Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fruggle - Breed ComparisonFruggle is originated from United States but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Fruggle may grow 39 cm / 15 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Fruggle may weigh 47 kg / 103 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Fruggle may live 3 years more than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Fruggle may have less litter size than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Fruggle and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
26 - 34 cm
10 - 14 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 12 kg
11 - 27 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
4 - 10
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Frug Frenchie Pug
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
ranging from the palest silver to very dark red. , fawn with black masks
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
short and close coarse and hard to soft and glossy
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Cheerful, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn, 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

fruggleThe Fruggle is a mixed breed/hybrid crossover between a Pug and a French Bulldog. The “Frug” is considered a designer breed, developed in the United States and growing in popularity. These hybrid dogs all can be different taking their looks and characteristics from one or both of the parent dogs in different ways. Within the same litter you can have pups that look like pugs and act like French Bulldogs or look like French Bulldogs and act like pugs.

Also known as a Frenchie Pug, the hybrid is growing in popularity and new to the United Kingdom but recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. It is not recognized by the AKC or American Kennel Club. They are developed from purebred dogs but are not a purebred breed at this time. It would take generations of breeding true for that to happen. At the same time the Fruggle is an adorable little dog with characteristics of both its purebred parents.

The French Bulldog is a descendent of dogs that lived with ancient Greeks, the Molossians Phoenician traders spread the dog throughout the known world. These dogs were used in dogs fights and sporting until 1835 when these were outlawed. The Frenchie became a companion dog for the ladies of Paris, writers, artists and fashion designers. The Pug, on the other hand, can trace their history as far back as Confucius in 700BC. They are one of the most ancient dog breeds in existence today. They were the property of the Imperial Family in China, guarded by soldiers. Stealing a pug in Imperial China was punishable by death.

There is no real history or the Fruggle as it is too young in its existence as a separate type of dog. It is considered a breed – just a hybrid breed. In addition to the American Canine Hybrid Club, it is also recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

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

fruggle puppy - descriptionBeing a designer dog, the appearance and characteristics of the Fruggle varies from pup to pup. Most do have flat faces, large eyes, and short muzzles. The Frug is a short, sturdy and compact dog. Their tail is over the back in a tight curl, and the ears are round and large. They are called Rose Ears. The nose and eyes are black or very dark and they have wrinkles on the forehead. This is the basic generalization of a mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog. The reality is they are all different. Most often they have a Pugs face with the French Bulldogs ears. They are a little smaller than the French Bulldog and a little larger than the Pug. Their hair is fine, glossy, smooth and 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

Children friendliness

fruggle dog - characteristicsThe Fruggle is very child friendly

Special talents

The Fruggle is a good watchdog and can be taught many tricks.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. He can live in city and in apartments much better than in the country or on farms. He needs air conditioning

Learning ability

Is very high as the Fruggle is very intelligent

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

fruggle puppies - health problemsThe Fruggle can inherit any of the health issues of either parent or they might be healthier than either parent. Some of the issues that the Fruggle might face include:

  1. Infections in wrinkles
  2. Keep them clean to avoid skin infections
  3. Glaucoma
  4. Must be treated to avoid blindness
  5. Allergies
  6. Might face seasonal allergies/ some might need allergy shots
  7. Hip Dysplasia
  8. Can cause arthritis or lameness
  9. Patellar Luxation
  10. Otherwise known as “floating” kneecap. Can cause lameness
  11. Brachycephalic Syndrome
  12. Short, smashed face cannot tolerate heat or a lot of exercise.
  13. Cataracts
  14. Not as serious as other eye issues but should be watched

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 the puppy

fruggle dogs - caring1/2 cup should be fed daily in two to three meals of high quality dry puppy food

Feeding the adult

1/2 to 2 cups should be fed daily in two meals of high quality dry adult food

Points for Good Health

Quite often the first generation hybrid has much better health than either of the founding breeds. The same is not true of the second and third generations.

Games and Exercises

The Fruggle is a laid back dog requiring very little exercise. A daily walk or rolling a ball around the apartment is enough for him. The Fruggle should NOT be exercise vigorously or excessively due to its smashed face and Brachycephalic Syndrome. Weekly visits to a dog park would be sufficient as well. Do not take him out in excessive cold or heat.

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