The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a historic breed that originated on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. It was likely developed to manage the island’s wild cattle. These dogs are known for their large size, strong build, and powerful jaws. Compared to other molosser breeds, they are slightly smaller and have longer muzzles. They are believed to have descended from ancient molosser type dogs.
One notable characteristic of this breed is their strong loyalty and devotion to their owners and families. They are known to guard and protect them at any cost. However, they are cautious around strangers and can be aggressive towards other animals. Despite their territorial and aggressive nature, these dogs are highly valued for their protective instincts and dedication to their loved ones.
In summary, the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a historic breed that was developed on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. They are known for their large size, strong build, and powerful jaws. They have a loyal and protective nature, but can be wary of strangers and aggressive towards other animals.
Below, we look at Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Cao Fila de Sao Miguels!
| Dog Breed | Cao Fila de Sao Miguel |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 44-66 lbs (average) |
| Height | 18-23″ (average) |
| Location | Azores |
| Ancestry | Ancient Molosser Breed |
| Date of Origin | Ancient Times |
| Group | Cattle Guardian, Herder |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | Unknown |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a medium-large cattle dog that is known for its herding and guarding abilities. Its origins are unclear, but experts believe that the first dogs to arrive on the islands were a mix of large molosser dogs. These molosser type dogs were commonly used in Western Europe during the 14th century to handle stubborn or aggressive cattle.
In Portugal, the molosser dogs were slightly smaller and less brachycephalic than other molosser breeds. Through a mixture of these dogs, a new type of cattle dog was developed. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed gained recognition in the early 19th century for its exceptional skills in herding, driving, and guarding cattle. However, there was limited mention of dogs in Portuguese art and literature during this time.
The breed standard for the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel was established in 1984, and it gained recognition from the Portuguese Kennel Club. It was later recognized by the Federation Cynologique International in 1995. Despite these recognitions, the majority of these dogs are still primarily used for their original purpose on the islands and are not commonly found in other locations. As of now, they have not been recognized by the American Kennel Club.
🐕 Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Appearance
These medium-sized dogs have well-defined muscle, a substantial frame, and are somewhat longer and heavier than they are tall. Males tend to be slightly taller and heavier than females. Some dogs have such strong muscles that they waddle a little bit as they walk. They have a large, square-shaped head with a robust, well-muscled jaw. Their medium-sized triangular ears droop almost to their cheekbones, and their oval eyes are often a dark brown hue and incredibly expressive. Working dogs frequently have their ears clipped to better protect them in the field. Their medium-length, high-set tails have a little curl and are frequently clipped. They occur in different hues of fawn with black or grey brindle patterns covering their short, silky coat, which is thick and softly fringed on their tail and the rear of their thighs.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Fawn, Gray, Brindle |
⚡ Fun Fact: Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cao Fila de Sao Miguel
This type of dog was traditionally bred as an outdoor dog with the responsibility of staying with the cattle and maintaining their safety and order. Despite the fact that they tend to form close bonds with one particular person or family and may be quite challenging to re-home, this breed of dog is not normally loving. Although these very powerful dogs may be trained to be somewhat gentle with youngsters, monitoring is always necessary since they may not be aware of their own strength. They make a great watchdog because of their high level of alertness and territoriality, but they are not the best choice for apartment life. It’s crucial to keep in mind that this breed was created to be extremely violent against other animals, and it’s not unusual for them to attack and even kill smaller creatures like other dogs. Although socialization and training can help to reduce aggressive behavior, some Cao Fila de Sao Migueldogs may never learn to be trustworthy other canines.
🤝 Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels Friendly or Aggressive?
Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs are generally friendly towards other pets, including cats and dogs. However, they may not be the most welcoming to strangers. On the other hand, they are known to be very kid-friendly and enjoy being around children. This breed can be a great choice for families with young ones or for those who want to have more dogs and join dog meetups. Additionally, Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are considered one of the best breeds for elderly people, likely due to their friendly and gentle nature.
This breed is known for being:
- Intelligent
- Dominant
🐩 Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Care & Maintenance
These dogs often just require occasional bathing and are quite simple to maintain clean and healthy. The coat should otherwise be simple to maintain and just require brushing with a smoother brush or rubber curry comb two or three times a week to remove dead hairs and keep the coat bright and healthy. This breed spends more time outdoors on their own than other breeds do, therefore while you are grooming them, you should take a little more time to look for scratches, scrapes, bug bites, and thorns. Their ears should also be examined for injury or infection at each grooming session because this breed’s ears fold down when they are not clipped, making them somewhat more prone to ear infections. The nails should be cut once a month, and teeth should be cleaned a few times a week.
Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs do not shed a lot of hair. This is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The amount and how often they lose hair mainly depend on their overall health and the type of breed they are. Regarding bathing, it is recommended to give them a bath every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.45 daily, or roughly $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 15 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Dog Breed can be:
- Usually A Very Healthy Breed
While minor concerns include:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
🤧 Important: Is Cao Fila de Sao Miguel hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cao Fila de Sao Miguel.
⚡ Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel a great choice for families with young children?
The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is not necessarily a great choice for families with young children due to its naturally aggressive and territorial attitude.
Is the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
No, the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They require ample space to roam and fulfill their exercise needs.
How much exercise does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel require compared to other breeds?
The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are active dogs that need regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
Is the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed known for being good with other pets?
The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed is not known for being good with other pets. They have a strong prey drive and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards smaller animals, including other dogs.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel include the Bulldog and the Basset Hound. These breeds generally require less grooming and exercise.
What are the common health issues that Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are prone to?
Common health issues that Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are prone to include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor and address these potential health concerns.
Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Cao Fila de Sao Miguels can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and strong-willed temperament. They require consistent and firm training methods to establish boundaries and obedience.
Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Cao Fila de Sao Miguels can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if not properly socialized and trained from a young age. They form strong bonds with their owners and may struggle when left alone for extended periods.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have non-shedding coats that produce less dander and are considered hypoallergenic.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller dogs similar to the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, such as the French Bulldog or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, may be more suitable. These breeds can adapt well to living in smaller environments.
Is the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed may not be the best choice for children with special needs due to its naturally aggressive and territorial nature. It is important to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the child and the dog in such cases.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?
The grooming needs of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel are relatively low compared to other breeds. They have short coats that require minimal brushing, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning should still be part of their grooming routine. They are moderate shedders, so some shedding can be expected.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
