Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison

Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Boerboel - Breed ComparisonCao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal but Boerboel is originated from South Africa. Cao de Gado Transmontano may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Boerboel. Cao de Gado Transmontano may weigh 25 kg / 55 pounds lesser than Boerboel. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Boerboel has same life span. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Boerboel has almost same litter size. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Boerboel requires Low maintenance.

History

cao de gado transmontano - historyThe Cão de Gado Transmontano which is also known as the Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog is a large dog – in fact a giant dog breed. This is a rare molosser working dog, hailing from the region of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province in Portugal.

The large dog has always been used to herd livestock and to also ward off wolves. It is believed that the dog’s roots come from the Tibetan Mastiff as well as a Portuguese cattle dog known as the Rafeiro do Alentejo. The dog also shares some similarities with the short-haired Estrela Mountain Dog.

In 1995 the breed was still exclusive to Portugal, but now the breed has been imported to Oregon, USA to be part of an experiment to document bigger breeds and their role in protecting livestock from wolves. They were re-introduced to north-east Oregon from 2008.

boerboel - historyThe name ‘Boerboel’ is derived from an Afrikaans/Dutch word, and the large Boerboel dog from South Africa has been specifically bred to be a farmer’s dog. Bred also to be a strong guard dog, the Boerboel is a mix of different African and European breeds, which in all likelihood, will include the Bullmastiff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bulldog. These dogs were used to hunt baboon and leopard.

There is some information that suggests that the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Other information suggest that the dog is a descendant of the old Boer Hund, a powerful animal which was invaluable to the farmer.

In was in January 2010, that the American Boerboel Club was elected as the AKC’s Parent Club. The Boerboel was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the Working dog group.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Portugal
South Africa
Height Male:
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Colors Available:
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
Coat:
Short to medium length
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

cao de gado transmontano puppy - descriptionThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a large dog, believed to be the biggest of the Portuguese dog breeds. He is powerful and muscular with a large head and can stand up to 83cm in height and can weigh up to 65kg.

He is tough, and is quite comfortable living outside. He is a long-legged dog with a wide chest with medium length floppy ears and a long tail. The coat is fairly short although it can be in a variety of lengths. It is the medium length coated dog with the right coloring that is looked upon as a pure breed. The dog is white with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades.

Temperament:

The Transmontano Mastiff is an intelligent, obedient dog who is also independent and stubborn. As with all dogs, it is important to have him trained and socialized as this makes him obedient and eager to please. He loves to be patted by his owners and is a dog which is easy to train, responding well to firmness and fairness.

He is calm and somewhat docile but at the same time he is energetic and alert, making him a good watchdog. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny space. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home.

Looks

boerboel puppy - descriptionThe Boerboel is a big, strong dog with powerful muscles. His height is between 61 – 66cm. He is similar looking to the Boxer dog, just heavier and bigger. The head of the dog is broad and big and the short, smooth coat can be of various shades, with breeders trying to achieve a single color of light tan and with no white. Their coats can also be red, different shades of brown and brindle.

The dog has a black facial mask and the eyes are brown with the ears being of medium length and floppy. The Boerboel’s tail has always been docked, but today breeders are keeping the tail long. Many Boerboel lovers object to this, saying it detracts from the distinctive look of the Boerboel.

Temperament

The Boerboel can be a wonderfully loyal and loving pet to their owners. They are territorial dogs and suspicious of strangers. This is a dog where it is imperative that they receive training and socialization as a puppy. They have leanings towards being aggressive so they wouldn’t be recommended to first time dog owners, unless of course the first time owners are firm and strong.

Boerboels raised the right way can be gentle giants. They often get bad publicity as regards to aggression, but this is because of they way they have been raised. Boerboels have been bred to be tough and fearless and they make excellent watchdogs. When raised and trained correctly, they make awesome, devoted companions, even around children and other pets.

Characteristics

cao de gado transmontano dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano may look like a fairly formidable dog but they aren’t aggressive. They are full of courage and are above all, loving and loyal to their human family.

When you choose to have one of these large dogs as your pet, it is important to make sure he knows that you’re the leader. With training and socialization this dog is a gentle giant who makes an exceptional family pet.

boerboel dog - characteristicsA well trained, socialized Boerboel makes a splendid pet. This is one breed known to have excellent guard- and watch dog characteristics. Boerboels are known for being protective when necessary. When not on guard, they make wonderful pets. He’ll need plenty of exercise, but he loves to also spend time indoors with his human family.

