Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Cairn Terrier - Breed ComparisonCao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal but Cairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Cao de Gado Transmontano may grow 50 cm / 20 inches higher than Cairn Terrier. Cao de Gado Transmontano may weigh 57 kg / 126 pounds more than Cairn Terrier. Cao de Gado Transmontano may live 3 years less than Cairn Terrier. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Cairn Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Cairn Terrier 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.

cairn terrier - historyThe Cairn Terrier originates in the Scottish Highlands. This feisty little dog was given the name Cairn, as he used to hunt prey between the Scottish cairns. At first the dog was grouped as a ‘Skye Terrier’way back in the 1900s with the Scottish and West Highland White Terrier. Then the different breeds began to be bred separately.

The name Cairn Terrier didn’t appear in print till 1887. It was in 1912 that the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the Cairn Terrier.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Portugal
United Kingdom
Height Male:
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
2 - 10
Size:
Giant dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
Cairn, Toto Dog
Colors Available:
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Coat:
Short to medium length
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

Temperament:

cairn terrier puppy - descriptionThe small sturdily built working Terrier is intelligent and courageous. Bright-eyed, he is small and active and he just loves to work- and party hard with his human family. You’ll see if you’ve got a ball you want to throw for him, his tail is quivering in anticipation and his ears are erect and alert to any noise. He is smart, independent and courageous.

Coat of Many Colors:

The Cairn Terrier has a tough, weather-resistant coat that can be any color but not white. He has a waterproof double coat – the outer one being wiry while the undercoat is soft. You’ll find the coat in man colours such as grey, black, red and brindle with dark points on the ears and muzzle.

The interesting thing with a Cairn is that when you get a puppy, you can’t be sure what color he will end up being as it changes over the years. The ears are fox-like, small and erect, and the natural medium-to-short tail is held straight out.

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.

cairn terrier dog - characteristicsThe Cairn Terrier is a fearless, jaunty little dog, known for his courageous spirit and inquisitive nature. He may be small, but he is stubborn. He will respond well to training and socialization which will turn him into the most awesome pet for families. He can make a wonderful friend and playmate for children too. Socialization and training ensures he gets on well with other pets in the household too.

He is small and energetic, and therefore not the kind of dog you can ignore in terms of exercise. He’ll need a good walk every day and he just loves to chase a ball as it takes him back to the days when he was used to chasing- and catching mice.

He isn’t your typical lap-dog at all and with the right care he becomes a devoted, loyal and loving companion.

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.

cairn terrier puppies - health problemsThe Cairn Terrier is a robust little dog, and with good care can reach 14 years of age and even older. However, with every dog breed there are some health concerns particular to that breed. With your Cairn Terrier look out for a disease known as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL).

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL)

Known also as Krabbe Disease, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare but fatal disease. It is caused by a mutation on the dog’s DNA. There is abnormal processing of an enzyme needed for the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The dog is weak, it has tremors and isn’t co-ordinated. The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog more susceptible to GCL.

Bone and joint diseases

Your Cairn Terrier may well suffer with joint diseases. These diseases, such as luxating patella which is about loose knee joints, and hip dysplasia which is a degenerative hip disease, can cause plenty of pain and discomfort for your pet.

Eye Diseases

Glaucoma is an eye disease where there is pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. Without treatment, there can be damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness.

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:

cairn terrier dogs - caringThe Cairn Terrier sheds very little and the coat is easy to groom. Give him a thorough brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Some trimming will be needed as the coat can become shaggy and unruly.

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build up that can lead to bacteria, gum disease and possible tooth loss.

Diet:

The Cairn Terrier is small but he is an active dog and therefore needs to be on a high-quality dog food. If you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its appropriate to his age, size and activity levels.

He is a small dog so you want to be careful about not letting him become overweight. Try and alternate his commercially manufactured food with some home-made rice, vegetables and meat and also include some raw meat in from time to time. This is of particular importance as chronic skin allergies are common in all terrier breeds. Make sure that there is always a clean bowl of fresh water available to him day and night.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Cairn Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  9. Cairn Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Cairn Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwich Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Feist vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Manchester Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Cesky Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Schnorkie vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  28. Gaddi Kutta vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  29. Nebolish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  30. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  32. Broholmer vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  34. Newfoundland Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  35. Leonberger vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Wolfhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  37. Francais Blanc et Orange vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  38. Mountain Burmese vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  40. Moscow Watchdog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  41. Scottish Deerhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  42. Shiloh Shepherd vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  44. Spanish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  45. St. Bernard vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  46. Kars Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds