Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Cão de Fila de São Miguel
| Other Names | São Miguel Cattle Dog, Chien Fila de San Miguel, Saint Miguel Cattle Dog, Azores Cattle Dog, Azores Cow Dog, |
| Country of Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | Males: 55 - 90 lbs. (25 - 41 kg) Females: 45 - 80 lbs (21 - 36 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 19.5 - 24 in. (50 - 61 cm) Females: 19 - 23 in. (48 - 58 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is short, smooth and harsh to the touch, with a short fringe on the tail (if undocked) and on the backs of the rear legs. |
| Colour | The coat is a brindle of brown (pale brown is described as fawn) or grey, with black. |
| Litter Size | 5 - 7 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 -15 years |
| Origin & History | The breed is named for São Miguel Island in the Azores, settled by the Portuguese, beginning in 1439. Another of the Azores, Terceira Island, is known for bullfights and cattle raising; large dogs used on cattle there were brought to São Miguel Island and contributed to the development of the breed. According to the original breed standard, the existence of the Cão Fila de São Miguel has been documented since the early 19th century. A breed standard was developed in the breed's area of origin and first published in 1984. This standard was recognised internationally in 1995, when the standard was published by the FCI. Although described (and formerly used) as a cattle dog, the Cão Fila de São Miguel is actually a molosser, and is so recognised by the FCI in Group 2, Section 2, Molossoid breeds (number 340.) Today it is primarily used as a companion. Traditionally, the tail is docked, although this practice is now illegal in many areas. In addition, the ears were traditionally cropped short. The ears are cropped short and rounded off on top. The reasons for these traditions are unknown. Today, dogs from São Miguel are exported to North America and other areas of the world where they are bred and promoted for the rare breed market. Minor kennel clubs and registries maintained by individual breeders write their own versions of the breed standard, which may vary from the breed standard developed on the island of São Miguel and recognised internationally by the FCI. Dogs of the breed may be sold under the original breed name, Cão Fila de São Miguel, or any of the many translations and versions of the name. |
| Personality | The Cão de Fãila de São Miguel is a rustic and dominant animal, capable of remaining outdoors during the entire year guarding the herds and the tools used in agriculture. It's very intelligent and quick to learn, executing various commands. As a dog used in driving milk cows it usually bites low so as not to wound the mammary glands of the cows, biting higher on the lost cattle. It is a working dog par excellence, but also a good guard dog of property or protection dog. It can have a very sharp temperament, but is docile with his master. Very intelligent with a great capacity to learn. For the right owner, this breed makes an excellent guard and watch dog. They are very defensive of their territory. He should be well socialized, preferably when young with both dogs and people, especially with children, as the breed tends to be naturally wary of strangers, though he is very friendly with those he knows. In order to successfully keep a Cão de Fila de São Miguel the family must achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Cão Fila de São Miguel from Portugal have no documented health problems, but dogs bred elsewhere are often bred to be very oversize (over 60 cm/23.6 in and 35 kg/77 lb) and may suffer and other ailments particular to deep chested oversize dogs, such as bloat. |
| Grooming | Brush coat few times a week. |
| Exercise | Needs daily exercise, which includes a daily, long walk. It loves to run, play and work. |
| Other Considerations | The Cão de Fila de Sãao Miguel should live next to its owner. This dog is not suited for apartment living. It needs a job to do. |
