Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Basenji - Breed Comparison

Basenji is originated from Congo but Cao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal. Basenji may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Basenji may weigh 67 kg / 147 pounds lesser than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Both Basenji and Cao de Fila da Terceira has almost same life span. Both Basenji and Cao de Fila da Terceira has almost same litter size. Both Basenji and Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
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Congo
Portugal
Height Male:
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
70 - 80 kg
154 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
67 - 80 kg
147 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
Rabo Torto
Colors Available:
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
Fawn, yellow, brindle, red or black
Coat:
short
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

basenjiThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira Mastiff hails from Portugal and is also known as the Rabo Torto.The dog actually comes from the isle of Terceira in the Azores. The dog descends from mastiffs, bulldogs and local dogs.

It was in the 1960s that there was an attempt to revive the dwindling numbers of the breed. The dog was declared extinct in the 1970s but there were some people in the Azores who wanted to see the breed restored, and it remains a mystery as to if the dog is in fact still available. The breed isn’t recognized by kennel clubs.

Description

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a medium sized molosser, recognized by his weird tail – short and twirled. In fact, the dog’s other name, Rabo Torto, actually stands for ‘twisted tail’, which is a trademark of this dog and which is thought to come from the mix of bulldog in him.

The dog’s coat is short and smooth and the color is usually fawn or yellow while other colors such as brindle, red or black are also available but less acceptable. You may also find small white markings on the chest and feet.

Standing at about 55cm, the dog is muscular and powerful with a broad head, medium sized floppy ears, wide chest and strong muzzle.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a good guard dog and while he doesn’t like strangers, he is a dog who is loving and devoted with his human family. See that he gets socialized and trained and he is capable of establishing a deep relationship with all members of the family, children and other pets included. He relies on his owners to provide him with warmth and communication.

Characteristics

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.

If only dog owners would realize that when it comes to a dog’s characteristics, that while there are some traits inherent in a dog, essentially it’s a case of you reap what you sow with a dog. Treat your dog badly, ignore him and abuse him and you get an aggressive, volatile dog who is a threat to the very humans who created the monster in him.

The Cão de Fila da Terceira will certainly need excellent training and socialization, and when he receives plenty of loving attention from his human family he becomes an amazing, relaxed pet. He becomes patient and sweet-tempered so that you can ultimately call him guardian and friend.

Health Problems

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.

The Cão de Fila da Terceira is a healthy dog breed, but even so, you need to be looking out for some ailments which can threaten the comfort and wellbeing of any dog.

Constipation:

This can often be brought about by the wrong diet. When you see your pet battling to clear out the bowels, it can often be rectified by altering your dog’s diet. Speak to your vet if it continues. Your vet may suggest adding some form of nutritious oil to your pet’s diet.

Heart Problems:

Dogs can also suffer from heart disease, especially when there is an obstruction to the flow of blood to the brain which can cause your pet to collapse. Veterinary attention must be sought without delay.

Kidney Failure:

Frequent passing of water can be indicative of a kidney problem. Veterinary advice will be needed.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

Companionship is important for the Cao de Fila da Terceira, and if you don’t have another dog in the home, as a pack animal, your dog will rely on you for being an active part of his life. A dog that is well treated becomes thoroughly loyal to his owner.

Diet:

A balanced diet is important for health and for a shiny coat. If you’re unsure of how to feed your Terceira, speak to your veterinarian first. Your vet will know that protein for instance, is essential for your dog. The vet will also speak to you about how to feed a puppy, an adult dog, a pregnant female dog and also feeding your senior dog. Your vet will also explain the hazards of overfeeding and how raw meat also needs to be included in your pet’s diet.

Fresh, cool water is your pet’s life-blood and should be available to your dog night and day. Every dog can benefit too from taking a daily supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acid.

Grooming:

The grooming of your pet will depend on the breed. The Cão de Fila da Terceira has a short coat so he will be easy to maintain. Brush him twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Areas which also need checking daily are the eyes to see that there is no discharge. It is also important to inspect the ears as there should be no build-up of wax inside the ear. Toenails also need attention and should be clipped if they grow long from the pet not walking on hard surfaces.

Comparison with other breeds

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  32. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
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  35. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  47. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
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