

A Shih-Mo can have a litter of 4-6 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.

Shih-Mos are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

While the Shih-Mo 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.

Liver Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Kidney Problems
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease
Pateller Luxation
Bladder Stones and Infections

Usually Very Healthy

Ear Infections
Allergies
Hernia
Reverse Sneezing
Dental Problems

Hip Dysplasia

Dental Examination
Eye examination
Chest X-rays
Clinical Exam

X-Rays
General Physical Examination
OFA on hips and elbows

Shih-Mos 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.

Shih-Mos 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.

Shih-Mos 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.

Shih-Mos bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Rafeiro Do Alentejo dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Going for walks, Going to petco

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 Shih-Mo, it's at least 5 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.

Shih-Mos require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

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

Ideally, Shih-Mo 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

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 18-25 pound (8 - 11 kg) Shih-Mo feed 1 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 Shih-Mo is somewhere $1.30 - $1.40 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 Shih-Mo is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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.

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.

Shih-Mos make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

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.

Shih-Mos have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Shih-Mos 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.

Shih-Mos are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

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

Shih-Mos are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Rafeiro Do Alentejos are not very stranger friendly.

Shih-Mos are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

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

Shih-Mos are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

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