Cão de Gado Transmontano
Also called Transmontano Mastiff, Mâtin Transmontano, Mastín Transmontano
From Portugal, from the mountainous Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region in the north-east.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick, medium-length double coat
A huge, heavy-boned mountain guardian with a square outline and a clear size difference between the sexes. Its dense, medium-length coat sits over an obvious undercoat, with shorter hair on the head, ears and legs.1
Personality what they are like
Gentle and even-tempered for its size, it stays alert and watchful without being aggressive. It thinks for itself, responds well to kind handling rather than harshness, and warms up to visitors once it has sized them up.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A roaming worker used to covering long distances over rough ground; it needs lots of space rather than structured high-speed exercise.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The thick coat needs regular brushing, more during seasonal shedding.1
Home where they are happiest
Needs a large area and ideally a flock or property to watch over; not suited to apartments or being kept on a chain.2
Company who they like around
Bonds strongly with the animals it guards and often works as part of a team of dogs; early training and socialising are recommended.12
The story where it all began
This molosser developed in the Portuguese highlands to protect sheep and goats from Iberian wolves, moving with the flocks along seasonal grazing routes. It shares roots with the Rafeiro do Alentejo, and the two drifted apart as the long livestock migrations faded. The FCI accepted it provisionally in 2020.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- No. 368, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid, mountain type, without working trial; provisionally accepted 26 February 2020.3
- Clube Português de Canicultura
- Recognised by the Portuguese kennel club, which holds the breed standard.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cão de Gado Transmontano. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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 6every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cão de Gado Transmontano, and at what times?
Feed your adult Cão de Gado Transmontano at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Always follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.4 Furry Diary plan
What should a Cão de Gado Transmontano eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality large-breed dog food, following the label's guidance for portions. Keep dangerous foods away, especially grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Ask your vet for a personalised diet plan.5
How often should I bathe a Cão de Gado Transmontano?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Cão de Gado Transmontano need brushing?
Brush your Cão de Gado Transmontano weekly, and increase to daily during heavy shedding seasons. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep the thick coat healthy.16 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Cão de Gado Transmontano's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Furry Diary's plan recommends a 28-day cycle.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Cão de Gado Transmontano need?
This breed needs lots of space to roam and daily walks, but not intense structured exercise. A large, secure yard is ideal. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Cão de Gado Transmontano's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth ideally daily, at least 2-3 times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Cão de Gado Transmontano live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.
Is a Cão de Gado Transmontano good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is gentle and even-tempered, and good with children and other pets when properly socialised from an early age. It bonds strongly with its family and animals it guards.12
Can a Cão de Gado Transmontano be left alone?
This breed is not suited to being left alone for long periods; it thrives with a job and companionship. Provide plenty of space and activity to prevent boredom. Ask a breeder for specific advice.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 368, Cão de Gado Transmontano fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, use
- Wikipedia: Cão de Gado Transmontano en.wikipedia.orgused for history, care, fun facts
- FCI nomenclature: Cão de Gado Transmontano fci.beused for recognition status and date
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.