Azores Cattle Dog Breed

Recognized by the Clube Portuguese de Canicultura as recently as 1984, the history of the Saint Miguel Cattle Dog dates back to the early-mid 1400's. The Portuguese Azores Islands were discovered in 1427 and by 1439 the domestic cattle brought by Prince Henry was thriving so much that a lightning-fast, tough-tempered herding dog. Although the original Fila de Terceira is extinct, the Azores is the breed's descendant and present-day cattle dog. Only 3000 members of this breed are registered worldwide.

Although low maintenance and not needy, there are some major requirements to own an Azores. They need herding or guarding duties and a large property or yard to roam-- not to mention an experienced, firm and consistent owner.

PROS

• Excellent herding dog (cattle)
• Tough guard dog
• Independent
• Needs little training for its work
• Highly intelligent
• Calm, protective and loving towards family
• Friendly towards those it is familiar with
• Capable of living outdoors
• Low maintenance grooming

CONS

• Needs to live outdoors
• Must have a large yard or property
• Must have a herding or guarding job
• Possibly difficult to train for a novice or soft owner
• Aggressive towards strangers
• Needs plenty of daily exercise
• Not hypoallergenic

Standing 19-23 inches (shoulder height) and weighing 45-90 pounds, the Azores Cattle Dog fits into the "large" size category. Aside from measurements, they are very muscular and appear hardy and robust--which they are and must be to spend day and night with their herds. The short coat is thick and harsh and is always brindle whether it be fawn or grey; white marking are sometimes found on the chin, chest and feet. These dogs have dark brown eyes that exude determined intensity. The ears are often clipped and tail docked (naturally, it is long and fringed). Interestingly, they are said to have a funny "waddling" walk due to their muscular hindlimbs and trunk.

• Not only is the Saint Miguel larger than most herding dogs but she is also said to be more talented. Very little training is need for herding duties but obedience training may be difficult for a non-experienced owner and should be started immediately.

• These dogs can be ferocious guard dogs if not trained otherwise. They need early socialization to get along with strangers (including unfamiliar kids). They are loving and calm around their owner or family and friendly towards those they are familiar with. Azores don't need the company of other pets and typically live outdoors.

• Activity for the breed goes beyond "daily outdoor exercise". They should live outdoors as they are used to spending day and night with the herd. City living is not for them-- they need a large property or yard to guard. Most importantly they will not be easy to handle or happy without a job to do (guarding, herding).

The Azores Cattle Dog personality is typical for a herding dog in that he must have a job to do, thinks independently, and can be aggressive. Members of this breed are not needy and usually spend all day outside controlling their herds or patrolling the property. If they don't find a place in a household with duties for them, or at least with an active owner, they may prove a lot to handle.

Saint Miguel Cattle Dogs also make great guardians. These dogs should be socialized from puppy-hood since they are naturally suspicious (and even aggressive toward) strangers. With the owner/family and people they are familiar with they will be calm and friendly. Training should be undertaken by a dominant and firm individual-- if that's not you, you should consider another breed.

As far as their working abilities, they are said to need little training and understand the proper force to use with their charges. They can be quite ferocious when handling stray cattle.

Perhaps due to the rarity of the breed and lack of standardized breeding programs there is little information about potential health concerns. We do know they are robust, hardy dogs that spend much of their time working and will likely stay naturally fit unless breeders seek to change them. Due to the rough and tumble nature of cattle herding and guarding, they may be prone to cuts, bites, etc so be sure to check them over each day. It is especially important to frequently examine for debris that may get stuck in the ears or between the toes. Azores Cattle Dogs may live 12-15 years.