Portuguese Dog Names

There are eleven dog breeds that have been developed and originated in Portugal. The Barbado da Terceira, Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, Cao da Serra de Aires, Cao de Castro Laboreiro, Cao de Gado Transmontano, Estrela Mountain Dog, Rafeiro do Alentejo, Portuguese Podengo, Portuguese Pointer, Terceira Mastiff, and the well-known Portuguese Water Dog. This last breed became highly popular after the former US president, Obama, brought two Portuguese Water Dogs (Bo and Sunny) to live in the White House.

Portugal is a rather dog-friendly country with plenty of places that you and your pooch can visit. Portuguese people are also very respectful towards dogs, and many Portuguese celebrities are dog-lovers, like Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-famous football player. Cristiano has always loved dogs and is a proud dog owner, and he recently became news for helping dogs in need. After hearing a dog shelter in Portugal was having issues gathering money to provide veterinary treatment for the 80 dogs they were sheltering, Cristiano decided to send them a signed jersey for them to sell in an effort to help them raise the money needed.

There’s also a now-celebrity dog with a Portuguese name (and a beautiful story), Figo, a service Golden Retriever who became world-news after jumping in front of a mini bus to save his blind owner, Audrey Stone. Figo came from the Smithtown-based Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, and at 8 years of age he showed complete loyalty when he risked his life to save his beloved owner. Both dog and master ended up with injuries. Audrey broke an ankle, ribs, and an elbow, and Figo suffered leg injuries that required surgery. The dog, despite being terribly hurt, made his best effort to get to his owner and take care of her. Thankfully, both received the attention they required and they were able to reunited when fully recovered.

Figo and Audrey had been together for six and a half years when the bus accident happened, and thanks to the dog’s strength they continue to be together. Figo didn’t show any signs of trauma, even when taken to the place where the accident took place, and therefore was able to continue his job as a wonderful companion  and caregiver. Figo’s story shows us that human-dog bonds are incredibly powerful, and that a dog’s love and loyalty have no limits.