Shikoku vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Shikoku vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal. Shikoku may grow 34 cm / 13 inches shorter than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Shikoku may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Both Shikoku and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same life span. Shikoku may have less litter size than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance. But Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low maintenance

History

shikoku - historyThe Shikoku is from the Shikoku Island in Japan and they are very much like the Japanese Shiba Inu. There are six native Japanese dog breeds and the Shikoku is medium sized and sits in between the smaller Shiba Inu and the very large Akita Inu. All of the Japanese native breeds are members of the Spitz family. The Japanese have sorted their six breeds into 3 categories by size. Being medium size, the Shikoku is a member of the Shika-inus group. Others in this group are the Ainu Ken, the Kai Ken and the Kishu Inu. There are small differences between the three dogs in the Shika-inus group.

The Shikoku was bred to be a hunting dog in Kochi Prefecture to hunt boar and deer. Other names for the breed include Kochi-ken and Kishu dog or boar hound. This dog is considered to be the purest of the Japanese native dogs or Nihoken. They are today very , very rare. There are very few outsides of Japan, but some in North America are attempting to save the breed.

The are od Kochi Prefecture is a mountainous region with rough terrain that anyone outside of the area would have a hard time accessing. That is why the Shikoku is considered to be so pure as they were pretty well isolated in the mountains. The breeders were also isolated by the mountains and there was very little interbreeding. Although breeding the same dog, these different groups developed different lines of the Shikoku.

Documentation tells us that the number of originals lines was just two and these were the Western and Eastern Shikoku. The Western dog was known as the Mount Ishizuchi Shikoku and the Eastern as the Mount Tsurugi Shikoku. Within these two lines of Shikoku there are additional strains.

Within the Eastern line there is the Tokushima (lya) and the Koci-Aki strains. Within the Western line there is the Hata Uwahara, the Ehime-ken Shuso-gun and the Honkawa. Among these lines and strains, there are different coats and different colors; some heavier and some taller, but all figure into the development of the breed.

Finally, in the Showa Era the Japanese established the Dog Protective League and they began collecting the native dogs from around the country. They protected them so that the breed will go on. The Shikoku is today recognized as Foundation Stock by the AKC and it is fully recognized by the Japan Kennel Club, the Canadian Hound Club and the Shikoku has been declared a living Japanese “natural monument”.

Two bloodlines became the way the Shikoku were know after the war – the Honkawa and the Hata lines The Honkawa line were the descendants of the Choshun-go and the Hata line were the descendants of the Matsukaze-go. They bred the lines separately until 1955, when they mixed them to make the breed stronger. They are no longer considered separate in any way.

Because they are such primitive dogs, the Shikoku are good watch dogs and quite reserved with strangers. They need a lot of socialization to be a family pet but once they are, they make great companions. Intelligent, quick to learn and eager to please. Of the two lines of Shikoku dogs from the Western strains, the current Shikoku owes much of its current development to the Honkawa and Hata strains.

The Shikoku are recognized by the following organizations.

The American Canine Association Inc.

The United Kennel Club.

The Canadian Kennel Club.

The American Rare Breed Association

The AKC Foundation Stock Service Program.

The Japanese Kennel Club.

The Dog Registry of America Inc.

cao fila de sao miguel - historyThis 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.

Description

shikoku puppy - descriptionToday’s Shikoku is a medium sized breed with a Spitz like body – square with a head that is wedge shaped. The ears are pointed, and the tail is curved and feathered. They have arched toes and hard pads with dark, hard nails.

The two lines of the Shikoku are slightly different in built and look. The Honkawa strain is slender and athletic; agile and single coated. They have dark eyes and most of them are black and tan.

On the other hand, the Hata strain is much heavier boned, with the front more muscular than the rear. They have small ears, a wide skull and a strong undercoat. His eyes are shaped differently than the Honkawa. Their coats are also mostly red and tan.

cao fila de sao miguel puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

shikoku dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness – They might be a little aloof with children. They are hunters.

2.Special talents – speed and endurance.

3.Adaptability with your commitment to exercise they can live anywhere even in an apartment.

4.Learning ability - highly intelligent fast learners

cao fila de sao miguel dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Health Problems

shikoku puppies - health problemsBeing isolated as they were, the Shikoku was a fairly healthy breed, no genetic testing has been done. Despite this they suffer a few of the same potential issues as other breeds their size.

  • Hip, knee and elbow dysplasia.
  • Food allergies.
  • Gland infections.
  • Digestive or urinary infections and issues.

Otherwise this is an agile and hardy breed with no known congenital health issues.

cao fila de sao miguel puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Caring The Pet

shikoku dogs - caringFeeding the puppy Be careful with feeding the puppy and adult as the breed is known to have a tendency toward obesity. Fresh food is better as it is what the breed has been used to, but a high quality puppy kibble is acceptable. Feed three times per day.

2.Feeding the adult He is a high energy dog so feed a high energy food designed for a medium sized dog. Feed in two meals each day.

3.Points for Good Health The breed has remarkable endurance.

4. Games and Exercises You will need a fenced yard for this breed and time to play with them. If not, you would need time to walk her more than once a day. They love to play indoors as well, chasing balls, learning new things. The breed make great companions for hiking, swimming, play frisbee or catch outside. They do well at agility, rally, obedience and flyball.

cao fila de sao miguel dogs - caringThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Japan
Portugal
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
and red sesame (ground color of red mixed with black hairs)., black sesame (more black than white hairs), Sesame (equal mix of black and white hairs)
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
Coat:
Sesame (equal mix of black and white hairs), black sesame (more black than white hairs), and red sesame (ground color of red mixed with black hairs).
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shikoku vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Shikoku vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Shikoku vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Shikoku vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Shikoku vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Shikoku vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Shikoku vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Shikoku vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Shikoku vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Shikoku vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Shikoku vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Shikoku vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  18. Shikoku vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  19. Slovakian Hound vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  20. Small Munsterlander vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  26. Catahoula Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  27. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  29. Chow Chow vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  30. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  31. Dalmatian vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  32. Golden Doodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  33. Pomsky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  34. Sakhalin Husky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  35. Other vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  36. Chinese Shar Pei vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  37. Olde English Bulldogge vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  39. Old English Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  40. Schnauzer vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  41. Puggle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  42. Brittany vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  43. King Charles Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  44. Fox Terrier vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  45. Schnoodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  46. Collie vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  47. Pharaoh Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  48. English Setter vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  50. Catahoula Leopard vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds