By Jerry Welsh
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. Fawn, grey or brindled short smooth fur covers the dog's muscular square shaped body. This herding dog is larger as compared to other breeds of the same classification but it is very agile. Actually, the dog's gracefulness and efficiency when herding is unsurpassed by other herding dogs. This very rare breed that is seldom seen outside Portugal is the Azores Cattle Dog.
Ever since its creation, the Azores Cattle Dogs has always been vital in managing herds of unruly cattle. Sao Miguel, the largest among the Azorean Islands was covered with dense vegetation during the 15th century. The sailors of Prince Henry have decided to take advantage of the rich plant life by bringing cattle to the island. In fourteen years, the cattle that were left on the island have flourished and grown into unmanageable herds. To take the issue in hand, it was decided that a breed of dog with excellent herding qualities must be developed.
The Fila de Terceira is the ancestor of the breed that is now called Azores Cattle Dog and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. The crossing of this breed with molosser type dogs created the Azores Cattle Dog, a breed acclaimed for its remarkable herding abilities. It was accepted that the breed is already in existence since the 1800s.
Because of the innate herding abilities, extensive training is not really necessary to make the dog learn its herding duties. An Azores Cattle Dog has the aggressive temperament that is considered as an asset of a good guard dog. The primary function of an Azores Cattle Dog is to herd. 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. An Azores Cattle Dog is an outstanding breed especially if made to guard and to herd.
Ever since its creation, the Azores Cattle Dogs has always been vital in managing herds of unruly cattle. Sao Miguel, the largest among the Azorean Islands was covered with dense vegetation during the 15th century. The sailors of Prince Henry have decided to take advantage of the rich plant life by bringing cattle to the island. In fourteen years, the cattle that were left on the island have flourished and grown into unmanageable herds. To take the issue in hand, it was decided that a breed of dog with excellent herding qualities must be developed.
The Fila de Terceira is the ancestor of the breed that is now called Azores Cattle Dog and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. The crossing of this breed with molosser type dogs created the Azores Cattle Dog, a breed acclaimed for its remarkable herding abilities. It was accepted that the breed is already in existence since the 1800s.
Because of the innate herding abilities, extensive training is not really necessary to make the dog learn its herding duties. An Azores Cattle Dog has the aggressive temperament that is considered as an asset of a good guard dog. The primary function of an Azores Cattle Dog is to herd. 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. An Azores Cattle Dog is an outstanding breed especially if made to guard and to herd.
About the Author:
Learn more about the Azores Cattle Dog, its appearance, personality, care, history and origin at Sarah's Dogs.
