Guide to Barbado da Terceira Dogs: History, Breed Traits, Characteristics, Care, and Hypoallergenic Qualities
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1. Introduction
Barbado da Terceira dogs are absolutely gorgeous and known for being so as well! This breed gets some serious attention in public places, mainly because of its quirky, scruffy looks. Nevertheless, Barbado da Terceiras are quite popular among dog enthusiasts. This breed is cute and funny but mostly worth our attention due to its wonderful behavior. Barbado da Terceiras are natural rat hunters. However, these are highly social creatures, usually found in companies of a larger pack, regardless of whether its members are dogs or humans. This characteristic once made this breed a popular choice for use in a gambling game. There is no scent of rats or need to protect flocks there, so these island dogs quickly softened their temperaments and began to compete instead, melting the hearts of onlookers. Nevertheless, Barbado da Terceiras are not adequate for all people and all lifestyles due to certain specific needs. Before you start to fancy having one of Barbado da Terceiras as a fun, furry little friend, get introduced to this breed in our comprehensive guide first.
When deciding on adopting, buying, or getting a Barbado da Terceira from another source, it is important to know what this breed is like. Their peculiar appearance is not the only thing we can advise you when deciding if Barbado da Terceira is something to seriously consider. Thus, we have prepared an extensive guide that will present you with the history of Barbado da Terceiras, describe this breed in terms of both looks and personality, explain what is necessary to care for one of these dogs, and last but not least, provide you with a list of potential health problems Barbado da Terceiras may face. Reading this will provide you with sufficient knowledge about Barbado da Terceiras for you to decide whether this breed is suitable for you and your family or not.
2. Historical Background
The Barbado da Terceira is an ancient breed that has made its home in the Azores, where it can be found on two of the islands. Many believe that this breed originated in the Mediterranean, where it roamed with explorers. From there, it made its way to Egypt, Greece, and Rome. However, the Barbado da Terceira has also been widely used in the Canaries and came to the Azores with the Terceira Island Negro breed. The exact lineage and breed traits have been lost to time. Today, dogs of this breed are found predominantly on the islands of Terceira and Graciosa, where they are referred to by their abbreviated name of Barbado.
Dogs of this breed have primarily been used for herding both cattle and other livestock. Some believe that with its mild temperament, this breed is a perfect choice for families with small children. Full of character and personality, these are lively dogs that are extremely loyal to their owners. It is unclear precisely which breeds were combined to produce the Barbado da Terceira, as no records exist of the dogs' development. However, it is believed to be a combination of the Pyrenean Mastiff, Endesa cattle dog, cattle dog from Estrela and Tornau, the Estrela watchdog, and the French Mastiff. The Terceira watchdog was bred on Terceira Island in the Azores. The breed almost became extinct by the time the Azores gained independence. It lost its watchdog status and land to several breeds. In order to keep the breed from extinction, an association decided to try to perpetuate the breed. The Barbado da Terceira has since been recognized as a rare, vulnerable breed with regard to extinction.
2.1. Origins of the Breed
The Barbado da Terceira breed originated from ancient, early Maltese canine stock, which was established on the island of Terceira and blended with imported breeds brought to the island by various seafarers from around the world. They were developed naturally and were only selectively crossed through the passage of time. After several centuries, with the introduction of breeds other than the Maltese, this type of natural, purebred dog began to disappear; only pockets of populations remained in remote places, high in the mountains, where isolation and the lack of development conserved the early breeds. These small populations were exposed to natural selection and remained uncontaminated by searching for the 'fashionable' breeds of the time.
Thus, the Azorean inhabitants, who used these breeds perfectly for herding and guarding, selected and the breed progressed through the years in the direction of a working type of dog. Other Azoreans favored the breed from the mountains as a pet and as a good watchdog. The breed was developed separately in various parts of the island, into distinct physically and behaviorally different breeds according to the needs of the islanders and the separation and isolation of the areas. As characteristics were admired and perfected—as well as promoted with local pride—they eventually became the new desirable standards. These dogs combined the necessary traits to meet the needs of their rural life and served their owners well as livestock cart dogs, herding and guard dogs, as well as faithful companions and pets. The breed has evolved through centuries of pure, natural breeding and is completely indigenous to the Azores.
