Pet Wiki

Barbado da Terceira

Also called Terceira Bearded Dog, Terceira Cattle Dog

A bright, happy and sensitive dog that learns quickly and wants to cooperate, with a bit of a stubborn streak.

SizeMedium
Weight21 to 30 kg (46 to 66 lb)males 25 to 30 kg, females 21 to 26 kg1
Height48 to 58 cm (19 to 23 in)males 52 to 58 cm, females 48 to 54 cm1
CoatLong, wavy double coat
OriginTerceira island in the Azores, Portugal.1
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
intelligent and easy to train
cheerful and sensitive
capable herder and watchdog
21

Personality what they are like

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Coloursyellowgreyblackfawnwolf greywith or without white on chest, belly and tail tip1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An athletic working breed that needs daily exercise and a task or training to keep it content.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long, wavy coat and beard need regular brushing to stay free of tangles.1

Home where they are happiest

Happiest in an active home with room to move, ideally with owners who have some dog experience.2

Company who they like around

A devoted family and companion dog that thrives with close contact and consistent, kind handling.2

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Barbado refers to its prominent beard.1

  2. 2

    A 2005 census counted just 222 dogs of the breed.1

  3. 3

    73 Barbados took part in a single breed show held in January 2005.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

TerceiraAçorBrisaOndinaMaréFadoLuscoNuvemRibeiraSolVentoZagaia

A day in the life told by a Barbado da Terceira

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.

Recognised by the official bits

Clube Português de Canicultura
Recognised as a Portuguese breed in 2004 (also recognised by the Portuguese veterinary authority DGV the same year).1
AKC
Foundation Stock Service since 2021.1
FCI
Not recognised by the FCI.1

How many 2221

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Barbado da Terceira - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, history, population
  2. Barbado da Terceira - American Kennel Club akc.orgused for temperament, activity, companion role
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.