Cão de Castro Laboreiro
FCI 170
61 cmAdult male
at the withers
at the withers
- Mass
- 30–40 kgSamce
Cão de Castro Laboreiro — size comparison
The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is a strong, agile dog with a dense coat and drooping ears. Its wolf-like colouring comes from a mixture of lighter and darker hairs
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground withersReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in cm
020406080
61 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Cão de Castro Laboreiro — size comparison — facts and sources
The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is a strong, agile dog with a dense coat and drooping ears. Its wolf-like colouring comes from a mixture of lighter and darker hairs, often in warm shades. A broad chest and strong limbs do not reduce its mobility. Compared with the most substantial mastiffs it looks lighter and is easier to picture patrolling steep slopes.
Its name comes from Castro Laboreiro in northern Portugal, in mountainous country near the Spanish border. Local dogs protected livestock from wolves and guarded property. Their usefulness was shaped by difficult terrain, weather and the need to stay with flocks. They did not originate as one kennel's project; the modern breed grows from a longer local guardian tradition.
The Castro Laboreiro is devoted to its people but usually cautious with strangers. It enjoys patrolling familiar ground and notices changes people might miss. Its distinctive alarm voice moves from lower sounds to more prolonged, high tones. Despite its alertness it can remain calm; independence appears chiefly in readiness to assess situations and respond on its own.