Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison

This Molosser type dog originated on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, a region of Portugal. Known also as the Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog, the existence of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has been documented since early in the 19th century.

The dog has always been used as a cattle dog but today it remains rare outside of Portugal. In was in 1984 in Portugal that the first written breed standard was published in Portugal. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel then earned recognition with the Portuguese Kennel Club.

These large dogs have descended from Flemish cattle dogs, and in French, the word Bouvier means herdsman or cattle herder. This is because the dog was used for driving cattle. The Bouvier comes from the Flemish region of Belgium where it was bred as a working farm dog. It is believed that the breed may have come from crossing local farm dogs with imported Irish Wolfhounds, Schnauzers, Tibetan Mastiffs, Brabanters, Griffons and Beaucerons.

It was in 1910 that the first Bouviers appeared at the international dog show in Brussels, with a standard for the breed being adopted in 1912.The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in 1929. It was after World War 11 that Bouviers were brought to America and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a medium to large sized dog standing 50 – 61cm in height and weighing 25 – 41kg. As with all molossers, the dog has powerful jaws.

This dog breed has muscular limbs and dark brown eyes. The ears are normally docked into a rounded shape much like that of the Hyena. The tail has always been docked at the 2nd or 3rd vertebra but these days with regulations surrounding docking, the tail is unfortunately left long.

The coat of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is short and smooth while the hair on the tail and thighs is a bit longer. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is always brindled, and comes in shades of fawn, brown, gray or black. A white mark on the forehead around the chest or on the paws is also often seen.

Temperament

The Cão de Fãila de São Miguel is a working dog who is used to guarding livestock. He is an athletic dog, game for plenty of action, and he will require plenty of daily exercise. He is territorial and makes an excellent guard dog, but even so, when it comes to his own owner and human family, he is gentle and loving.

The Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel is an intelligent dog and he will need training and socialization which allows him to get on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

The Bouvier is a large compact, well built dog with strong muscled limbs. He stands at roughly 59 to 70 cm high at the withers, weighing between 27 and 52 kg. He has a large head with a thick and abundant coat which is of rough appearance. The coat is mostly black, but you’ll also find a range of other shades such as brindle, grey and fawn.

The back of the dog is level and broad, and is typically wider in female dogs. The back legs are strong and muscular. Some Bouvier des Flandres are born tail-less and this is most attractive. Most Bouvier dog owners used to have the tails docked because of the excellent appearance, but with docking now being banned, the tail is kept long. The muzzle is wide, the nose large, the eyes dark brown and the ears high set and floppy.

The Bouvier is intelligent, energetic and full of confidence while being calm and balanced in temperament. The puppies are vocal and full of antics, but as the Bouvier grows into adulthood, he mellows and becomes a steady family friend who gets on well with each human family member. He loves spending time with his family and becomes both friend and guardian, making a good watchdog too.

The Cão de Fila de São Miguel is a natural guard dog who will love and guard his family. With training and socialization he can become a devoted and gentle family dog with children and with other pets. They can be aloof with strangers.

The Cão de Fila de São Miguel is an active dog who wants to be busy, and he is therefore better suited to country living rather that in a small home where space is limited.

Intelligent, a fast learner, protective and territorial, the Cão de Fila de Sao Miguel is an aggressive, hardy working breed who is also an excellent guard dog and protector. With firm training he becomes loyal, lovable and devoted – an ideal family companion.

The Bouvier is such an amicable dog and strong and energetic too. He makes the most marvellous companion and will happily adapt to life in the city or in the country, although, with his big size, he is better suited to a home where there is enough space to run around in.

He is loyal, loving and protective and when you make sure to make him an active part of your family, you’ll find in him all the characteristics of a true friend.

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a dog who enjoys exceptional health. When you do research you see there aren’t really any particular illnesses plaguing this dog, and he can actually live to be 15 years of age. Be aware of some illnesses as they are common among different dog breeds – hip- and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, heat intolerance and arthritis.