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and intertwined with the history and culture of the Azorean people of Terceira, the Barbado breed was primarily used as a cart dog and herding dog. She was cherished and considered an invaluable asset in the Azoreans' closely-knit rural society. Famous in Terceira folklore, she was often featured in traditional religious festivals, processions, and bullfights and gained a reputation as an excellent dog in a variety of dog sports, including weight pulling. The Azoreans had a distinct pride in their island and the unique, little cow dogs from Terceira were of profound cultural significance.
3. Breed Traits and Characteristics
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Some have called this breed the "dolphin dog" because they hunt and swim with dolphins. In the water, they also help fishermen drive fish and tackle nets. They have always been primarily used as companions, working dogs, herders, and watchdogs. They are loyal and sociable, if energetic. They like kids and other dogs. They are individuals who need a lot of physical activity, attention, care, and training. They should be groomed weekly and trimmed every so often. They have a lot of muscle, so they need to be switched between various varieties. They're a perfect choice for a family looking for protection, a working companion, a watchdog, or a playful pet.
Although this breed is loving and loyal, they have a lot of energy that needs to be focused in the right way. Passive or sedentary individuals should avoid this breed. It is also crucial to train and socialize them to avoid any shyness, suspicion, or aggression. A hardworking and committed dog trainer is essential for the right household. A Barbado needs to be properly trained for all families, as regular physical and emotional stimulation can quickly lead to aggression. These dogs can run, swim, jog, play, hike, entertain, and serve, as long as the exercise is consistent. Properly trained, they will become active, healthy, and balanced dogs, which have a content presence in the family.
3.1. Physical Features
These small dogs have a very distinctive appearance that has remained unchanged over generations. The part of their body ratio is very different from the standard dogs regarding proportions. Males stand at 40 cm in height, with females somewhat smaller. However, both males and females should have harmonious and well-proportioned body figures. The ideal weight is 18 to 25 pounds.
Barbado da Terceira dogs have a hard and thick single-layer coat. The coat is normally slightly wavy but tends to be a little more curly on their ears, making their look adorable. Typically, the coat has no sheen or oiliness, clinging close to the skin. The coat must protect these dogs when they work, so they have an abundant furry mane. The mane goes down and covers their chest and back legs like a blanket, which is a unique feature of the breed. The rostrum is also robust, with eyes surrounded by slightly shorter wool for protection. Finally, they have a beard and eyebrows that require special care, thus the appearance of the face is unique.
One of the physical traits of this breed is the fact that a strong overlay covers the body and legs. Their fur length ranges from medium to long. As for colors, the Barbado da Terceira dog has the ability to display a variety, including fawn, black, yellow, light sedge, and, most notably, striped. These are just a few examples of dogs that inherit this coloring. In this breed, the coat follows a few norms, from the colors to the structure. These dogs have an unusual appearance with dark almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, pendant ears, and a furry tail that reaches the border of their legs. The entire body of the Barbado da Terceira dog exudes cuteness while still having its own particular style. In terms of construction, these Terceira dogs must be brave, with a strong and agile posture, yet still elegant. When compact layers bind well both short and strong limbs, these are medium-sized dogs. The top coat should be consistent with the scalp coat in width, fitting well without any sags. All of these characteristics are important to the breeding and use of these dogs, which have evolved into the standard used to compare purebred dogs.
3.2. Temperament and Behavior
The Barbado da Terceira dog is best known for being very friendly. They form a very strong bond with their owner and the family as a whole. This breed is very affectionate. Subsequently, the dog needs to feel loved and feel like a valued part of the family. Because of their dependency on humans, it’s best to spend as much time with the dog as possible. The Barbado da Terceira dog is, like many herding dogs, very attentive and likes to keep an eye on things. The breed is known to be loyal and is not afraid to defend or stand up for its owner and the family. They can make great watchdogs and can alert you to anything unusual. The Barbado da Terceira is an active breed, with a decent amount of energy. They have intelligence as well, and the breed belongs to a group of smart dogs. Like all other dogs, individuals have their behaviors. As a breed majority, though, the dog is usually good with other pets. Training needs to be consistent and interesting to keep them engaged. The dog is also known to be good with children. The one thing about being around kids is that they don't always know their strength. Proper training and socializing are always beneficial for any breed. The benefit for the Barbado is that they are adaptable and can learn quickly. A face full of energy, the Barbado da Terceira dog, like most pure breeds, is affectionate with its owning family. They have a playful yet polite attitude, and kids often just adore them.
4. Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are the mainstays of adequacy for the Barbado da Terceira. In the first instance, a hardy, well-balanced Barbado will fare well; it is conducive to maintaining the show quality and stamina of the breed. The dog should be part of the family, sharing its love and affection. Its need for physical and mental challenges calls for long walks and preferably involvement in a daily task. Overfeeding and indulgence will overly soften and slow down an animal whose vibrant energy and body express the vast space it is used to roam. Regular veterinary checks during the first year of growth are necessary to monitor and vaccinate a young puppy, and to spay and neuter it unless used as show or breeding specimens. The right diet supports the health of the Barbado Terceira.
For dogs, the law requires a balanced diet; the combination of hydrated and dry feed has advantages, without any grain in it. From two months of age to one year, the puppy is fed three times per day. From one year of age, two regularly measured meals are sufficient. The necessary exercise and play are not limited. It is important to match our growing dog's activity, increasing it gradually. Advisable games are, of course, searches for you, and walking alongside cars; those are favorite activities of a Barbado Terceira. As they age, their rest and sleep periods increase; however, they must be continually exercised and stimulated mentally. When we practice these measures, as well as the periodic and assisted tagging sessions with elderly animals to monitor possible age-related diseases, we keep our pets active and alert into old age. Some may survive up to 15 years. Little grooming is necessary, but never neglect hygiene; inside ears should always be clean and free of external hair, and eyes should be cleaned daily. A good brushing every week will help, as well as being keen to keep the nails trimmed. When your Barbado begins to shed or malt, you will have to bathe it frequently to help in expelling dead hair. The Barbado's aesthetics can be improved with recommended breed trimming.
4.1. Nutritional Needs
The diet plays a significant role in the health of the dog, as well as the growth and strength of bones. It is crucial to meet the nutritional needs of the Barbado da Terceira. Any diet includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The Barbado da Terceira needs a diet with the correct balance of these ingredients. Proteins, the main component of muscles, must account for 20 to 22% of a young dog’s diet and 18 to 20% of an adult dog’s diet. The dog gets this type of nutrient from ingredients such as meat, offal, fish, eggs, and whey. The dog also needs to add fats to its diet, which are the main source of energy. Fish, poultry broth, and vegetable oil are also excellent sources of fats and vitamins. It is also worth providing the dog with an optimal intake of vitamins suitable for nutritional and medical administration, which should consist of vitamins B2, B6, B9, and B12, amino acids, and organic and inorganic elements. How much food a dog needs depends on its age, weight, individual differences, and activity level. Puppies can be fed 4 to 6 meals a day, adult dogs 2 to 3 meals a day, and mature adults 1 to 2 meals a day. Older dogs have a slower metabolism. Dogs also need to rely on the quality of the food, which directly affects their health, but not on the quantity. After you find a quality food product that meets all the dog’s physiological needs, you need to control the amount the dog eats to keep it healthy and strong but not overweight. Make sure your dog has water. Always have water available to your Barbado da Terceira. Lack of hydration can lead to illness; analyze, try to keep the bowl clean, and put fresh water in it daily.
