Cão Fila de São Miguel

The Cao Fila De Sao Miguel is a molloser type of breed that was originally used to work with cattle. It is also known as the Azores cattle dog. This dog is of medium size that is unlikely for other cattle dogs, setting the Azores cattle dog apart.

Theses dogs have square heads with a strong and pronounced jaw line and they have dark brown eyes that are very expressive. Their trunks and limbs are well developed and muscular. Their legs are long with a neck of medium length and a straight back. Their tail is slightly curved and held quite high. The coat of the Azores Cattle dog is various shades of brown with a black, grey or fawn mix. They have droopy ears that are generally cut in a round shape. The tail has a fringe at the bottom unless it is docked till the 2nd or 3rd vertebrae.

The Azores Cattle dog is a very quick learner and a rather intelligent breed of dog. They are dominant animals that are capable of staying out in the open throughout the year, keeping a close eye on the tolls and herds it is meant to protect. They make excellent work dogs are reasonably good protectors or guard dogs.

This breed has a unique personality where they are very docile with their owners but aggressive and temperamental with anyone else. This cattle dog is very protective of his property and becomes defensive. For the owner who is right for this breed, the cattle dog will make a devoted watch dog. The Azores Cattle dog should be well socialized with other animals and people at a young age. They are very friendly and affectionate with the people they know but are wary of strangers and have a tendency to be aggressive around them.

This type of dog requires quite strict handling with the owner always at pack leader status. The owner must properly train his Azores cattle dog and should always remain his boss. These dogs are happiest when they have something to do or somewhere to work. It is essential that they are always kept near the owner as they hate being left alone. This dog is ill suited for apartment life. The Azores Cattle dog needs a large area to run around and play. They enjoy long walks and playing fetch. They have a tendency to nip people they don’t like low on the ankle.

These dogs stand 50 to 61 cm tall, and weighs 25 to 41kgs for a male. A female will be around 48 to 58 cms tall and will weigh around 21 to 36 kgs. This cattle dog does not have many health problems and is overall a very healthy dog. Some dogs that are over sized can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia or even bloat in some dogs. They have a life expectancy of 15 years. They are easy to groom, requiring brushing few times a week.