Dogo Cubano vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba but Cao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal. Both Dogo Cubano and Cao de Fila da Terceira are having almost same height. Dogo Cubano may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Both Dogo Cubano and Cao de Fila da Terceira has almost same life span. Both Dogo Cubano and Cao de Fila da Terceira has same litter size. Both Dogo Cubano and Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low maintenance.

History

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira Mastiff hails from Portugal and is also known as the Rabo Torto.The dog actually comes from the isle of Terceira in the Azores. The dog descends from mastiffs, bulldogs and local dogs.

It was in the 1960s that there was an attempt to revive the dwindling numbers of the breed. The dog was declared extinct in the 1970s but there were some people in the Azores who wanted to see the breed restored, and it remains a mystery as to if the dog is in fact still available. The breed isn’t recognized by kennel clubs.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Cuba
Portugal
Height Male:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
70 - 80 kg
154 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
67 - 80 kg
147 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
Rabo Torto
Colors Available:
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
Fawn, yellow, brindle, red or black
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a medium sized molosser, recognized by his weird tail – short and twirled. In fact, the dog’s other name, Rabo Torto, actually stands for ‘twisted tail’, which is a trademark of this dog and which is thought to come from the mix of bulldog in him.

The dog’s coat is short and smooth and the color is usually fawn or yellow while other colors such as brindle, red or black are also available but less acceptable. You may also find small white markings on the chest and feet.

Standing at about 55cm, the dog is muscular and powerful with a broad head, medium sized floppy ears, wide chest and strong muzzle.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a good guard dog and while he doesn’t like strangers, he is a dog who is loving and devoted with his human family. See that he gets socialized and trained and he is capable of establishing a deep relationship with all members of the family, children and other pets included. He relies on his owners to provide him with warmth and communication.

Characteristics

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

If only dog owners would realize that when it comes to a dog’s characteristics, that while there are some traits inherent in a dog, essentially it’s a case of you reap what you sow with a dog. Treat your dog badly, ignore him and abuse him and you get an aggressive, volatile dog who is a threat to the very humans who created the monster in him.

The Cão de Fila da Terceira will certainly need excellent training and socialization, and when he receives plenty of loving attention from his human family he becomes an amazing, relaxed pet. He becomes patient and sweet-tempered so that you can ultimately call him guardian and friend.

Health Problems

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

The Cão de Fila da Terceira is a healthy dog breed, but even so, you need to be looking out for some ailments which can threaten the comfort and wellbeing of any dog.

Constipation:

This can often be brought about by the wrong diet. When you see your pet battling to clear out the bowels, it can often be rectified by altering your dog’s diet. Speak to your vet if it continues. Your vet may suggest adding some form of nutritious oil to your pet’s diet.

Heart Problems:

Dogs can also suffer from heart disease, especially when there is an obstruction to the flow of blood to the brain which can cause your pet to collapse. Veterinary attention must be sought without delay.

Kidney Failure:

Frequent passing of water can be indicative of a kidney problem. Veterinary advice will be needed.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

Companionship is important for the Cao de Fila da Terceira, and if you don’t have another dog in the home, as a pack animal, your dog will rely on you for being an active part of his life. A dog that is well treated becomes thoroughly loyal to his owner.

Diet:

A balanced diet is important for health and for a shiny coat. If you’re unsure of how to feed your Terceira, speak to your veterinarian first. Your vet will know that protein for instance, is essential for your dog. The vet will also speak to you about how to feed a puppy, an adult dog, a pregnant female dog and also feeding your senior dog. Your vet will also explain the hazards of overfeeding and how raw meat also needs to be included in your pet’s diet.

Fresh, cool water is your pet’s life-blood and should be available to your dog night and day. Every dog can benefit too from taking a daily supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acid.

Grooming:

The grooming of your pet will depend on the breed. The Cão de Fila da Terceira has a short coat so he will be easy to maintain. Brush him twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Areas which also need checking daily are the eyes to see that there is no discharge. It is also important to inspect the ears as there should be no build-up of wax inside the ear. Toenails also need attention and should be clipped if they grow long from the pet not walking on hard surfaces.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Cubano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Cubano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Cubano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Cubano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Cubano vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Cubano vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Cubano vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Cubano vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Cubano vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Cubano vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Cubano vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Cubano vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  27. Perro de Presa Canario vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  28. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  29. Dogo Guatemalteco vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  30. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  31. Danish Broholmer vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  32. Sage Koochee vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  33. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  34. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  36. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  37. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  38. Cordoba Fighting Dog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  39. Perro Cimarron vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro de Toro vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  41. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  42. Korean Mastiff vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  44. Labradoodle vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  46. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  47. Great Pyrenees vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  48. Old English Sheepdog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  49. Presa Canario vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds