Barbado Da Terceira

Dogs need constant access to clean water and high-quality food. Consult your veterinarian to decide whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared food suits your dog's life stage.

A typical puppy feeding schedule looks like this:

• Up to 12 weeks: puppy food four times a day
• 3 to 6 months: three times a day
• After 6 months: twice daily

Keep feeding puppy food until the dog is fully grown. The Barbado da Terceira is not prone to gaining weight, so free-feeding is also an option.

The Barbado's wavy, medium-length coat is low-shedding and needs brushing weekly or every other week to prevent matting and remove debris. Bathe the dog every two months or as needed, since frequent bathing strips essential skin oils.

Summer trimming is unnecessary, and shaving should be avoided where possible because it can permanently damage the outer coat. If you do trim, scissor the hair down to 1 to 1.5 inches, following the natural lines of the dog's shape. Keep the muzzle, beard, and top of the head longer, with some strands going over the eyes as long as the dog can still see, and round off the hair on the muzzle.

Check and trim the nails, including dew claws, every few weeks. Check and clean the ears weekly, and brush the teeth regularly.

The athletic Barbado da Terceira needs daily exercise, both mental and physical, to head off problem behaviors. The breed is happiest with herding work and may redirect that drive toward moving animals or objects when cattle are unavailable. They willingly walk, hike, or jog with their human, and agility and herding courses make great substitutes for those who do not live on a farm.

Barbados are giddy and vocal when playing with each other, and other breeds may be put off by their earnest play and herding tendencies. A Barbado rarely leaves its owner's side and does not typically need to learn recall, thanks to its protective nature and instincts.

Any fence built to contain a Barbado should be 8 feet tall and lack rungs to prevent climbing.

The Barbado da Terceira is a primitive breed that has kept its original characteristics and instincts. These include a strong prey drive, high energy, independence, intelligence, territorial and protective instincts, and a vocal, expressive nature. It responds well to consistent training, meaningful work, and clear direction.

These dogs can be excellent companions for active individuals and families who understand and appreciate their traits, but they are not suitable for everyone. They need experienced owners who can provide early socialization, training, activity, and mental stimulation.

The Barbado may show natural reserve with unfamiliar people, so thoughtful socialization matters. Expose the dog early to different surfaces, noises, strangers, other dogs, and public places.