Utonagan vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison

The Cabecudo Boiadeiro has always played an important role in the management of livestock. Stockdogs like this were known in parts of Minas Gerais as early as the 18th century. In fact reports tell us that the Cabecudo has existed since the 16th century as a working dog in the rural parts of Brazil.

The Capecudo has remained much the same over the centuries – a dog created as a guardian for large properties, as a game hunter and livestock herder and protector. Today this Molosser dog still drives cattle in Brazil.

The Utonogan is such a wolf-like dog, you couldn’t be blamed for thinking you’d come face to face with a true wolf. They’re a rare dog breed that came about from crossing the Siberian Husky, the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute.

The dog was developed by Edwina Harrison and it was in the 1980s that the dog was introduced into the UK.

The Utonagan is a rare dog with only a few breeders. Take care with where you buy your Utonogan from and certainly steer clear of backyard breeders or puppy mills.

The Brazilian Cabedudo is a strong boned, large dog with a large head and a deep chest. The coat of the dog is short and dense and in wheat-colored shades or fawn shades, while brindle is also in existence. The Cabeçudo Boiadeiro is also known as the Brazilian Mastiff and is a large, imposing dog.

Because the breed was created from a blend of the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound, not only is this a large dog in height, but a big boned dog as well. He has short to medium length floppy ears and a long tail.

The Brazilian Cabedudo is a courageous dog. When he has been properly trained and socialized, this large dog is capable of becoming an obedient, loving and devoted family pet who is able to get along with children and other pets too. He reserves this gentler side of him for his human family and won’t easily tolerate strangers.

These dogs are large and lean, looking vibrant and strong. They stand at between 63-84 cm in height and weigh roughly between 32-40 kg.

The body is long with strong but slender legs with webbed paws. They look like wolves with the sharp muzzle, the erect ears, bushy tails and slanted eyes with black eye rims. The double coat is thick and straight. Colors of the coat can be silver or gey, cream, brown, or black. The coat becomes thicker in the Winter.

Temperament:

The Utonagan is a very social dog, wanting to spend a lot of time with his human family. They have so many excellent qualities that make him a splendid pet - loving, loyal and gentle.

Whether you have other pets in the home or children, he is a dog that is able to get on with everyone. He is wary of strangers though and with training ad socialization he is going to be the most fantastic pet and companion.

Deciding to become an owner of a dog is a big responsibility, as you are going to have your pet with you for 10 – 15 years at least. There are so many essentials to remember with owning a dog and most dogs are far happier and healthier when allowed to live part of the time indoors with their human family.

It's not always easy being a large dog such as the Cabecudo Boiadeiro, as people often assume these mastiff-type dogs are unfriendly and aggressive.

Every dog breed however, is essentially the product of his owners lifestyle and his unique upbringing with them. When this large pet is properly trained and socialized and he is loved and well cared for, he promises to be faithful, devoted, playful and loving – a real friend and protector.

The Utonagan is an intelligent dog and also very social and people-oriented. He wants to be part of his human family, with a friendly, playful nature.

He will certainly not like being left alone and outside day after day. He can become frantic with frustration and this can be laid at the feet of an irresponsible dog owner.

Give him the life he wants and deserves, and this beautiful wolf-like dog will be your friend for life.

The Cabecudo Boiadeiro is considered a robust breed, used to lots of exercise while herding livestock. With good care and plenty of exercise he can live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age. He is a large breed and this fact alone will ensure that you be aware of some dog illnesses prone to larger breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an orthopedic condition where the hip joints don’t fit properly into the hip joint. Larger breeds such as the Cabecudo Boiadeiro are at a higher risk of getting this orthopaedic disorder.

You’ll see your dog battling to move around and he may not even be able to get up again after lying down. Sometimes a dog might even require surgery. Thankfully, there is testing for hip dysplasia in dogs, and you can ask to see a clearance certificate if you buy your puppy from a so-called reputable breeder.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that can actually lead to blindness in your pet. Night blindness sets in and your dog becomes unsure how to walk in unfamiliar areas, You'll notice that his eyes become gray or cloudy-looking as though there is a film over the eyes. Parent dogs with this eye disease should be spayed or neutered.

Yur Utonagans can live to be between 12 and 15 years of age, but a few issues can include cancer and joint dysplasia.

Cancer is a major cause of death in dogs old and young. There also seems to be some dog breeds that are more prone to cancer than others.

Thankfully most of the cancers are curable if you get them in the nick of time. The warning signs of cancer in your dog is much the same as with people and you’ll discover a new lump on your pet or a wound that simply won’t heal.

When you detect that your pet is lethargic and not acting his usual perky self, it is time to get him immediately to the vet.

Exercise:

The Cabecudo Boiadeiro is a large breed dog. In spite of his size though, he is surprisingly an active dog. He will need regular exercise such as a brisk walk very day. You can also put aside time to give him some exciting ball games. He is a breed used to working so he will be most unhappy lying around doing nothing.

Diet:

If you are going to be feeding your Cabecudo Boiadeiro commercially manufactured good, make sure it is the best quality food. Always go for dog foods which have all the nutrients your large dog requires.

You get wet, dry and raw complete foods and you can give your pet a mix of these. Always make sure that your pet gets some raw meat in from time to time too, otherwise he could battle with skin diseases.

If you aren’t sure how to feed such a large dog, your veterinarian will help you decide which category of food would suit your pet. Clean, cool water is to be provided constantly.

Exercise:

These are very high energy dogs and they will need exercise every day. While they will love a walk, they would be happier with something more vigorous such as a hike.

Swimming, ball games and hide and seek will all need to be on this dog’s menu of events. It is why it’s a dog that is better suited to life in the country as opposed to life in the city.

Diet:

If you opt to buy this dog commercially manufactured food, he will need to have a high quality one high in vitamins and minerals and designed for energetic dogs. Try and avoid the inferior brands as they are packed with ingredients that can be of no value to your pet. There are ingredients which can actually make him sick.

Home-made food is always a good thing for dogs, especially when it is simple, nutritious food that won’t aggravate the stomach.

You can’t go wrong with foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, and vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potato. A little bit of raw meat added in occasionally can be excellent as well. Always make sure that a bowl of fresh water is available to your pet around the clock.

Grooming:

This is such a beautiful dog, you want to keep him that way. His thick coat is going to require regular brushing to keep it free from matting. Not only that, grooming stimulates the skin. You can also check him over at the same time for ticks and fleas and make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps on the body.

This type of dog values the grooming session as it is a bonding time for him, making him that much happier and content.

Other grooming needs will include taking care of his nails and checking inside his ears and mouth for signs of infection.