4.2. Exercise Requirements
The Barbado da Terceira is an active dog with a strong need for physical activity. Lack of constructive physical activity may result in behavioral problems, primarily due to their high energy. The owner should be properly instructed on the importance of daily exercise as a preventive measure for behavior. These dogs should have, on average, a moderate to high exercise need, according to breed standards. Exercise protects against obesity and leads to better socialization of these canines. Regular exercise maintains a good balance between more independent dogs and overprotective and anxious dogs, as it allows for a more stable physical and emotional condition. Walking is the most common form of exercise. To increase the dog's well-being, alter the duration and intensity of the exercise. Long walks allow engagement throughout different moments, making the activity more demanding without being too time-consuming. In addition to walking, it is also good to stimulate short sessions of activities such as search, play, obedience, and leash practice. Playing with balls, frisbees, and other non-harmful launch objects is very beneficial. When practicing sports with your four-legged friend, take into account the physical condition and health of the dog. For dogs that weigh 12 kg to 18 kg, agility and obedience are very interesting practices. Furthermore, it is important to consider the nutritional status, age, health, individual characteristics, and exercise conditions, such as the presence of osteoarticular problems (which may require limited exercise for appropriate recovery training). For puppies, exercise is used throughout the day in play, in the yard, and in house play. For adults, it includes long walks. For older dogs, it consists of lighter activities. Biking requires a very careful initial adaptation and at least several daily hours of solo time for basic and advanced training in order to be included in this sports practice. Watch for possible accidents that may occur when the dog is running alongside the bicycle.
4.3. Grooming Tips
As previously mentioned, the proper grooming of the Barbado da Terceira is crucial to maintaining the overall health and well-being of their coats, skin, and general body hygiene. Dogs and puppies should be brushed daily, but at the very least, once or twice per week. This is to ensure the coat doesn’t become matted or tangled, which will prevent dirt and grime from getting stuck in their coats. A thorough brushing will air out their coat and remove any dirt that has gotten into the outer layers. Barbado da Terceiras don’t shed much, but if brushed daily, owners may be able to help minimize any hair around the house, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers. You should only need the smallest amount of a slicker brush for daily grooming. Slicker brushes are ideal for brushing through the Barbado da Terceira’s smooth outer coat.
Bathing should be an infrequent exercise and should be done using a dog shampoo in warm water, making sure all the product is flushed out to prevent any skin irritation. Shampoo could range from the basic to the luxurious. Only use a dog-approved shampoo, as the Barbado da Terceira’s hair and skin are not like other breeds. Because they have human hair-like qualities, human products with all their chemicals can prove very harmful to the dog and therefore must be avoided. Whenever the Barbado da Terceira becomes wet, they must be fully dried afterward, either with a blow dryer or in a warm environment that prevents them from feeling cold and their hair from tangling. The Barbado’s ears should be cleaned fortnightly of dirt and wax with a natural cleaner. When brushing the Barbado’s teeth, only use dog toothpaste, which can be rubbed on their gums to reduce gum rot. Regular nail clipping is essential, as long nails can be uncomfortable and affect the way the Barbado walks. In every grooming situation, there is an opportunity to check the health of the dog, detect bumpy skin areas, and check their general mental and physical condition; thus, grooming is an ideal opportunity to bond even closer with your Barbado.
5. Hypoallergenic Qualities
This particular detail is critical if you want to acquire this breed without having to worry about your health. The hypoallergenic characteristic in dogs can be applicable to the Barbado da Terceira. Hypoallergenic refers to the characteristic of being less likely to cause or provoke allergies in humans compared to most other breeds. Some studies show that human allergies to animals' skin flakes, dander, saliva, and urine are caused by allergens in the animals' bodies, not their fur. While the amount of allergen produced varies, the breed of dog you have might affect the severity of your allergies.
Not all people with an allergy to dogs react in the same way. If you have allergies and are considering welcoming a Barbado da Terceira into your home, it may be prudent to spend some time with the breed to see how your body responds. Those interested in the breed can contact breeders or adoption society members. Allergy symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing are less likely to be triggered by dogs with hypoallergenic properties. The Barbado da Terceira can be implemented as a hypoallergenic breed. It encourages safe handling, reduces the number of allergens, and lessens the risk of being triggered by a dog. Hypoallergenic dogs include the Boxer, Lagotto Romagnolo, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Dog breeds that are known to produce certain amounts of allergens in their skin flakes and dander are the Boxer, Lagotto Romagnolo, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Their skins may give off fewer allergens than other breeds, making them a safer option for allergy sufferers.
