The Portuguese Sheepdog
Until the late 1990s, the Cao da Serra de Aires as the breed is called in Portugal was almost unknown outside of its home country. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Portuguese Sheepdog in 1996. The Portuguese Sheepdog belongs to the family of long-haired herding breeds and like the Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the Schapendoes, this breed has a recent history in North America. This site has been created to provide general information about the Cao da Serra de Aires. The Por Tewgal Project is also about a distinctive vision of dog breeding and companionship.
The Cao Da Serra De Aires In Canada
The Por Tewgal project recounts the story of the first Portuguese Sheepdogs to Canada and promotes a certain vision of dog breeding and companionship. So the aim of this website is twofold: to provide accurate information about the Portuguese Sheepdog and present an alternative to the current purebred "dog world" in Canada. Hopefully, this site will contribute to protecting the breed in North America and foster a new understanding of ethical animal protection.
The Por Tewgal Project
The Por Tewgal Project promotes an active and cruelty-free lifestyle. The Portuguese Sheepdog has been a natural breed since 2004 (see official standard) when the Clube Portuguese de Canicultura (Portuguese Kennel Club) removed the ear-cropping option from the standard.
The Canadian Kennel Club has yet to amend the standard of the Portuguese Sheepdog so that it reflects the progressive changes made by the Clube Portugues de Canicultura. This website highlights a framework of care towards all sentient beings. As a result, all our dogs are fed a vegan diet. This choice is not only based on ethical principles, it serves as a backbone to the outdoor activities we practise that require a balanced diet/nutrition.