Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed ComparisonBlack and Tan Coonhound is originated from United States but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Black and Tan Coonhound may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Black and Tan Coonhound may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Black and Tan Coonhound and Rafeiro do Alentejo has same life span. Both Black and Tan Coonhound and Rafeiro do Alentejo has same litter size. Both Black and Tan Coonhound and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
53 - 69 cm
20 - 28 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
53 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 29 kg
39 - 64 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Black and tan BTC
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
Coal black with rich tan marking
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
Short and dense
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, 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:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

black and tan coonhoundDescendent of the English Talbot Hound, the Black and Tann Coonhound is nevertheless an American creation. Developed by crossing the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound with the Bloodhound in the very early years of the American experience. It is said that George Washington owned several. The very first Coonhound that was given American Kennel Club registration was the Black and Tan in 1945. They had been admitted to the United Kennel Club in 1912. The Black and Tan Coonhound is a traditional hunting dog – known by hunters as a “trail and tree hound”. This is a dog that finds its prey and trees it. They have incredibly strong instincts to hunt and need to hunt. They can track their prey for miles and if they have a scent you cannot get their attention back. They have been valued because they can “cold track”, following the scent of an animal that left the scene long ago. They are known to have tracked mountain lions and bears as well as deer and coon. They were developed to keep the American settlers safe and well fed, but also to keep them company on the trails or by the fireplace. They are the American Dog.

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

black and tan coonhound puppy - descriptionThe Black and Tan Coonhound looks like we all imagine a coonhound would look. They have strong and muscular legs, an oval skull and a scissors bite. They have brown or hazel eyes that are very expressive. The ears of course are long like the bloodhound, far back on the head and thin. His nose is amazingly sensitive as he is scent hound. His nostrils are always black. He is a large, strong dog.

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

black and tan coonhound dog - characteristicsThe Black and Tan Coonhound is intelligent, calm, affectionate, independent, strong, and stubborn. They love children and are gentle with them, but they are also very independent and may not do what the child wants them to do in play. They are loyal to their family and will bay at strangers. They are incredibly adaptable and happy-go-lucky. They will end up on the couch or bed so don’t try to fight it. They like cars and enjoy traveling. If you get a BTC be ready for that booming voice.

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

black and tan coonhound puppies - health problemshis is a very healthy breed but like any long eared, floppy eared dogs are prone to ear infections and more seriously ear cancer. They can acquire hip dysplasia like any larger dog and they can have eye issues as well.

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

black and tan coonhound dogs - caringThis coonhound is a big, rugged, working dog and needs to be fed accordingly. Feed him at least twice a day in smaller portions and not right before or right after exercise. Don’t send him on a hunt with a full stomach. Don’t overfeed.

Health issues

  1. Hip Dysplasia – get certification on your puppy tested by breeder
  2. Ear Infections – clean daily
  3. Ear Cancer – most serious issue facing the breed
  4. Eye Issues – cataracts, cherry eye, and eyelid abnormalities such as entropian and ectropian

Exercise and games

Not that the Black and Tan Coonhound is lazy, but he can be a couch potato when he is not working. He needs moderate exercise everyday and he does well at activities like barn hunt and field games. If he does catch a scent outdoors and he is not confined in a fence, he will follow the scent with no attention to your calls at all. He can run for miles on end when pursuing prey, but he’d also enjoy just jogging along side you or your bike. He loves long walks but make sure he is on a leash and can’t follow his nose.

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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  42. Black and Tan Coonhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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