PetzloverCao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal but Tibetan Mastiff is originated from China. Cao de Fila da Terceira may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than Tibetan Mastiff. Cao de Fila da Terceira may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Tibetan Mastiff. Both Cao de Fila da Terceira and Tibetan Mastiff has almost same life span. Both Cao de Fila da Terceira and Tibetan Mastiff has almost same litter size. Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low Maintenance. But Tibetan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance
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.
The Tibetan Mastiff is still considered to be a primitive breed originating in Tibet centuries ago. The breed was developed to guard property and livestock. They still do this as well as being a much loved family dog and a show dog as well. There is very little history that is documented for the breed prior to the 19th century.
Believed to be centuries old with ancestors who are mastiff like dogs that developed into two different types of Tibetan Mastiffs. These types are the Tsang-Khyi and the Do-Khyi. The Tsang Khyi were guardians for Tibetan monks, while the Tsang-Khyi guarded flocks for nomadic shepherds and in villages.
The first Tibetan Mastiff was imported in 1847 to England and presented as a gift to Wueen Victoria, from India’s Viceroy. By 1873 there was an English Kennel Club and the breed was labeled a large dog from Tibet and entered into the EKC Stud Book.
The next year the future King Edward VII, brought another two Tibetan Mastiffs to the United Kingdom to show in 1875. The first breed club began in 1931. The world wars interfered and no new dogs were imported to England until 1976. Two dogs were given to the President of the United States in the late 1950’sbut were not bred and it wasn’t until 1970 that any more were imported. The US Tibetan Mastiff Club was not founded until 1974 and they were first entered in a National Specialty show in 1979.
In 2007 the AKC recognized the breed as a working dog since 2007. It’s hard to find a purebred Tibetan Mastiff in Tibet anymore.
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.
Both types of Mastiffs can be present in the same litter, so that both larger and smaller pups are present. Both types are well-muscled and structured. Today’s dogs being developed in China and the West are much larger than the previous ones. These dogs would be less useful to the nomads and cost too much to feed. Today’s dog is very large with a large head and a long double coat. This coat can be black, brown, gold, and blue, with or without tan markings. There are now a few white Tibetan Mastiffs being bread.
The breed standard for the Mastiff is different in the West than in the East. In the East the breed is broken into two categories – the Lion Head and the Tiger head.
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.
With extreme caution and only if raised together
Guard dog
Not good. No apartments and cant deal with heat
Highly intelligent very stubborn and independent
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.
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.
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.
Frequent passing of water can be indicative of a kidney problem. Veterinary advice will be needed.
Though considered a primitive dog and isolated for several centuries, so they should not have as many genetic or inherited conditions as other dogs with more cross and in-breeding. These are the potential health issues they might develop:
Elbow and Hip dysplasia – can lead to lameness and arthritis.
OCD Osteochondrois Dissecans – this is also an orthopedic condition when the soft tissue growth is abnormal in the joints. It is painful and the joint is stiff. Don’t breed a dog that has this condition.
Panosteitis – Canine growing pains. Inflammation of the long bones in large dogs as they grow. They will eventually out grow it. Pain can be managed through medication.
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism – Hormone deficiency leading to flaky skin, weight gain and lack of energy. Can be managed through medication.
Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy – If your Tibetan Mastiff is going to have this condition, they will have it by six weeks of age. Weakness in the hind legs leading to paralysis.
Bloat – deadly if not treated immediately and related to dietary habits.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t feed the puppy too much protein as you want to prevent Panosteitis and growing too quickly. Do not overfeed. Feed 4-5 cups of high quality large breed puppy food in 3-4 meals day.
4 to 6 or more cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. To avoid bloat do not feed before or after vigorous exercise.
Calm and laid back when inside.
They need 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise and play daily. They prefer to play with other large dogs.