Cao Fila de Sao Miguel

also known as São Miguel Catch Dog, Saint Miguel Cattle Dog, São Miguel Cattle Dog, Azores Cow Dog, Azores Cattle Dog

Pros Summary


The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, also known as the Azores Cattle Dog or the Sao Miguel Cattle Dog, is a breed of dog that originates from the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. They were originally developed as working dogs to herd cattle and protect livestock from predators. Cao Filas de Sao Miguel are known for their intelligence, agility, and endurance, and they have a strong, athletic build with a short, thick coat that is typically black, brindle, or fawn in color. They have a broad, triangular head with a powerful jaw, and medium-sized, pointed ears. Cao Filas de Sao Miguel are intelligent, independent, and strong-willed, and they require consistent and firm training to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved, confident dogs. They are known for their protective instincts and can make excellent guard dogs, but it is important to properly socialize and train them to ensure they are well-mannered and controlled in all situations.

Breed Information


Type

Is Cao Fila de Sao Miguel a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Cao Fila de Sao Miguels originally used for?

Cattle Guardian, Herder

Lifespan

How Long Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels Live? What is average life expectancy for a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel? How long can Cao Fila de Sao Miguels live?

13-14 years

The average Cao Fila de Sao Miguel lifespan is somewhere between 13-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?

What is the average height of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel? How big is a Purebred Cao Fila de Sao Miguel height? Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 19-24 inches (48.3 - 61 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm)
Female 18-23 inches (45.7 - 58.4 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel? How much should Cao Fila de Sao Miguels weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 55-80 pounds (25 - 36 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg) 60.5 pounds (27 kg) 67.5 pounds (31 kg)
Female 44-66 pounds (20 - 30 kg) 38.5 pounds (17 kg) 49.0 pounds (22 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels get fat easily?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel personality? What are Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs best known for?

Dominant
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels heavy shedders? How Much Does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Shed?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels come from?

Azores

Ancestry

What are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels descended from?

Ancient Molosser Breed

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed?

American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Cao Fila de Sao Miguels first bred? How old is the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed?

Ancient Times

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Cao Fila de Sao Miguel eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Cao Fila de Sao Miguel nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Cao Fila de Sao Miguel coat be naturally?

Fawn
Gray
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Cao Fila de Sao Miguels coat?

The coat of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel have in her first litter?

13-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Cao Fila de Sao Miguel can have a litter of 13-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels have a lot of health problems?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Cao Fila de Sao Miguels?

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed?

Full Physical Examination
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels have a lot of energy?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels need socialization? How social are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Cao Fila de Sao Miguels get?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel have? Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels sleep a lot?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel drool a lot?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels enjoy doing? How do I keep my Cao Fila de Sao Miguel busy?

Hike, Walk

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel? How much energy does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel have?

High

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel walk each week? How many miles should a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel should exercise a day? How much activity does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel need?

60 minutes

In general most Cao Fila de Sao Miguels usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?

Weekly

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Cao Fila de Sao Miguels?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 55-80 pound (25 - 36 kg) Cao Fila de Sao Miguel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dog?

These are low-sensitivity, adaptable and easygoing dogs that make great companions for those looking for a low-maintenance and stress-free pet.

Affection Dependance

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguel do well in apartments? Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels good indoor dogs?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels good with kids? Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels good around children?

A Cao Fila de Sao Miguels typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels good with cats? How friendly Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are toward cats?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels OK with other dogs?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels friendly with strangers?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Cao Fila de Sao Miguels will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Cao Fila de Sao Miguels like to play? Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguels playful?

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Cao Fila de Sao Miguel easily trained?

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.