Cao de Castro Laboreiro vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison

Cão de Castro Laboreiro originates from Portugal. Also known as the Portuguese Cattle Dog he was used long ago to guard livestock. Today, the modern Cao de Castro Laboreiro is descended from the molosser type dog.

There are hints to the dog's origins from the 19th century, but changes in agricultural methods meant a disappearance of the dog as a livestock protector. Today the dog is mostly kept as a pet and was first seen at a dog show in 1914.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as well as being recognized by the United Kennel Club in the United States.It is a rare dog and not many exist today but in Portugal, the USA and United Kingdom you will find a few breeders.

There is limited information on the Black and Tan Terriers since it is extinct. Black and Tan terrier came out of the “Terrier Wars” between the British and the Welsh in the late 1800’s. With dog shows on the rise, a race began to develop terriers that “belonged” to the Welsh or the British. The Black and Tan Terrier started out as the “Old English Broken-Haired Black and Tan”. The outrages Welsh responded with their first dog show filled with Welsh only terriers. There were 90 dogs at this first show. During this time, the British could not get their act together in respect to starting a club. Even agreeing on the name was difficult for them. Unfortunately, the dogs from both countries were not truly a “breed” but rather first-generation crosses between a wide variety of terriers. These terriers included breeds such as the Lakeland Terrier, the Welsh Terrier, the Patterdale Terrier, Fell Terriers, Border Terrier, Scottish Borders and the Manchester Terrier. The winner of that first dog show was a terrier cross between a Smooth Fox Terrier and a Border Terrier.

In 1885 both the Welsh and the British Black and Tan Terrier were featured. However, the English could not get the club together, so they were dropped from the Kennel Club Listings and only the Welsh Terrier was offered. The Black and Tan Terrier became extinct before 1900.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is a large dog, with height being in the region of 55 to 60cm and weight being in the region of 45 - 70kg. People describe the dog as wolf-like with a coat that is fairly short, thick and course. The coat is brindle with a base color of shades of grey, chestnut and black.

This large mastiff-type dog always has a black nose, his tail is long and carried high, but never curling over the back. He has a broad head and is much like the Labrador in looks, being free of wrinkles on the face.The ears of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro are medium-in-size and floppy while the eyes are dark brown.

Temperament:

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro makes an excellent pet as he forms strong bonds with his human family. He is territorial and makes an exceptional guard dog. He doesn’t particularly like strangers and is aloof around them.

This is an intelligent dog breed, he is strong-willed and stubborn, but when he is around the children in the family he is gentle and loving. When he has been trained and socialized, which is always highly recommended with every dog, he gets along with other pets in the home too.

The Black and Tan Terrier was an active, alert dog. A ratter as most terriers are. With a sleek coat, tan markings and thumbing, he was a handsome dog. Looks very much like the other terriers of his size and color with a truncated tail. He had small erect ears and a snout that was moderately elongated.

Environment and upbringing have plenty to do with how a dog turns out. People who just buy a dog for guardian purposes and nothing else can’t expect companionship in return.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro has always been a fearless guardian of livestock with his strong protective characteristics. He is intelligent and recognizes that a child in the family needs his protection.

This is a large dog who is strong, brave and intelligent but with his human family he is gentle, loving and loyal. Nonetheless he still requires a firm owner, and if you’re fair and firm with him you get the best with him. With this dog you can form a close friendship and bond.

He was an alert and active dog. He was a good guard dog, an excellent ratter and a great family dog. He was affectionate, warm and gentle of the most alert and active of dogs, as game as a pebble, an ideal watchman, an unexcelled ratter and all done up in a small package. No dog exceeds him in beauty of outline, and this is enhanced by his sleek coat, with its sheen that the costliest satin does not possess; set off by the rich Tan markings, dainty penciling and thumbing that would puzzle an artist to reproduce. Information is limited on this extinct breed.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is generally a healthy breed, but even so, it is good to be aware of typical canine diseases that your pet may develop.

Eye Problems:

There are many eye problems that dogs have to contend with and if you see any kind of ulceration in your dogs eye, get veterinary advice.

Heat- Stroke:

A dog should always have access to a shady spot. Never ever leave your dog in a hot car. Heat builds up quickly and death can result soon as the body temperature rises.

Parasites:

Roundworm and tapeworm can infest dogs and you’ll need to speak to your vet about a worming program. Lice, mites and ticks are all parasites which attach themselves to the skin.

The Black and Tan Terrier suffered from similar ailments as all terriers. He dealt with patella luxation (kneepads floating), skin allergies and eye issues. Because the breed is extinct there is little if any research on the health issues they might have experience before distinction

Grooming:

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro has a short coat which requires minimal grooming. Brushing him twice a week to rid him of loose hairs will suffice.

Nail clipping as well as ear- and teeth cleaning are other routine maintenance procedures for your pet.

Diet:

The food you give your pet must be well-balanced and have protein and carbohydrates. If you want his skin and hair to remain healthy, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals will also be needed.

Boneless chicken and fish, brown rice and vegetables can be a good choice as well as some of the top quality commercially manufactured foods. An active dog will always need a higher protein content and therefore including raw meat into the diet is imperative – not every day as it can be very expensive, but every other day.

Remember that bones can be dangerous as they can splinter and cause your pet internal damage. Fresh, cool water must be available at all times.

Feeding

As you would with any terrier of his size 1-2 cups day.

Health issues

The Black and Tan Terrier suffered from similar ailments as all terriers. He dealt with patella luxation (kneepads floating), skin allergies and eye issues.

Exercise and games

The Black and Tan Terrier is in fact a terrier. He was a ratter and he needed intelligent exercise to keep him happy and non-destructive. Activities like barn hunt, agility and fly ball are perfect for this breed. A walk a couple times a day with a time for games is what was needed, and he would love to play ball with kids. They were very cuddly dogs as well.