[4] The Barbado da Terceira derives from the various dogs brought to the Azores by colonists and visitors since settlement of the islands began in the fifteenth century, particularly from those with an aptitude for cattle herding.

[3]: 6  A single-breed dog show was held in Terceira in January 2005, with 73 participants.

[4] A small number of the dogs are in the United States, where since 2021 the breed has been included in the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club.

It is of medium size, with a median height at the withers of some 55 cm and median body weight of about 25 kg; body length is slightly greater than height.

The coat may be yellow, grey, black, fawn or wolf-grey in any shade, with or without white markings.