English Shepherd vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

English Shepherd vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonCao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal but English Shepherd is originated from United States. Both Cao Fila de Sao Miguel and English Shepherd are having almost same height. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than English Shepherd. Both Cao Fila de Sao Miguel and English Shepherd has same life span. Both Cao Fila de Sao Miguel and English Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Cao Fila de Sao Miguel and English Shepherd requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
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Portugal
United States
Height Male:
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
46 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
44 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
21 - 28 kg
46 - 62 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
old fashioed collie, old fashioned shepherd, Scotch Collie, old time collie, farm collie
Colors Available:
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
black and white, sable and white, and tri-color. , black and tan
Coat:
Short and smooth
double, silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao fila de sao miguelThis Molosser type dog originated on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, a region of Portugal. Known also as the Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog, the existence of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has been documented since early in the 19th century.

The dog has always been used as a cattle dog but today it remains rare outside of Portugal. In was in 1984 in Portugal that the first written breed standard was published in Portugal. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel then earned recognition with the Portuguese Kennel Club.

english shepherdThe English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.

The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.

Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.

Description

cao fila de sao miguel puppy - descriptionThe Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a medium to large sized dog standing 50 – 61cm in height and weighing 25 – 41kg. As with all molossers, the dog has powerful jaws.

This dog breed has muscular limbs and dark brown eyes. The ears are normally docked into a rounded shape much like that of the Hyena. The tail has always been docked at the 2nd or 3rd vertebra but these days with regulations surrounding docking, the tail is unfortunately left long.

The coat of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is short and smooth while the hair on the tail and thighs is a bit longer. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is always brindled, and comes in shades of fawn, brown, gray or black. A white mark on the forehead around the chest or on the paws is also often seen.

Temperament

The Cão de Fãila de São Miguel is a working dog who is used to guarding livestock. He is an athletic dog, game for plenty of action, and he will require plenty of daily exercise. He is territorial and makes an excellent guard dog, but even so, when it comes to his own owner and human family, he is gentle and loving.

The Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel is an intelligent dog and he will need training and socialization which allows him to get on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

english shepherd puppy - descriptionThe American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.

The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.

With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.

Characteristics

cao fila de sao miguel dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Fila de São Miguel is a natural guard dog who will love and guard his family. With training and socialization he can become a devoted and gentle family dog with children and with other pets. They can be aloof with strangers.

The Cão de Fila de São Miguel is an active dog who wants to be busy, and he is therefore better suited to country living rather that in a small home where space is limited.

Intelligent, a fast learner, protective and territorial, the Cão de Fila de Sao Miguel is an aggressive, hardy working breed who is also an excellent guard dog and protector. With firm training he becomes loyal, lovable and devoted – an ideal family companion.

english shepherd dog - characteristicsIt may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.

Health Problems

cao fila de sao miguel puppies - health problemsThe Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a dog who enjoys exceptional health. When you do research you see there aren’t really any particular illnesses plaguing this dog, and he can actually live to be 15 years of age. Be aware of some illnesses as they are common among different dog breeds – hip- and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, heat intolerance and arthritis.

Dog bloat:

This is a dangerous illness that can affect any dog – small or large. This is when the dog’s stomach fills with fluid or gas so that it expands. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs and your dog can have trouble breathing. There is also no blood flow to the heart. Sometimes the stomach of the dog twists and your pet can go into a state of shock. Recognize the symptoms of bloat – a swollen stomach, drooling and wanting to vomit but nothing coming up. Get your dog to the vet immediately.

Abscess:

An abscess can be so painful for your pet often when your dog has a thick coat it could go undetected. If an abscess on your pet doesn’t burst, or even if another abscess appears, a vet must be consulted and a course of antibiotics given.

Ear Infections:

Ear mites, dirt and a build up of wax may cause your dog to scratch at the ear, shake his head or hold it on one side. There may even be a foul-smelling discharge. Your dog will need to have his ears cleaned. Special ear drops can rectify the problem. Remember that hot, red ears will require veterinary attention.

english shepherd puppies - health problemsLike many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.

Caring The Pet

cao fila de sao miguel dogs - caringThe Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a low maintenance breed and all that will be required for him is that you give him a thorough brushing a couple of times a week.

Diet:

The Cao Fila De Sao Miguel puppy will require four meals of puppy food a day. The adult Cao fila de sao miguel can go down to 1 or 2 meals a day after his 1st birthday.

These days you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods and your veterinarian can help you choose one suited to this particular dog breed. Add in some home-made vegetables, rice and meat every now and then. The idea is to make sure your dog is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs.

There is evidence showing that dogs who enjoy raw meat every now and then enjoy a number of health benefits. Skin and teeth are improved, your dog has a shinier coat, less allergies,less inflammation and he is more relaxed and amicable. Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water in a clean bowl and at all times.

Feeding

english shepherd dogs - caringRemember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.

Health issues

In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:

Dysplasia

Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  6. English Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. English Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. English Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. English Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. English Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  18. English Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison