Azores Cattle Dog – Portugal’s rare dog breed
Anyone watching a large dog at a mad dash between the cattle to herd a runaway would surely be impressed. The dog is not only intelligent but it also has the courage of an exceptional herding dog. The dog’s muscular square shaped body is smoothly covered with short grey, fawn or brindled fur. This herding dog is larger as compared to other breeds of the same classification but it is very agile. The dog’s elegant and efficient working ability is not seen in other dogs. The Azores Cattle Dog – the very rare breed of herding dog hails from Portugal.
Ever since its creation, the Azores Cattle Dogs has always been vital in managing herds of unruly cattle. Sao Miguel, the largest among the Azorean Islands was covered with dense vegetation during the 15th century. To take advantage of the thick and rich vegetation, the sailors of Prince Henry have decided to let loose cattle on the fringes of the island. In fourteen years, the cattle that were left on the island have flourished and grown into unmanageable herds. To take the issue in hand, it was decided that a breed of dog with excellent herding qualities must be developed.
The Azores Cattle Dog, otherwise known as Cao Fila de Sao Miguel was developed from a breed called Fila de Terceira. The crossing of this breed with molosser type dogs created the Azores Cattle Dog, a breed acclaimed for its remarkable herding abilities. It was accepted that the breed is already in existence since the 1800s.
The herding ability is innate in this breed thus it would need very little training to perform is herding duties efficiently. An Azores Cattle Dog’s aggressive personality is a valuable asset that makes this breed an outstanding guard dog. The dog is first and foremost a herder. A herding dog has to have an aggressive temperament to be able to function well thus breeders have made no efforts temper the dog’s aggressive personality.
An Azores Cattle Dog is an efficient cattle herder¦a dependable guard dog – but it is not for everyone especially for a first time dog owner. To be able to handle this tough guy, an owner has to be firm, dominant and has to have a fair knowledge of the dog’s special needs. This is a working breed. Obviously, the dog would not thrive in an apartment being kept mainly as a home companion. The Azores Cattle Dog would be happiest if allowed to do the jobs it was specifically developed for – to guard its masters and to manage the cattle.
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