A large dog rustic dog seen speedily weaving in and out between the cattle to bring a runaway back to the herd would be an impressive sight. The dog is not only intelligent but it also has the courage of an exceptional herding dog. Fawn, grey or brindled short smooth fur covers the dog’s muscular square shaped body. Although the dog is larger in size than other herding dogs, the size does not make it less agile. The dog’s elegant and efficient working ability is not seen in other dogs. The Azores Cattle Dog – the very rare breed of herding dog hails from Portugal.

From the time it was created and up to the present, the Azores Cattle Dog has always been a most valued dog that has an outstanding ability to herd unruly cattle. Sao Miguel, the largest among the Azorean Islands was covered with dense vegetation during the 15th century. To take advantage of the abundant life plant Prince Henry’s sailors have brought cattle and left the herds on the island. After fourteen years, the cattle that has proliferated have become unruly. A breed of dog that is both intelligent and courageous is needed manage the cattle.

The Azores Cattle Dog, otherwise known as Cao Fila de Sao Miguel was developed from a breed called Fila de Terceira. The Fila de Terceira was crossed with mollosers and resulted to the creation of the outstanding herding breed, the Azores Cattle Dog. It was widely accepted that the breed is already in existence in the 1800s.

This dog has an inherent herding ability thus very little training is necessary to make the dog learn the ropes of herding. The aggressive personality makes this breed a dependable guard dog. The primary function of an Azores Cattle Dog is to herd. An aggressive temperament is therefore necessary in the performance of its duties hence, breeders have made no efforts to tone down its ferociousness.

An Azores Cattle Dog is an efficient cattle herder¦a dependable guard dog – but it is not for everyone especially for a first time dog owner. Only a dog wise and a dog experienced dominant owner that has what it takes to handle a breed known for its tough personality is qualified to have this breed. It must be realized that an Azores Cattle Dog is first and foremost a working breed. This working dog is obviously not an apartment dweller. An Azores Cattle Dog is an outstanding breed especially if made to guard and to herd.