Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Chug - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Chug - Breed ComparisonChug is originated from United States but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Chug may grow 50 cm / 19 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Chug may weigh 51 kg / 112 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Chug and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same life span. Both Chug and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same litter size. Both Chug and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
15 - 25 cm
5 - 10 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
15 - 22 cm
5 - 9 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 9 kg
11 - 20 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
Chihuahua-Pug • Chugg • Pughuahua
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
Speckled/Brindle/Spotted/Merle, Black and Brown, , Chocolate/Dark Brown, White/Cream, Golden/Light Brown
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
short and either coarse or smooth
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Independent, Loving, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

chugThe Chug is a crossbreed with the Pug and the Chihuahua. It is a hybrid not a purebred. Over the past ten to fifteen years people have been developing the Chug, mostly in the United States. People were looking for a lapdog with the characteristics of both the Chihuahua and the Pug. The hybrid dog has characteristics of both breeds, both physical and behavioral. Of course, the Chug is not recognized by the AKC, but it is recognized by hybrid and designer dog clubs such as The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Kennel and the International Designer Canine Registry.

rafeiro do alentejoKnown also as the Portuguese Mastiff, the Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal and has always been used as guardian for livestock. Their numbers declined quite a bit when there was no longer a need for this kind of job.Today it is essentially a companion dog.

The official standard of the Rafeiro do Alentejo was established in 1953. The dog is is recognized as a breed by the Portuguese Caniculture Club as well as the Federation Cynologique Interationale.

Description

chug puppy - descriptionThe Chug can vary greatly in looks and build from one dog to another. For the most part however, Chugs are small compact dogs, sturdy and muscular. They have a very expressive and lovable face with folding ears, almond shape eyes and short muzzles. Their faces are similar in looks to that of a miniature boxer. .

rafeiro do alentejo puppy - descriptionThe Alentejo is a large dog standing at between 64 and 75cm in height and weighing 45 to 60kg. He is a powerful dog with a deep chest, dark eyes, floppy ears. His coat is short to medium length, thick and straight. The color of the coat is a mix of fawn, a wolf grey, white, cream and black.

Temperament:

This is a serious dog with a calm demeanour about him. It doesn’t matter how calm he is though, as every dog will require training ad socialization if you want to enjoy having an obedient, well mannered dog around you. This is particularly important with a large, independent, self-confident, territorial dog like this.

He isn’t an aggressive dog but he is protective, wanting to guard and look out for his human family. They are dogs that get on well with children and other pets in the home, being wary of strangers.

They’re not recommended for life in small properties in the city as he requires a large garden at least.

Characteristics

chug dog - characteristicsBecause they are a hybrid, chugs can have a very wide range of different characteristics depending upon whether they have more from the Pug or more from the Chihuahua. But either way they are very lovable little dogs with big personalities. Regardless of whether your dog favors the clown Pug or the stately Chihuahua, your puppy will be a lovable ball of fur. He will be affectionate, friendly and aggressive to bigger dogs.

rafeiro do alentejo dog - characteristicsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a quiet dog, but intelligent and strong-willed. Training and socialization will make him easy to get on with.

He will become an excellent companion, and can come indoors because he is well mannered and considerate. He was bred to be a guard dog, and the responsibilities he had taking care of livestock has been transferred to looking out for- and protecting his human family.

He makes a wonderful pet and companion, even with children and other pets, more so when brought up correctly by loving, firm, consistent dog owners.

Health Problems

chug puppies - health problemsSome of the health issues that Chugs face include the respiratory issues that both the Chug and Chihuahua have to deal with. They also can have patellar luxation leading to lameness and arthritis.Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar can result in fainting or coma, confusion or seizures.

rafeiro do alentejo puppies - health problemsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a generally healthy dog breed, and with good care can get to 11, 12 or 13 years of age.

Of course with a large dog like this, it is always a good idea to be aware of canine hip dysplasia, particularly because this is a large dog with a deep chest.

This makes him also vulnerable to bloat, a condition where the stomach swells with gas and which can be life threatening. Other things to watch for are ear infections and parasites.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chug dogs - caringPugs have great appetites and love to eat and Chihuahuas wont turn down a meal so be careful not to overfeed your Chug. It is important to feed a small breed formula whether you use dry or wet food.

Health issues

Some additional issues that Chugs deal with in respect to health include:

Joint issues

Both elbow and knee inflammations can lead to arthritis and lameness

Eye Issues

Chugs can have runny eyes or cherry eye. If they have cherry eye you will want to treat it immediately or there could be secondary issues with inflammation and infection.

Exercise and games

Chugs may be little, but they still need a moderate amount of exercise every day. A regular walk will do or indoor or outdoor playtime every day. They like obedience, rally and some can do small dog agility, but they would have to be on the larger size for Chugs. Chugs also make great therapy dogs.

Grooming:

rafeiro do alentejo dogs - caringMake your grooming time with this serious, calm canine friend of yours a special bonding time. His coat simply requires a brush twice a week to keep it healthy and shiny.

While bushing him, run your hands over him to make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps. Check inside the floppy ears to make sure they’re not red which could be the start of a painful ear infection.

Look a his nails and trim them if they’ve become too long. Check inside his mouth and make sure there aren’t any black, rotten teeth as this can seriously impact the health of your pet.

Exercise:

Options for exercise will include long walks and a chance to run off his leash. In the back yard it will be to his benefit to throw balls for him to fetch. You can even bring him indoors and play some calm games with him. He should have exercise every single day.

Diet:

Good food is needed for good health. It is always convenient to make use of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are on the market.

You don’t want to feed this to your dog day after day so provide your pet with some tasty home-made food too. Dogs want simplicity and consistency with their diets so they don’t battle with upset stomachs and an unnecessary trip to the vet.

Some home-cooked food twice a week and added to the dry kibble can keep him healthy and happy. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week.

Some people even cook it in bulk, refrigerate it and warm up small portions to add to the kibble. Raw meat added in occasionally can also be a good treat. Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Chug vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chug vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chug vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chug vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chug vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chug vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chug vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chug vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chug vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chug vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chug vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chug vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chug vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chug vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chug vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chug vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chug vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chug vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chug vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chug vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chug vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chug vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison