The Cao Da Serra De Aires: A Rare Breed
The Cao da Serra de Aires is a long-haired sheepdog. Portugal has four kinds of herding dogs: the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the Cao Rafeira de Alentejo, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro and the Cao da Serra de Aires (or Portuguese Sheepdog). The latter's standard was recognized by the Clube Portugues de Canicultura in 1932. In Portugal, the Portuguese Sheepdog herds flocks of sheep, goats or cattle, particularly in the Alentejo and Ribatejo regions, where the breed adapted well to the dry and flat areas as well as the harsh climate. The main distinctive characteristic of the Aires is its single coat. Interestingly, the Portuguese Sheepdog is the only shaggy herding breed that does not boast a double coat. So grooming requirements still exist but not to the same extent of its European cousins such as the Bearded Collie or the Briard. The Portuguese Sheepdog is a quick and alert medium size dog. The Cao da Serra de Aires' long shaggy coat serves as a protection against potential wounds and the burning rays of the sun.
A Natural Sheepdog
In the past, Portuguese Sheepdogs were sometimes cropped to make them look like their French cousins, the Briards. Fortunately, this practise was banned for both breeds in France and Portugal in 2004. However, ear cropping still prevails on Briards in North America and is not the only mutilation inflicted on purebred dogs in North America. Tail-docking is also widely performed on several breeds. The practise has been banned in Australia and several European countries. The Canadian veterinary profession has joined the campain to put an end to non-therapeutic procedures on our best friends. If Portuguese Sheepdogs can have their ears and tails, the same should apply to their cousins such as the Old English Sheepdog (misnamed Bobtail) and other breeds. Love Then Pure, Keep Them Natural is the motto of our campaign designed to preserve the bodily integrity of dogs. It is a direct challenge to the current position of both the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs that condone and support pratices that unnecessarily alter the natural appearance of numerous breeds.
A Vegan Dog in Canada
Historical sources indicate that the Aires was often fed a vegetarian diet. The shepherd would keep the dried meat for himself. However, our choice for a food free of animal products is based on a contemporary ethic of animal rights and a respect for all sentient beings. All the individuals involved in the Por Tewgal Project are fed a vegan diet. Not only can our canine friends survive on vegetarian food, they actually thrive on it. Our dogs lead a sporty lifestyle and practised outdoor activities designed to maintain their athletic abilities. All their nutritional needs are met in a plant-based diet. Hopefully this site will help demistify arguments put forward by the pet food industry that a meat-based diet is the only healthy choice for the canine species. For those human companions who are intent on fighting the exploitation of non-human animals, the vegan option offers an ethical alternative.