Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonCao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal but Ciobanesc de Bucovina is originated from Romania. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may live 3 years more than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may have more litter size than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low Maintenance. But Ciobanesc de Bucovina requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
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Portugal
Romania
Height Male:
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
68 - 78 cm
26 - 31 inches
Height Female:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
64 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
50 - 90 kg
110 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
50 - 80 kg
110 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Bucovina Wolf Dog, Bukovinak, Capau, Dulau, Bucovina Sheepdog, Bucovina Mountain Dog, Bucovina Shepherd, Bukovina Bucovina Sheepdog Bucovina Shepherd Southeastern European Shepherd, Ciobanesc de Bucovina
Colors Available:
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
black or black with red-fawn reflections. , Clear white or white-beige with distinct patches of grey
Coat:
Short and smooth
double coated, long and full top coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

ciobanesc de bucovinaThe Ciobanesc de Bucovina is a breed that developed naturally in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania and Serbia) and some regions of Bulgaria. The breed was especially useful in the Romanian northeast regions, the county Bucovina and in the northeastern region of Serbia. These dogs are bred for guarding and herding of flocks as well as guard dogs for the family home.

When the area was split between Russian and Romania, the dog continued to thrive in the mountains because of the need that the shepherds had for this type of dog with the build, working ability and temperament of the Bucovina.

Finally, in the 20th century, Romania began to urbanize and industrialize. People moved to the cities from the hills and many brought their dogs with them. This allowed many non-mountain Romanians to come into contact with the Bucovina Shepherd for the first time. He became a great family dog and offered guard dog protection as well.

The Romanian Kennel Club accepted the Ciobanesc du Bucovina in 1982 and wrote the first standard then. It has since been updated in 2001 and 2002 with today’s standard. They are not accepted by the international clubs nor the big clubs in the US and Europe. This is one factor in keeping the breed rare because it is little known outside of Romania.

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.

ciobanesc de bucovina puppy - descriptionMost large mountain dogs resemble the Bucovina Shepherd, but this breed is more slightly built and has a lighter coat than most of the mountain dogs. They are still a very large dog weighing in between 70 and 120 pounds. They are powerfully built even if more slender than other mountain dogs. They have a long thick coat that makes it difficult to see how their bodies are formed, but they are a very muscular dog.

Their large head does indicate how powerful a dog he is, and he has a wide muzzle that tapers off at the end. The breed has small eyes that are either hazel or brown and his v-shaped ears hang downward on the side of his head. He has a wide, black nose and thick, dark lips. His tail is bushy and long.

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.

ciobanesc de bucovina dog - characteristicsBred to herd and guard cattle against the wolves and bears, it is a very dominant, self-assured, breed. They are intelligent yet laid back when no threat is suspected. They love children but can be hard to train. A dominant adult is needed to train and control the Ciobanesc de Bucovina. They are quite protective of their families and will patrol the property if left outside at night.

The breed has a strong mistrust of strangers but loves his adopted family. Unless threatened the Ciobanesc de Bucovina is calm and chilled. He is loyal, affectionate and dedicated. They attempt to frighten strangers with barks and growls but will attack if necessary. They are also very driven to chase prey so make sure they are in a locked fence. They can be difficult to train and seem to need a strong, alpha adult presence.

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.

ciobanesc de bucovina puppies - health problemsNot much has been done to study the health of this breed so not much is known for certain. It is known that they have good health as they have survived the harsh winters in the mountains while tending to the flocks.

Given their size and the history of mountain dogs, they could be susceptible to visual and skeletal amount of food and at the right times can prevent this. They could be susceptible to arthritis, knee and elbow dysplasia, and cataracts.

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.

Caring for Pet

Feeding

ciobanesc de bucovina dogs - caringIt is important not to over feed or to feed to much at one time. Even though they are large and powerful dogs, massive meals can cause bloat, so you are better off with 2-4 smaller meals per day. Also, don’t feed right before or right after strenuous exercise.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed does not appear to have many health issues. As they developed naturally in the mountains they have not been exposed to many things there.

Bloat

This was already mentioned but it is a very serious condition and requires veterinary assistance immediately under threat of death.

Dysplasia

They can have either hip or elbow dysplasia. Can lead to arthritis of lameness.

Exercise and games

This is a calm, even tempered dog not needing a lot of exercise. However, he is a big dog and can get obese without daily exercise. A large fenced in yard would be appreciated and a nice brisk walk every day. They would probably enjoy flyball and leurcatch. Any herding or hunting would be enjoyed.

Comparison with other breeds

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