A bright, happy and sensitive dog that learns quickly and wants to cooperate, with a bit of a stubborn streak. It is protective of its home and works willingly with cattle.21
how to spot oneBarbado da Terceira coat and colours
long, wavy double coat
A medium-sized, athletic herder covered in a long, thick, wavy coat with a dense undercoat, finished off by the full beard that gives the breed its name.12
Comes inyellowgreyblackfawnwolf greywith or without white on chest, belly and tail tip1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Barbado da Terceira. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksBarbado da Terceira exercise needs
An athletic working breed that needs daily exercise and a task or training to keep it content.2
where they are happiestBarbado da Terceira at home
Happiest in an active home with room to move, ideally with owners who have some dog experience.2
who they like aroundBarbado da Terceira with people and other pets
A devoted family and companion dog that thrives with close contact and consistent, kind handling.2
the hands-on bitsBarbado da Terceira grooming and care
The long, wavy coat and beard need regular brushing to stay free of tangles.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Barbado da Terceira, and at what times?
Feed your adult Barbado da Terceira at least two meals a day at consistent times, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a Barbado da Terceira eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.4
How often should I bathe a Barbado da Terceira?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, or about every two months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.5
How often does a Barbado da Terceira need brushing?
Brush your Barbado da Terceira at least once a week to prevent tangles, as Pet Wiki's plan recommends. For its long, wavy coat and beard, more frequent brushing may be needed to keep it mat-free.15
How do I trim a Barbado da Terceira's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.5
How much exercise does a Barbado da Terceira need?
This athletic breed needs daily exercise, including walks and play, plus a job or training to stay content. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day to keep your dog happy and healthy.2
How do I look after a Barbado da Terceira's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible using dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears after baths or swimming, and never insert anything into the ear canal.5
How long does a Barbado da Terceira live?
Lifespan varies for this breed; please ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.
Is a Barbado da Terceira good with children and other pets?
This devoted and happy breed is generally good with children when raised with them. Early socialization is important due to its protective instincts, so supervise interactions with other pets.21
Can a Barbado da Terceira be left alone?
This breed thrives on close contact and may struggle with long periods alone. It is best suited to owners who can spend plenty of time with it, or provide mental stimulation and a dog walker if needed.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Barbado da Terceira costs
Running costs for a Barbado da Terceira, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Barbado da Terceira legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Barbado da Terceira in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
A 2005 census counted just 222 dogs of the breed.1
3
73 Barbados took part in a single breed show held in January 2005.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the island of Terceira in the Azores, where it originated. The name 'Barbado' refers to the thick hair under the jaw that forms a beard, from which the breed derives its name.1
Sunrise over the island, and I'm already herding the chickens back into their coop, just for fun, of course. My beard sways as I trot along the stone wall, keeping watch. My human laughs and calls me a little boss. After breakfast, we head to the pasture; the cows know me, and we have our own dance. I nip at heels, but gently, and they moo in reply. The wind smells of salt and wildflowers. In the afternoon, I find a puddle and splash until my curls are slick. Back home, I guard the doorstep, proud and content. At night, I curl on the mat, dreaming of tomorrow's games.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganBarbado da Terceira history
Its ancestors arrived on Terceira with settlers and sailors from the fifteenth century onwards, and the most useful herding types were kept for working the island's cattle. The dog stayed a local working breed until Portuguese recognition in 2004.1
Portuguese Sheepdog
Cão de Gado Transmontano
Bearded Collie