Some dogs have a presence that feels almost mythical. This is true when the dog belongs to a breed so rare that most people will never see one in person, if they even know the dog exists. When you pair that type of rarity with a stunning landscape that they call home, it becomes the kind of scene you want to pause and soak in.
That’s exactly what happens in this mesmerizing clip of an ultra-rare dog exploring the place he calls his. With fewer than 500 of his breed in existence, every moment feels like a gift. And this beautiful pup captures both the beauty of the breed and the world around him. Take a look!
On December 8, 2025, TikTok user @bigboybasalto shared a video of a beautiful, rare dog breed—the Cão de Castro Laboreiro. The 12-month-old pup is outside with his human, living in Portugal. He seems totally unfazed by the breezy wind and is patiently waiting for him and his parent to explore their surroundings.
The video explains that he’s one of about 500 dogs of the same breed, and if the stat in the caption is correct, we have less than a 1% chance of ever meeting a Cão de Castro Laboreiro in our lifetime.
Related: Rare Dog Breed’s Striking Blue Eyes Are Impossible To Look Away From
In the comments, people shared their feelings about this beautiful Big Boy Basalto, the stunning Cão de Castro Laboreiro. The comments were in Portuguese, but here’s what people had to say, according to Google Translate.
One person wrote, “The biggest scare I’ve ever had with dogs was with Castro Laboreiro dogs in Gerês. They weren’t too amused by my RoughCollie walking near their cows and followed me for kilometers.” This commenter added, “They are truly majestic, intimidating in a good way, and have a wonderful work ethic.”
Another shared, “One of the best dog breeds! Lucky are the people who have the privilege of having a companion of this breed.”
Someone else added, “Without a doubt, the second most beautiful breed, the first being the São Miguel… but the Castro is gorgeous.”
🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾
More Info About the Cão de Castro Laboreiro
This stunning dog is a member of the rare Cão de Castro Laboreiro breed, which has a lot going for them, except for their population.
According to Wag!, the Cão de Castro Laboreiro is very rare, with an estimated 500 or fewer dogs left. They’re known for being loyal and affectionate pets who are very protective of their humans, especially toward strangers or other animals. They’re intelligent, strong-willed, and courageous, but they can also be very stubborn and sensitive.
“If given thorough training and proper socialization, they are excellent companion and family dogs,” Wag! explains, “showing considerable awareness with their surprisingly gentle nature if raised with small children.”
It’s hard to think about there not being many of these doggies on the planet; they seem absolutely charming!
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.