Dog bloat:

This is a dangerous illness that can affect any dog – small or large. This is when the dog’s stomach fills with fluid or gas so that it expands. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs and your dog can have trouble breathing. There is also no blood flow to the heart. Sometimes the stomach of the dog twists and your pet can go into a state of shock. Recognize the symptoms of bloat – a swollen stomach, drooling and wanting to vomit but nothing coming up. Get your dog to the vet immediately.

Abscess:

An abscess can be so painful for your pet often when your dog has a thick coat it could go undetected. If an abscess on your pet doesn’t burst, or even if another abscess appears, a vet must be consulted and a course of antibiotics given.

Ear Infections:

Ear mites, dirt and a build up of wax may cause your dog to scratch at the ear, shake his head or hold it on one side. There may even be a foul-smelling discharge. Your dog will need to have his ears cleaned. Special ear drops can rectify the problem. Remember that hot, red ears will require veterinary attention.

The big teddy-bear of a dog is a healthy breed, but as a large dog, you will need to look out for certain health problems with him.

Hip Dysplasia:

Xrays have been done on many Bouvier des Flandres by the Club and by the Orthopedic Foundation of America and it has been found that a significant percentage of Bouviers were dysplastic. Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint and many large breed dogs battle with this. It can be very sad for dog lovers as they watch their dog battling to get up after lying down and sometimes lameness in the hind legs.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is a common problem in many dogs, and the Bouvier isn’t excluded one bit. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush, there is tartar build-up which can lead to bad breath and gum infection. Dental disease can lead to pain in the teeth and even the loss of teeth. Bad teeth affect the entire body, and the heart, kidneys and joints can all be negatively affected.

Obesity:

The Bouvier is a large dog prone to obesity. This is a serious disease that can lead to all kinds of digestive disorders, back pain as well as heart disease. It can be easy just to give in to your pet’s pleading eyes, but in the long run, excessive weight can spell a host of health problems.

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a low maintenance breed and all that will be required for him is that you give him a thorough brushing a couple of times a week.

Diet:

The Cao Fila De Sao Miguel puppy will require four meals of puppy food a day. The adult Cao fila de sao miguel can go down to 1 or 2 meals a day after his 1st birthday.

These days you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods and your veterinarian can help you choose one suited to this particular dog breed. Add in some home-made vegetables, rice and meat every now and then. The idea is to make sure your dog is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs.

There is evidence showing that dogs who enjoy raw meat every now and then enjoy a number of health benefits. Skin and teeth are improved, your dog has a shinier coat, less allergies,less inflammation and he is more relaxed and amicable. Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water in a clean bowl and at all times.

Training:

Your Bouvier is an intelligent, independent dog and you will be doing him a favor by having him socialized and trained. He becomes such a pleasure to have around, being obedient and willing to respond to your commands.

Exercise:

Every dog, and particularly large dogs like the Bouvier, should be able to rely on a daily walk, a run in the park or on the farm and have special games from his owner. Not only does participating in activities together build a strong bond between dog and owner, its important to avoid boredom and frustration with your dog. You bought him so you therefore have a responsibility toward him.

Grooming:

Your Bouvier des Flandres has a thick, medium-length coat that gets a shaggy look to it. The breed needs regular brushing every second day or so to get rid of loose hairs and to prevent the hair matting. He will require some professional grooming to look and feel his best. With his thick coat, he is hypoallergenic which can be a relief for allergy sufferers.

Diet:

The Bouvier has to be on high-quality dog food, whether you give him home-made food or commercially manufactured food. It has to have the right amount of vitamins and minerals. If you’re unsure about feeding a dog, remember that the amount and type of food you give your pet must be appropriate to your dog’s age, size and energy levels.It can also be wise to know which human foods are bad. Speak to your vet about your dog – they are a minefield of useful information about your pet. Fresh, cool water should be be available at all times.