When the Mains family of five from Morgan Hill, California, wanted to welcome a four-legged addition to their family about four years ago, little did they know they would stumble upon Mac—one of only 50 Barbado da Terceira canines in the U.S.—and become part of a BDT breeding program to help increase the breed’s dwindling numbers. The Mains discovered this rare breed’s impressive legacy and remarkable qualities that can be traced back to the Portuguese Azore Islands more than 500 years ago. Their experience of welcoming Mac into their home has acted as a symbolic gesture in their effort to prevent its possible extinction.
The Mains, a family of five living in Morgan Hill, California, had wanted a four-legged addition to their family for some time. After their beloved 11-year-old English Lab passed away about four years ago, they searched for a rare breed that didn’t shed due to allergies and cleanliness concerns. Little did they know, they would soon welcome Mac—one of only 50 Barbado da Terceira canines in the U.S.—into their home.
As Bill conducted his online search, he stumbled upon the Barbado da Terceira (BDT) breed—a strong-willed canine that originated more than 500 years ago in the Portuguese Azore Islands. Bred to be cattle herders and guard dogs, these dogs have a powerful lineage and remarkable instincts for such work, according to the Barbado da Terceira Club. As the Mains read more about this rare breed on the verge of extinction, they were captivated by its active, family-oriented, protective, and brilliant qualities. Proudly, they welcomed Mac, one of only 50 BDTs in the U.S., into their home.
With Mac, the family is now part of a BDT breeding program to help increase the rare breed’s numbers.
Even at just six months old, the pup is more significant than average and already displays an impressive level of his breed’s loyalty. With a doodle-like appearance, Mac may not look intimidating. Still, when a newspaper reporter visited the Mains’ home in east Morgan Hill last week to take photos and interview them, he fearlessly barked and stared down the visitor, ensuring the family knew their guest. It’s clear that since being brought home in early July, Mac has quickly grown to love and protect his new family.
In addition to keeping watch over the Mains, Mac has been seen “herding” them in their backyard by circling them to encourage them to form a tighter group. Despite his puppy nature and the fact that he’s already destroyed about ten pairs of shoes, Mac is a loyal and devoted companion, always ready to protect the ones he loves.
The BDT is gaining greater and greater acknowledgment from the American Kennel Club as their numbers continue to rise. After being recognized in 2021 as a distinct breed, the AKC will consider granting them “miscellaneous” status when the population of BDTs in the U.S. reaches 150 and full recognition as a breed when it reaches 500. With only 49 BDTs present in the U.S. and six in Canada, and an estimated 500 members worldwide, the BDT Club President Dana Simel has noted a steady growth in interest for the breed, with seven litters expected from known breeders in 2024, compared to the two BDTs registered in the U.S. back in 2018.
The Club is proud to work with the Portuguese Kennel Club to ensure healthy genetic diversity and maintain the breed’s original function as working dogs.Their strong herding instincts and protective nature make them formidable livestock guardians. Simel has seen these dogs in action, herding bulls and protecting their owners, and is amazed.
The Mains’ adoption of Mac has been an inspiring success story in the attempt to preserve a rapidly declining breed. His presence in the household is felt by the family love he has showered on them and as part of the Barbado da Terceira breeding program’s mission for population growth. Patient nature, an eagerness to please their guardians, and devotion to companions bring joy daily, islanding Mac as a devoted and loyal addition to the Mains’ family. Indeed, his presence has bolstered and fortified the strong history of the BDTs in the United States, which brings joy and unwavering love.
