Azores Cattle Dog – Portugal’s Rare Dog Breed
A large dog rustic dog seen speedily weaving in and out between the cattle to bring a runaway back to the herd would be an impressive sight. Obviously, the dog has the courage of an outstanding herding dog. The dog’s muscular square shaped body is smoothly covered with short grey, fawn or brindled fur. Unlike other herders, this dog has a larger body but the size is not an impediment that cause the dog to be less agile. The dog’s elegant and efficient working ability is not seen in other dogs. The Azores Cattle Dog, an extremely rare breed that is rarely seen outside Portugal, its country of origin.
From the time it was created and up to the present, the Azores Cattle Dog has always been a most valued dog that has an outstanding ability to herd 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. After fourteen years, the cattle that has proliferated have become unruly. To address this concern, an intelligent and courageous breed with excellent herding qualities must be developed.
The Fila de Terceira is the ancestor of the breed that is now called Azores Cattle Dog and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. The Fila de Terceira was crossed with molosser and resulted to the creation of the outstanding herding breed, the Azores Cattle Dog. It was accepted that the breed is already in existence since the 1800s.
Because of the innate herding abilities, extensive training is not really necessary to make the dog learn its herding duties. An Azores Cattle Dog has the aggressive temperament that is considered as an asset of a good guard dog. An Azores Cattle Dog was specifically developed to be a herder. An aggressive temperament is therefore necessary in the performance of its duties hence, breeders have made no efforts to tone down its ferociousness.
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. Only a dog wise and a dog experienced dominant owner that has what it takes to handle a breed known for its tough personality is qualified to have this breed. It must be realized that an Azores Cattle Dog is first and foremost a working breed. It is apparent that this dog would not fare well in confined spaces. This dog has to be allowed to perform what it does best to herd and to guard.
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