Azores Cattle Dog

Notes

Also known as Cão de Fila de São Miguel and the Saint Miguel Cattle Dog, the Azores Cattle Dog was, at the time of the PKC breed creation, in the Provisional Group of FCI and thus put into the Pastoral group of PKC. UKC has continued this classification. This breed is a tough cattle herder that works by nipping the heels of the animals it's herding. It was mainly found on the main island of the Azores, namely São Miguel, and is the most recently recognized of the eight portugese breeds. It was recognized in 1978 by the Portugese Kennel Club and in 1995 by the FCI.

The Azores Cattle Dog has not only worked as a herder, but also been kept as a watchdog. Not from predators, for there are none on the Azores, but from thieves. It most likely originates from dogs brought to the islands in the 1400's, and is closely related to a now extint breed that was called 'Cão de Terceira', as well as the Rafeiro do Alentejo and Spanish Mastiff. When cropped and docked, the breed is said to resemble a hyena.

The Azores Cattle Dog is a somewhat rectangular dog with great agility and endurance. The head is powerful and square in shape, with a clearly marked stop. The ears are set quite high, the natural shape is triangular but can also be cropped to appear rounded, giving the breed a hyena-like appearance. The body is powerful with a quite heavy chest, typically the breed is higher over the rear than the shoulders. The tail is set high and may be docked or natural. The coat is short and thick with a somewhat wirey texture.

Breed Files