The Saint miguel cattle dog is a good home protector. She has a fighting appearance and the same character. From early childhood, they need to be trained if you want to get dogs of this breed as pets. They treat their owner very gently and devotedly.
The name of the dog fully describes its origin, as the homeland of the dog is the Azores. When the sailors opened the island to the world and began to populate it, they also brought cattle along with their farm. He had to be looked after and guarded in the pastures, so there was a need for a shepherd dog.
The Azores Cattle Dog was bred by crossing Mastiffs, Great Danes and other Molossians. The first breed standard was made in 1984. Officially confirmed and published by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1995.
Now the Azores shepherd dog is popular all over the world, it is considered a rare breed. Often dog clubs or registries attribute many other traits to the breed. They differ from the internationally accepted ones, they even come up with other names.
The dog is strong, but not very large. Height differs by gender.
The body of the dog is covered with thick, short, dense hair with an undercoat. The skin of the animal is very thick. The tail may develop a fringe if it is not docked. It can be gray, light yellow, dark yellow in color, white spots on the chest, forehead, and paws are also allowed.
The head of the Azores dog is large with a strong skull and massive jaws. The ears of the dog are set high, triangular, rounded at the ends. Sometimes the ears can stop, then they become rounded and look like hyena ears.
Character
The Azores Cattle Dog is a good home protector. She has a fighting appearance and the same character.
From early childhood, they need to be trained if you want to get dogs of this breed as pets. They treat their owner very gently and devotedly. Like all working dogs, the Azorean Cattle Dog needs regular exercise.
They tend to make their own decisions and can often strive for strong independence. They need an experienced and authoritative owner. Experts do not recommend getting this dog as the first.
It is difficult for Azorean dogs to get along with other animals in the territory, because they constantly want to dominate. Children are treated loyally, but it is better not to leave them with very small ones, because children's crying can be an aggressive irritant for them.
For representatives of this breed, long walks, active physical activity and training should always be a priority. They are rarely seen as companions.
The best place to live for Azorean Cattle Dogs would be a country house with free space. Without sufficient loads and active pastime, the character of the pupil may deteriorate.
The coat of a pet does not require much care, as it is short and thick. You need to wipe it regularly with a damp towel and comb it once a week. During the molting period, the wool does not fall out much, which does not cause discomfort to the content.
It is systematically worth checking the condition of the ears, if necessary, trim the claws. Once a year you need to vaccinate.
Representatives of the breed are considered one of the easiest to train. Dogs quickly memorize commands, try to constantly please the owner and do everything perfectly.
It is worth remembering the importance of early accustoming Azores shepherd dogs to discipline and obedience, because then their hunting, aggressive qualities will appear in them.
Common diseases
The health of dogs is strong, the immune system is strong. However, like all large breeds, Azorean Cattle Dogs can have hip dysplasia and elbow problems.
