Saint Miguel Cattle Dog

The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog — Cão Fila de São Miguel — is the surviving Azorean cattle dog, from the island of São Miguel.

History

It worked half-wild cattle on São Miguel, gripping and holding them during handling, and it is the one Azorean cattle breed that survived where the Terceira Mastiff did not. Portugal recognised it in 1984. Traditional ear cropping is still part of the breed standard in Portugal, which is unusual and is banned in many other countries.

Temperament

The breed is known for being determined, territorial and closely attached to its handler, serious with strangers and forceful with stock — it was bred to control animals that outweigh it.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise, secure boundaries, early socialising and an experienced owner. The short brindle coat is easy.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.