Sloughi vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

The Sloughi is an ancient dog breed, dating back to the 13th century, and coming from Morocco, North Africa.

Much of its history isn’t well known. The dog is a member of the sighthound family. They were originally used for hunting purposes.

The world wars saw their numbers declining. The first Sloughi dog was introduced to the United States in 1973. It was in 1989 that the American Sloughi Association was founded. The dog was also recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Foundation Stock Service breed in 1997. The dog has also been recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group.

They are rare in the United States and if you wanted to buy one of these dogs you would stand a better chance of looking for a breeder, and then there may be a waiting list.

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.

The Sloughi is a big dog, tall and slender. The head is also long and elegant. He stands between 61 and 72cm, both male and female, and he weighs in the region of 18 to 28kg.

Looking much like a large Greyhound, the leggy dog has a noble look about him. Known for his hunting skills, he is fast and agile. In fact he is nicknamed the ‘Arabian Greyhound’.

The short straight hair makes him always look well groomed and clean. He sheds moderately throughout the year. Colors of the coat can be a fawn color, sandy, reddish brown or brindle and some come with the black mask and others without. He has medium length floppy ears and a long tail

Temperament:

The Sloughi loves his human family but is essentially a one-person dog. He is affectionate and loyal but can be quite stubborn, Having him trained and socialized does wonders and makes him amicable and well mannered.

He is quiet and intelligent and would prefer to be in a family with older children, and particularly with children who have been taught how to be kind and respectful with animals.

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.

Sloughis are independent, strong willed dogs who will need a firm owner who is consistent, fair and firm.

They're tall, slender dogs, elegant to look at and low maintenance with their short coats.

They are calm and dignified and when you make one of them your friend, companion and pet, you’re going to enjoy years of devoted companionship and loyalty.

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.

Only a few genetic conditions are found in this breed and these can be the likes of autoimmune disorders such as eye disease, Addison's disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

These dogs are also sensitive to anesthesia as well as some medications. Other illnesses to look out for with this large dog are cancer, bloat and diabetes.

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.

Grooming:

The Sloughi's coat is short and smooth and he also doesn’t have an undercoat. He is looked upon as low maintenance as he just needs a good brush every now and then to rid the coat of loose hairs and to keep him nice and shiny.

Diet:

The Sloughi dog can be fed dry kibble, but it should be a top quality one – one for large, athletic dogs. The dry kibble is useful in that it helps to keep his teeth clean.

To add some tasty variety to your pet’s diet feed him some home made food occasionally. All chopped up, boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your Sloughi and can be added to the dry kibble. Simple food like this keeps digestive problems at bay.

Try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off horrible skin diseases. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

Sloughis love to be active and to have a good run. If you live near a park, allow him off the leash to have a chance to run. Alwys check first though, that it is safe to do so and that your loughi doesn’t try and fight with other dogs off the leashh or accidentally knock over a small child. If you’ve got a big garden, throw a frisbee or ball for him. It is important for him to get a good dose of exercise.

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.