Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Elo - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Elo - Breed ComparisonElo is originated from Germany but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Elo may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Elo may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Elo may live 4 years more than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Elo and Rafeiro do Alentejo has same litter size. Both Elo and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
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Germany
Portugal
Height Male:
46 - 60 cm
18 - 24 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
43 - 58 cm
16 - 23 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 35 kg
48 - 78 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 32 kg
44 - 71 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Elo Dog
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, All colors, red, or gray spots
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
double fluffy top coat medium and short
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
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:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

eloDeveloped in Germany in 1987, the Elo is a fairly new breed and there are some unique situations surrounding its development. For one thing the Elo Breeding and Research Association has trademarked the breed name, Elo. The use of the name is supervised by the Elo Breeding and Research Association. Secondly, the goal in developing the Elo is the make the best possible pet for a family. The Elo is bred for behaviors rather than appearances, for companionship rather than work.

The Elo was developed when Marita and Heinz Stories crossed Old English Sheepdogs (Bobtails) with their Eurasiers. They believed that these two breeds were similar in type and development. They were looking to breed a great household pet. The litters from these original crosses were then bred again with Eurasiers or Chow, Dalmatians, and Samoyeds. This expanded the donor base and they continued to breed for character using just the Eurasier, Chow and Bobtail (Old English Sheepdog). Currently there are about 3000 dogs and 60 breeders of Elos. The breed is not really known outside of Germany but that is slowly changing.

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

elo puppy - descriptionAs previously mentioned the Elo is bred for behaviors not appearance and not work. Therefore, the appearance of any one dog can vary greatly. There is a breed standard but there is also a lot of diversity in the breed. The Elos’ body is longer than it is tall and it tail is full and furry. He carries his tail over his back in a curve. The Elo has furry, slightly rounded, wide set ears. The undercoat is dense, and the top coat length can be medium or short.

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

elo dog - characteristicsHaving been bred to be a companion animal, the Elo loves children, is loyal, playful, obedient and calm. They love to and need to be with their people. These are not independent, think on their own dogs. They depend on their people in order to be happy and well behaved. He is outgoing and friendly with people.

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

elo puppies - health problemsAt this point in time the Elo breed is very young and has a very small population, so the breeding group is small and probably inbred. This can lead to hereditary diseases and the Elo is not immune. However, they are a healthy breed and it seems the major issue is Disticha – an eye disease that causes corneal damage. It causes corneal ulcers, inflammation, scarring and tearing. There are a variety of treatments including surgery

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

elo dogs - caringThe Elo is a non-working family dog so do not over feed them. Use a high quality dry food made for a medium size dog.

Health issues

As mentioned previously the Elo breed is so young as a breed that there have been very few health studies and the only inherited issue at this time besides the Disticha.

Exercise and games

Even though the Elo is a non-working dog, they do require a substantial amount of exercise daily. They need outdoors space to run and play as they are very playful with their family. He loves to go on walks, to run, play and dig. Yes, he can be a digger if he is not provided with appropriate and alternative exercise. Without exercise the Elo can be irritable and display behavior issues.

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