
Herding breed from Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal
The Barbado da Terceira is a medium-sized herding dog from Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. It has a long, wavy coat and is known for being intelligent, loyal, energetic, docile, playful, courageous, and alert. Individual temperaments vary. Estimated adult weight is 25β30 kg and height 52β56 cm for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 12β14 years. Its recognition status varies by registry.
The Barbado da Terceira is an ancient indigenous breed developed on Terceira Island in the Azores by Portuguese settlers. It was used for herding and guarding cattle. The breed nearly faced extinction in the 20th century before conservation and revival efforts in the 1990s led to its preservation and recognition. Its exact origins and timeline are not fully documented, and the breed's history relies on available accounts.
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Supervise every dogβchild interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Modelled tendency Β· medium confidence
Modelled tendency Β· medium confidence
Modelled tendency Β· medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
No Barbado da Terceira-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
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It is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 25β30 kg and height 52β56 cm for both males and females. Estimated lifespan is 12β14 years.
Reported temperaments include intelligent, loyal, energetic, docile, playful, courageous, and alert. However, individual dogs may vary.
It has a high energy level (score 4 out of 5), so it likely needs regular exercise. Specific requirements are not detailed in available facts.
It has a long, wavy coat with a grooming score of 3 out of 5 and shedding score of 3 out of 5. Regular brushing is recommended, but exact frequency is not specified.
It has a child suitability score of 4 out of 5, suggesting it can be good with children. Apartment suitability is 2 out of 5, indicating it may not be ideal for small spaces. Dog compatibility is 3 out of 5.
It originates from Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. It was developed by Portuguese settlers for herding and guarding cattle.
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed is not universally recognized; some registries may recognize it while others do not.
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.