I have groomed and worked with plenty of large, double-coated breeds, and the Rafeiro do Alentejo is one of the more straightforward big dogs to keep looking and feeling good. This Portuguese livestock guardian was built to live and work outdoors in all weather, so its coat is practical rather than fussy. With a sensible weekly routine, most owners can handle grooming at home without a professional groomer on speed dial.
That practicality comes with one catch: the double coat sheds, and it sheds a lot during seasonal coat changes. The goal of this guide is to give you a calm, repeatable routine for the coat, nails, ears, teeth, and bathing so that grooming becomes a quick bonding session rather than a chore. Start these habits early and your Rafeiro will happily stand still for the whole process.
What You Will Need
Good grooming starts with the right basic kit. You do not need anything fancy for this breed, but a few quality tools make the work faster and more comfortable for a large dog.
- A slicker brush and a sturdy undercoat rake or de-shedding tool for the double coat.
- A wide-tooth comb for checking for mats behind the ears and legs.
- Large, sharp dog nail clippers or a nail grinder.
- Dog-specific shampoo (never human shampoo) and a few large towels.
- A vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pads (no cotton swabs inside the canal).
- A dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste.
- Treats to reward calm, cooperative behavior.
Keep everything in one bin so grooming sessions are quick to set up. The easier it is to start, the more consistent you will be.
Step by Step: How to Groom a Rafeiro Do Alentejo
Work through these steps in order. Doing the coat first lets you spot any skin issues before bathing, and finishing with teeth keeps the routine predictable.
Brush the coat
Brush thoroughly once a week with a slicker brush, then use an undercoat rake to pull loose hair from the dense undercoat. Work in sections, checking behind the ears and legs for mats.
Check skin and ears
While brushing, look for redness, lumps, fleas, or hot spots. Lift the pendant ears and wipe visible wax with cleaner on a cotton pad. Never push anything into the ear canal.
Trim the nails
Every three to four weeks, trim a little at a time and stop before the quick. For dark nails, take thin slices and watch for the appearance of a pale center. A grinder gives more control on a big dog.
Bathe when needed
Every two to three months or when dirty, wet the coat fully, lather with dog shampoo, and rinse until the water runs clear. Residue causes itching. Towel dry well and let the thick coat finish air drying.
Brush the teeth
Brush several times a week with dog toothpaste to support dental health. Finish every session with praise and a treat so your dog associates grooming with good things.
Once this sequence becomes routine, a full session takes very little time outside of seasonal shedding peaks. The consistency is what keeps the coat and skin healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few grooming errors come up again and again with double-coated breeds, and each one is easy to sidestep.
Do not shave the double coat to keep the dog cool, since the coat insulates against both heat and cold and may not grow back correctly. Avoid over-bathing, which strips protective oils and dries the skin. Never use human shampoo, as it disrupts a dog’s skin pH. Skipping brushing during shedding season leads to painful mats, especially behind the ears and on the legs. And cutting nails too short hits the quick and causes bleeding, so trim small amounts and keep styptic powder on hand just in case.
Steer clear of these and grooming stays comfortable and safe for your dog from the first session onward.
Tips for Success
Grooming a large dog is far easier when the dog is relaxed and the timing is right. These habits make every session smoother.
Start grooming habits in puppyhood so your dog learns to stand calmly for brushing, nails, and ears. Groom after a walk when your dog is tired and more settled. Keep sessions short and positive with treats, and split tasks across days if needed rather than forcing one long session. Brush outdoors or in a easy-to-clean space during shedding season to contain the loose undercoat. Handle the paws, ears, and mouth gently and often so these areas never feel like a surprise.
A relaxed dog is a cooperative dog. The time you invest early pays off in years of stress-free grooming.
When to Get Professional Help
Most Rafeiro do Alentejo grooming is easily managed at home, but call a professional groomer or your veterinarian in a few situations. Seek help if the coat has tight mats you cannot safely brush out, if your dog becomes anxious or aggressive during nail trims, or if you accidentally cut a nail too short and the bleeding will not stop. From a health angle, see your vet for ear odor, redness, or constant head shaking, for any new lumps, persistent itching, hair loss, or skin sores you find while grooming, and for bad breath or red gums that brushing does not improve. Grooming is also a great early-warning system, so report anything that looks off rather than waiting for the next checkup.
Safety note: Never shave a Rafeiro do Alentejo’s double coat in an attempt to cool the dog, since the coat regulates temperature and protects the skin, and use only dog-specific products to avoid irritating the skin.