Mary Allen
Introduction: Cão Fila de São Miguel breed
The Cão Fila de São Miguel, also known as the Azores Cattle Dog, is a breed of dog that originated from the Azores archipelago, located off the coast of Portugal. This breed was primarily used as a cattle dog to herd cattle and guard the livestock from predators. Today, the Cão Fila de São Miguel has gained popularity as a loyal and protective family pet.
The origins of the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed
The exact origins of the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed are not well documented, but it is believed that the breed was developed from various European dog breeds brought to the Azores by explorers and settlers. These breeds were then crossbred with local dogs, resulting in the Cão Fila de São Miguel we know today.
The role of the Cão Fila de São Miguel in Azores
The Cão Fila de São Miguel was an essential part of life in the Azores. The breed was primarily used as a cattle dog, herding cattle and protecting livestock from predators such as wolves and stray dogs. They were also used for hunting wild boars, and their strong guarding instincts made them excellent guard dogs for homes and farms.
The breed’s characteristics and temperament
The Cão Fila de São Miguel is a medium-sized dog breed with a muscular build and a short, dense coat. They have a distinctive broad head with a strong jaw and a short muzzle. Their temperament is loyal, protective, and highly intelligent, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a family pet that can also serve as a guard dog.
The Cão Fila de São Miguel in the 20th century
In the early 1900s, the Cão Fila de São Miguel was a popular breed in the Azores, but their numbers began to decline in the mid-1900s due to the introduction of modern farming techniques and the use of other dog breeds for herding and guarding. By the 1970s, the breed was almost extinct, with only a few remaining in the Azores.
The breed’s decline in the mid-1900s
The decline of the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed was due to the introduction of modern farming techniques, which made it easier to manage cattle with other dog breeds. The breed’s popularity also declined due to the increasing number of imported dog breeds that were more fashionable and easier to train.
The efforts to revive the Cão Fila de São Miguel
In the 1980s, a group of breeders and enthusiasts began working to revive the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed. They traveled to the Azores to find the remaining purebred dogs and started breeding programs to increase the breed’s numbers. By the 1990s, the breed had gained recognition from the Portuguese Kennel Club.
The breed’s recognition by the Portuguese Kennel Club
The Portuguese Kennel Club recognized the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed in 1995, providing the breed with official recognition and protection. This recognition allowed the breed to be shown in dog shows and increased their popularity in Portugal.
The Cão Fila de São Miguel’s popularity today
The Cão Fila de São Miguel has gained popularity as a family pet in Portugal and is also starting to gain recognition outside of Portugal. The breed is still used as a working dog, but their loyalty and protective nature make them an excellent choice for those looking for a guard dog or family pet.
The breed’s status outside of Portugal
The Cão Fila de São Miguel is still relatively unknown outside of Portugal, but their unique characteristics and temperament are starting to gain recognition. The breed is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, which is the world governing body for dog breeds.
The future of the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed
The future of the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed looks promising, with dedicated breeders and enthusiasts working to preserve the breed’s history and increase their numbers. The breed’s unique characteristics and temperament make them an excellent choice for those looking for a loyal and protective family pet.
Conclusion: The importance of preserving the breed’s history
The history of the Cão Fila de São Miguel breed is an essential part of the breed’s identity. The breed’s unique characteristics and temperament have evolved over centuries, and it is important to preserve this history for future generations. The efforts of breeders and enthusiasts to revive and protect the breed have ensured that this unique dog breed will continue to thrive in the future.