A big cattle dog running at lightning speed between the herd to bring a runaway back would certainly make an astounding impression. The intelligent dog has the aggressive personality vital to an excellent herding dog. The square shaped muscular body is covered with short sleek fur that can be grey, brindled or fawn in color. Unlike other herders, this dog has a larger body but the size is not an impediment that cause the dog to be less agile. In fact its elegant and efficient herding ability is seldom seen in other herding dogs. The Azores Cattle Dog – the very rare breed of herding dog hails from Portugal.
From the time it was created and up to the present, the Azores Cattle Dog has always been a most valued dog that has an outstanding ability to herd unruly cattle. Back in the 15th century, Sao Miguel Island, the biggest island in the Azores is densely covered with vegetation. To take advantage of the thick and rich vegetation, the sailors of Prince Henry have decided to let loose cattle on the fringes of the island. After fourteen years, the cattle that has proliferated have become unruly. To take the issue in hand, it was decided that a breed of dog with excellent herding qualities must be developed.
The Azores Cattle Dog also known as Cao Fila De Sao Miguel was developed from the Fila de Terceira breed. The Fila de Terceira was crossed with mollosers and resulted to the creation of the outstanding herding breed, the Azores Cattle Dog. The breeds existence was documented since the 1800s.
This dog has an inherent herding ability thus very little training is necessary to make the dog learn the ropes of herding. An Azores Cattle Dog’s aggressive personality is a valuable asset that makes this breed an outstanding guard dog. An Azores Cattle Dog was specifically developed to be a herder. The aggressive personality is vital in the performance of its duties thus very little effort was made to refine its ferocious temperament.
An Azores Cattle Dog is a very efficient herder and a dependable guard dog but it is not suitable for first time dog owners. Only a dog wise and a dog experienced dominant owner that has what it takes to handle a breed known for its tough personality is qualified to have this breed. An Azores Cattle Dog is a working breed. Obviously, the dog would not thrive in an apartment being kept mainly as a home companion. The dog has to be allowed to perform what it does best to herd and to guard.