Allergen production is not the same, though. Some dogs can produce more allergens than others. Regularly grooming will assist in the reduction of shedding and the elimination of dead hair and skin flakes that may contain allergens. Every time you bathe a dog or brush it, you are removing allergens and reducing shedding. In hypoallergenic breeds like the Barbado da Terceira, prospective owners can consider grooming their dogs frequently. Grooming reduces the possibility of having contact with allergens due to the lack of shedding of skin flakes and dander by the Barbado da Terceira.
5.1. Understanding Hypoallergenic Dogs
When it comes to dogs associated with hypoallergenic qualities, many people assume that they are allergy-free. This isn't true. There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, just as there is no such thing as a whole allergen-free dog breed. In fact, allergens, which are proteins found in a variety of canine secretions, can be found in hair, skin, urine, and saliva. Hypoallergenic breeds have simply developed less of these proteins than their non-hypoallergenic cousins. Although they do not release as many allergens into the air, allergy sufferers can still be irritated by these allowable levels of allergens. Hypoallergenic breeds have a variety of fur types, including: curly, thick, soft, single coat, and a number of others. They also require a regular brushing and grooming schedule to keep their hair from tangling and losing dander. Brushing and grooming a dog's coat is one area that can lead to higher levels of allergens in the air, especially if a dog is not groomed regularly. In theory, because hypoallergenic breeds release fewer allergens into the air, allergy sufferers should be able to better control their allergy symptoms. On the other hand, many people believe that a hypoallergenic dog breed is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Because individual immune systems, rather than dogs themselves, define the average level of sensitivity to pet allergens, it is difficult to determine this. Some people may live with a hypoallergenic breed and still experience allergies, while others may live with a Mastiff or Rottweiler and have no allergies. The Barbado da Terceira is an example of a hypoallergenic breed. Their coats consist of two layers: a short undercoat and a longer overcoat that is particularly dense and wavy. Their coats are somewhat odorous and resistant to most elements.
5.2. Barbado da Terceira Dogs and Allergies
While a lot of people may show interest in the Barbado da Terceira breed due to a health aspect, that interest might stem from the notion of the Barbado da Terceira being a hypoallergenic breed. This generalization is not entirely true. This breed is considered hypoallergenic by some people. Most allergy and asthma sufferers who are truly sensitive to a pet’s dander would react to this breed. Most would agree that if allergy is a major factor in the purchasing of the Barbado da Terceira, a smooth-coated Barbado da Terceira would fit that role best. The fact that the Barbado da Terceira sheds minimal hair and has a less porous coat makes it less likely for allergen buildup. When dander is released, many breeds with a more porous coat retain some of the dander in their coat, which allows the microscopic allergen to build up in quantity, giving off a smell that triggers a reaction. This breed, however, has a coat that doesn’t retain the dander, at least not enough to cause a problem. The alopecia disease that is common among Barbado da Terceira is further evidence of the breed being low allergy. From what I've observed so far, I'm very pleased. There isn't any noticeable dog hair or dander in my house, nor do I seem to have any allergies to him at all. The Barbado attracts me because of its non-shedding coat, which, as a result of not shedding, causes no dog odor or allergen buildup, making the breed an option for allergy sufferers. He does lose coat, especially around spring and autumn when his coat changes, but only to the extent a Westie would. Having said that, before making a decision, it's always smart to visit a breeder and spend time with a dog first before making a final decision, as I have heard of one or two reports where people have had an allergic reaction after purchasing a Barbado. This happened after a few months of owning the dog when they brought it back for a fur cut. We did not get the usual dog odor from him, and we could vacuum the house once a week without seeing much dog hair. Finally, it’s worth noting that not everyone will have the same tolerance level towards this breed or any other breed, in fact. If you show signs of animal allergy, it’s best to seek assistance from an allergy specialist rather than relying on other people’s experiences. Individual medication regimes may be an option if you want this breed. It is also worth noting that someone who may be allergic to a Cocker Spaniel may show no signs of allergy or sensitivity to a Westie. Allergies and sensitivities can vary considerably.