Lagotto Romagnolo vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonCao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal but Lagotto Romagnolo is originated from Italy. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Lagotto Romagnolo. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Lagotto Romagnolo. Both Cao Fila de Sao Miguel and Lagotto Romagnolo has almost same life span. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may have more litter size than Lagotto Romagnolo. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low Maintenance. But Lagotto Romagnolo requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Sporting dog
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Portugal
Italy
Height Male:
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Water Dog of Romagna
Colors Available:
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
grey, apricot, Cream, white, brown or tan.
Coat:
Short and smooth
Waterproof, curly double coat with a woolly texture
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
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.

lagotto romagnoloThe Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Water Dog of Romagna, and falling into the sporting dog category, is a pure breed dog which comes from the Romagna region of Italy.

The dog’s role was that of gun dog and to retrieve water birds. Today he is more used as a truffle hunter in Italy as well as being used for a therapy dog.

In 2015 the Lagotto Romagnolo was accepted by the American Kennel Club into the sporting dog category.

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.

lagotto romagnolo puppy - descriptionThe Lagotto Ramagnolo is a medium sized dog where both males and females stand anything between 41 and 48cm and weigh 11 to 16kg.

He is well proportioned and muscled, he has large yellow or brown eyes with a black or brown/pinkish nose, floppy, rounded ears and a tail which is left long these days.

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a waterproof double coat with a woolly texture and which hardly sheds, putting him as being hypoallergenic.

The coat can be in a number of different colors such as cream, grey, white, apricot, brown or tan. The face of the dog has a bit of a beard as well as noticeable bushy eyebrows.

Temperament:

  • Jaunty and feisty
  • Cheerful, lively and alert
  • Intelligent and easily trainable
  • Loving and loyal
  • Undemanding

Because the Lagotto is a sporting breed, he has had to call on all his senses to retrieve water birds. Good eyesight, sharp listening skills and an excellent sense of smell makes him the ideal gun dog but he also makes a loyal family pet.

He makes a good playmate for children and he happily gets on well with other pets in the home. Being an intelligent dog, he is easy to train too.

The sporting past of his has made it that he isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he will require mental- and physical stimulation. His role as gun dog meant that he was required to retrieve birds in water, and he is an excellent swimmer and will happily plunge into water to join you in a swim.

Have him trained and socialized and you’ll find him tuned in to obeying your commands. Because of his smallish size, the Lagotto can adjust well to life in the city or in the countryside, just so long as he still receives his full quota of exercise.

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.

lagotto romagnolo dog - characteristicsMany dog lovers appreciate that the Lagotto Romagnolos is looked upon as an allergy-friendly dog with his non-shedding coat.

Being a medium sized dog, he is manageable too. Add to that excellent characteristics such as being amicable, friendly and loving. Training him some important, basic commands won’t be difficult either and you can add in intelligence to his list of good qualities.

As loving dogs, they are dedicated to their families, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. He is a social dog and just longs to be a treasured member of the family like anybody else.

Count him in with all your activities and you’re going to have a one-in-a-million undemanding and contented canine friend.

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.

lagotto romagnolo puppies - health problemsLagotto live roughly 16 years with the best food, exercise and loving environment. Some health issues may well crop up, though unlikely, but it is good to be aware of them.

Hip Dysplasia:

You hear the words ‘Hip dysplasia’ being bandied about a lot in the world of dogs because it is such a common dog ailment. Your dog can’t be cured but there are a range of management options that will ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

It is such a common joint disease where the hips partially dislocate. Without veterinary intervention, it can be debilitating and painful. It is essentially a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors can come into play too.

You don’t want your pet putting on too much weight as this puts extra strain on the joints.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy:

Your dog has loss of function because of the degeneration of cells or tissues. The illness affects different parts of the brain in dogs. You’ll notice a mild tremor of the head and uncoordinated movements. Your vet will want a history of your pet’s health as well as lab tests.

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.

Grooming:

lagotto romagnolo dogs - caringNot everyone agrees with how to take care of the Lagotto’s rough, waterproof coat of thick curls. The coat doesn’t shed much but it can pick up grass and small twigs easily. Unless brushed out at least 2 or 3 times a week, the coat can become matted and unruly. For many the coat needs to be trimmed regularly.

Exercise:

The Lagotto needs plenty of exercise. His hunting and retrieving past has given him a natural urge to retrieve and he loves going after every ball you throw him. He will also love to join you on your daily walks and it gives him the chance to sniff around. With swimming being added in, this dog is your true sporting buddy.

Diet:

Make sure you feed your Lagotto the very best quality food there is to ensure his well-being and longevity. If you're unsure about whether he is getting in all the necessary vitamins and minerals with his food, speak to a dog expert as good food is key to a happy, healthy dog.

Comparison with other breeds

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