Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bully Kutta - 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.

This well built, powerful dog breed is also known as Indian Alangu Mastiff or Pakistani Mastiff. These dogs come from the Punjab and Sindh region of the Indian subcontinent. It is believed that mastiff dogs came with British soldiers during the British invasion, however English Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers and Great Danes are seen as potential ancestors of this large dog.

There are disputes about the country of origin of this breed, and some people claim that the dog comes from India, while others say it comes from Pakistan. Certainly in Pakistan these dogs are still used for fighting.

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 Bully Kutta is a big, heavy, muscular dog, standing at roughly 81 – 89cm and weighing in at 70–90kg. He isn’t particularly good with children or with other pets simply because the dog is aggressive by nature. If you do opt for this large breed, you’re going to need a large garden and he is going to require a lot of exercise.

This is a dog breed that is going to require socialization and training if you want him to be obedient and calm, as he is inclined to be a dominating breed. He’s an intelligent dog and when well trained, he makes a splendid pet with firm, fair owners.

The Bully Kutta has a large, broad head which is supported by a thick well-muscled neck. The skin around his lower jaw is loose. The ears are short, set high and are mostly cropped, but other times they are left to flop over. The tail is sometimes docked but these days mostly left long and tapered.

He has a short smooth coat and is essentially white in color although the coat can also be fawn, brown, black or brindle.

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 Bully Kutta is a powerful, imposing dog and they have been nicknamed the ‘Beast from the East’. Unfortunately it is this dog’s thick bones, his looks and his strength that have him used for cruel dog fighting in Pakistan.

When not used for fighting, he makes a loyal, devoted companion for the owner who ensures proper socialization and training. Well raised Bully Kuttas are then good with children, being loving, protective and playful.

One just hopes that the future of this giant dog breed is brighter, and that he will be looked upon as more of a companion that just a dog-fighting object to bring in money for his owner.

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.

Your Bully Kutta is generally a healthy dog and not often affected by hereditary diseases, but with giant breeds such as this you will have to look out for diseases common to large dogs.

Typical illnesses to watch out for will include hip dysplasia, arthritis, skin allergies and bloat.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition where the hip joint is improperly formed. For your Bully Kutta it causes wear and tear as well as stiffness in the hips and your dog battles to rise after lying down.

Arthritis:

Arthritis in your dog can be managed but it can cause a lot of discomfort for him. This inflammation of the joints can cause pain and stiffness. It is more often seen in older dogs. It can also start at an early age because of problems with bone and joint development and abnormal rubbing within the joint.

Today there are a number of therapy options that can bring some kind of relief to your dog.

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.

Grooming:

The short coat is low maintenance and as a moderate shedder too, all that is required really is to give your Bully Kutta a good brush twice a week to keep the coat in good condition.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week with special canine-toothpaste and toothbrush to prevent plaque build-up. He’s a drooler too, so you will need to wipe his face and maybe your clothes of slobber from time to time.

Diet:

This strong, muscular dog of yours will require an excellent diet. It’s always wonderful if you can give him home-made food such as vegetables, rice and meat. These days you get excellent commercially manufactured food for dogs, and your vet can advise you on the best food for a large, active dog such as the Buly Kutta.

Raw meat is absolutely essential for your dog from time to time and will ensure that his coat doesn’t become dull and with bald spots. Remember, that before dogs were domesticated they used to live on raw meat, so see that he gets some raw meat to prevent skin disorders. Make sure your large pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

Bully Kuttas are going to need a walk every day in the form of exercise. If he is socialized you can take him into the park for ball games. He is a dog that will require plenty of space.