This a a bold, fearless dog who becomes devoted to his family. With the right training he is obedient and affectionate and knows how to behave appropriately indoors- and outdoors. For such a big dog, the African Boeboel’s temperament can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate around the family that he loves.

Health Problems

cao de gado transmontano puppies - health problemsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a tough dog, used to spending long hours outside guarding sheep. These days however, he is also a companion dog and you’ll want to be aware of some common dog ailments that can strip him of his health and his joy of life.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a looseness with the hip joint, and while it can occur with all dogs, it is more common in large dogs. It’s a disease which can lead to arthritis, pain and also joint degeneration. It’s a disease which can be debilitating for the dog and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This is a heart disease seen in large breed dogs and where the heart becomes weak and can’t properly pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms include coughing, weakness, difficulty with breathing as well as a fluid-distended abdomen.

boerboel puppies - health problemsMany health problems experienced with any dog are found in the way dogs are fed, the way they are exercised and the way they are attended to when they are ill. Boerboels are healthy dogs and suffer fewer health defects than most similar breeds. The average life expectancy of a Boerboel is about 10 to 12 years. There are one or two health issues you’ll want to watch out for with your Boerboel.

Hip dysplasia

This aliment is typically found in large breed dogs. It’s a problem caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Over time hip dysplasia causes discomfort, pain and even arthritis and lameness. It is genetically inherited, with its severity being influenced by environmental factors. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable.

Obesity

The Boerboel has plenty of muscle mass, and because he is such a large dog with a big appetite, he can lean towards obesity. Plenty of activities will be imperative to maintain muscle mass and ward off obesity. Over-eating suppresses the immune system, so over-feeding your dog simply contributes to ill health.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

cao de gado transmontano dogs - caringJust because this is a large dog, doesn’t mean you need to over-feed him. He is muscular and athletic, and by watching his diet, he’ll continue to be strong, lean and healthy. You can feed him a top quality pet-food brand and include boiled chicken, rice and vegetables. Every now and then mix in some raw meat with his dog food to ensure that his skin remains free of rashes and itchiness. Fresh, cool water must be available to him day and night as he drinks abundantly.

Grooming:

Some dog breeds need to be trimmed or stripped to look good, and dog owners often invest in expensive equipment to groom their pets themselves, Fortunately the large Cão de Gado Transmontano is a low maintenance dog and all you’ll need to do is give him a good brush-down twice a week.

Check his eyes, ears, teeth and nails regularly. Remember that dental hygiene is imperative and special canine toothbrush and toothpaste is available to brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3x a week to get rid of plaque and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Grooming

boerboel dogs - caringBoerboels are a robust breed and their short hair doesn’t shed heavily. Your Boerbul will require a thorough brushing twice a week to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Boerboels, just like any other dog, should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Left unattended, your pet can battle with tooth decay and gum disease.

Feeding

Your Boerboel puppy will need ‘large breed puppy’ dog food. Speak to your veterinarian about wet- or dry kibble choices. An adult Boerboel will certainly need raw meat in his diet. When you do research, you find that the best Boerboel breeders are advocates for raw feeding. Home made food with rice, vegetables and meat as well as the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods for large breeds are excellent choices but raw meat is imperative as part of every dog’s diet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  3. Gaddi Kutta vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  4. Nebolish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  5. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  7. Broholmer vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  9. Newfoundland Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  10. Leonberger vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Wolfhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  12. Francais Blanc et Orange vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  13. Mountain Burmese vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  15. Moscow Watchdog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Deerhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  17. Shiloh Shepherd vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  20. St. Bernard vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  21. Kars Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  22. Samoyed vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  23. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  24. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  25. Boerboel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  26. Boerboel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  27. Boerboel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  28. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  29. Boerboel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  31. Boerboel vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  33. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Boerboel vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  35. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  36. Boerboel vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  37. Boerboel vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  38. Boerboel vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  39. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  40. Labrador Husky vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  41. Argentine Dogo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  42. Giant Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  43. Goldador vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  44. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  46. Central Asian Shepherd vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds