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Barbado da Terceira
Herding breed from Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Barbado da Terceira
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 25–30 kg and height 52–56 cm for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 12–14 years. Its recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Barbado da Terceira at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginTerceira Island, Azores, Portugal
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight25–30 kilogram
Female weight25–30 kilogram
Male height52–56 centimetre
Female height52–56 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
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.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25–30 kilogramAdult weight52–56 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesLong, WavyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentloyalenergeticdocileplayfulcourageousalert
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
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.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Barbado da Terceira puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25–30 kilogramAdult female weight25–30 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Barbado da Terceira?
It is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 25–30 kg and height 52–56 cm for both males and females. Estimated lifespan is 12–14 years.
What is the temperament of a Barbado da Terceira?
Reported temperaments include intelligent, loyal, energetic, docile, playful, courageous, and alert. However, individual dogs may vary.
How much exercise does a Barbado da Terceira need?
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.
What are the grooming needs of a Barbado da Terceira?
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.
Is the Barbado da Terceira good for families or apartments?
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.
Where does the Barbado da Terceira originate from?
It originates from Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. It was developed by Portuguese settlers for herding and guarding cattle.
Is the Barbado da Terceira recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed is not universally recognized; some registries may recognize it while others do not.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.