[6] It is also believed to be descended from Briards imported into Portugal in the early 1900s by the Conde de Castro Guimarães from Cascais, and crossed with the Pyrenean Sheepdog.

[7] The landscape of the Serra de Aires is barren and harsh and it has been noted that the breed would have had a difficult time adapting to the climate there.

[8] The first breed standard was written by Antonio Cabral and Felipe Morgado Romeiros and was accepted by the Portuguese Kennel Club.

Abdominal tumors are to be expected on senior dogs, so regular echograms are advised after the eighth year of life.

The FCI breed standard states that the ideal Portuguese Sheepdog is "exceptionally intelligent and very lively.

"[7] Portuguese Sheepdogs can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events.