Rafeiro do Alentejo vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed ComparisonRafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal but German Longhaired Pointer is originated from Germany. Both Rafeiro do Alentejo and German Longhaired Pointer are having almost same height. Rafeiro do Alentejo may weigh 28 kg / 62 pounds more than German Longhaired Pointer. Both Rafeiro do Alentejo and German Longhaired Pointer has almost same life span. Rafeiro do Alentejo may have more litter size than German Longhaired Pointer. Both Rafeiro do Alentejo and German Longhaired Pointer requires Moderate maintenance.

History

rafeiro do alentejo - historyKnown 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.

german longhaired pointer - historyLooking at the German Longhaired Pointer you may think that you’re looking at a type of Setter dog or even a large Spaniel. These pointing dogs, hailing from Germany, are gun dogs or working dogs, having always been used to track game.

They were developed at the end of the 19th century, as breeders were specifically looking for a dog that was faster than the wiry- and short hair German pointers. Crossing English Setters and Pointers gave breeders this German Longhaired Pointer and the dog was shown for the first time in Germany in 1879.

Known as the GLP or Deutsch-Langhaar, the dog has the bloodlines of water dogs and scenthounds, and way back In 1897, Baron von Schorlemer wrote the first standard for the German Longhaired.

Description

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.

german longhaired pointer puppy - descriptionAthletic and lean, the German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large sized dog standing at 60 – 70 cm in height and weighing 25 to 32kg.

With his webbed feet, he can move with great speed. It is why the dog isn’t suited well to life in the city really, as he has always been a dog used to working and running over large areas. He will appreciate being with an active owner.

The beautiful double coat is medium length, slightly wavy and with feathering around the legs, chest and tail. The tail itself is carried stretched outwards or kept low. It is rich brown to coppery color, while some white can sometimes be found on the chest and paws. The attractive dog has brown eyes, a black nose and ears which are long and floppy.

Temperament:

Intelligent, gentle and amicable the German Longhaired Pointer is an affectionate, loyal dog who is also social, getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

Being the loyal dog that he is, it makes him susceptible to separation anxiety so he should never be put into the backyard and left day after day on his own.

Characteristics

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.

german longhaired pointer dog - characteristicsGerman Longhaired Pointers are calm, friendly dogs who want to please their owners. They’re really intelligent too so training and socialization won’t be difficult with this bright dog.

Once trained, he makes an excellent, loyal and loving family pet. With a firm, kind, consistent type of owner, the German Longhaired Pointer is guaranteed to make you a wonderful pet.

Health Problems

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.

german longhaired pointer puppies - health problemsYou’ll find that with an excellent diet and lots of love and care your German Longhaired Pointer can easily push 12 to 14 years of age.

If you’re a novice dog owner, talking with your vet will give you a good idea of how to feed your dog to ensure longevity.

No matter how vibrant and energetic your pet is, there may well come a day when he is lethargic, he just wants to lie, he doesn't want to eat and he doesn’t jump up to greet you. Then it’s time for concern and to get your 4-legged friend to the vet.

There are several health problems associated with dogs that are worth researching – hip dysplasia, skin allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies and cataracts.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

german longhaired pointer dogs - caringGerman Longhaired Pointers have the same kind of nutritional needs as all other active working or sporting dog breeds. He needs high quality food, and if you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best and that it has minerals and vitamins for active, large breeds. Most of the dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for size, age and activity levels of dogs.

Always ensure an ongoing supply of cool, fresh water is available to him.

Grooming:

The coat of the German Longhair can become matted and he will require brushing at least twice a week to keep the hair free of loose hairs as well as burrs that could lead to the coat becoming untidy and tangled. The ears will also have to be watched as thick matting can occur. Also check the inside of his ears to avoid dirt and wax build up which can lead to ear infections.

General grooming will also be reqired such as checking the length of the nails if they aren’t naturally worn down. Don’t neglect his teeth and brush 2 or 3x a week with canine toothpaste and toothbrush.

Exercise:

Your German Longhaired isn’t a dog who likes to spend his days lying round. He is energetic and loves to be on the go. From robust ball games to rope games, running with you as you go running, swimming or cycling, this dog can’t seem to get enough exercise and will want to be included in all your activities.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Portugal
Germany
Height Male:
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Mastiff
Deutsch-Langhaar, GLP
Colors Available:
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Chocolate brown
Coat:
Short to medium length, dense
Medium length and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Rafeiro do Alentejo - Breed Comparison
  2. Sarplaninac vs Rafeiro do Alentejo - Breed Comparison
  3. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  4. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  5. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  6. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  7. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  8. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  9. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  11. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  12. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  13. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  14. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  15. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  16. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  17. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  20. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  21. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  22. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  23. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  24. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  25. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Giant Schnauzer vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  31. Goldador vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  32. Mackenzie River Husky vs German Longhaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  33. German Longhaired Pointer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  34. German Longhaired Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  35. German Longhaired Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  36. German Longhaired Pointer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  37. German Longhaired Pointer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  38. German Longhaired Pointer vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  39. German Longhaired Pointer vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  40. German Longhaired Pointer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  41. German Longhaired Pointer vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. German Longhaired Pointer vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  43. German Longhaired Pointer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  44. German Longhaired Pointer vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. German Longhaired Pointer vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  46. German Longhaired Pointer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  47. German Longhaired Pointer vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  48. German Longhaired Pointer vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  49. German Longhaired Pointer vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  50. German Longhaired Pointer vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds