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. The dog is not only intelligent but it also has the courage of an exceptional herding dog. The square shaped muscular body is covered with short sleek fur that can be grey, brindled or fawn in color. Unlike other herders, this dog has a larger body but the size is not an impediment that cause the dog to be less agile. In fact its elegant and efficient herding ability is seldom seen in other herding dogs. The Azores Cattle Dog is a very rare breed that is seldom seen outside Portugal.
The Azores Cattle Dog has always been viewed as an important aide in herding unmanageable herds of cattle. Sao Miguel, the largest among the Azorean Islands was covered with dense vegetation during the 15th century. The sailors of Prince Henry have decided to take advantage of the rich plant life by bringing cattle to the island. In fourteen years, the cattle that were left on the island have flourished and grown into unmanageable herds. To manage the cattle an intelligent and courageous breed is needed.
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’s aggressive personality is a valuable asset that makes this breed an outstanding 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 a very efficient herder and a dependable guard dog but it is not suitable for first time dog owners. 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. It must be realized that an Azores Cattle Dog is first and foremost a working breed. This working dog is obviously not an apartment dweller. This dog is an outstanding breed especially if made to guard and to herd.
