Greek Sheepdog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

Cao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal but Greek Sheepdog is originated from Greece. Cao de Fila da Terceira may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Greek Sheepdog. Cao de Fila da Terceira may weigh 30 kg / 67 pounds more than Greek Sheepdog. Both Cao de Fila da Terceira and Greek Sheepdog has same life span. Both Cao de Fila da Terceira and Greek Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low Maintenance. But Greek Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
undefined
Portugal
Greece
Height Male:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 80 kg
154 - 177 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
67 - 80 kg
147 - 177 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Rabo Torto
Greek Shepherd, Olympus Dog
Colors Available:
Fawn, yellow, brindle, red or black
White with red, black or brown markings
Coat:
Short and dense
Thick, double-coat, long hair
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Cao de Fila da Terceira Mastiff hails from Portugal and is also known as the Rabo Torto.The dog actually comes from the isle of Terceira in the Azores. The dog descends from mastiffs, bulldogs and local dogs.

It was in the 1960s that there was an attempt to revive the dwindling numbers of the breed. The dog was declared extinct in the 1970s but there were some people in the Azores who wanted to see the breed restored, and it remains a mystery as to if the dog is in fact still available. The breed isn’t recognized by kennel clubs.

greek sheepdogKnown as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.

It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.

Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.

It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.

Description

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a medium sized molosser, recognized by his weird tail – short and twirled. In fact, the dog’s other name, Rabo Torto, actually stands for ‘twisted tail’, which is a trademark of this dog and which is thought to come from the mix of bulldog in him.

The dog’s coat is short and smooth and the color is usually fawn or yellow while other colors such as brindle, red or black are also available but less acceptable. You may also find small white markings on the chest and feet.

Standing at about 55cm, the dog is muscular and powerful with a broad head, medium sized floppy ears, wide chest and strong muzzle.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a good guard dog and while he doesn’t like strangers, he is a dog who is loving and devoted with his human family. See that he gets socialized and trained and he is capable of establishing a deep relationship with all members of the family, children and other pets included. He relies on his owners to provide him with warmth and communication.

greek sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.

You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.

Temperament:

Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.

The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.

They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.

Characteristics

If only dog owners would realize that when it comes to a dog’s characteristics, that while there are some traits inherent in a dog, essentially it’s a case of you reap what you sow with a dog. Treat your dog badly, ignore him and abuse him and you get an aggressive, volatile dog who is a threat to the very humans who created the monster in him.

The Cão de Fila da Terceira will certainly need excellent training and socialization, and when he receives plenty of loving attention from his human family he becomes an amazing, relaxed pet. He becomes patient and sweet-tempered so that you can ultimately call him guardian and friend.

greek sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.

He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.

They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.

Health Problems

The Cão de Fila da Terceira is a healthy dog breed, but even so, you need to be looking out for some ailments which can threaten the comfort and wellbeing of any dog.

Constipation:

This can often be brought about by the wrong diet. When you see your pet battling to clear out the bowels, it can often be rectified by altering your dog’s diet. Speak to your vet if it continues. Your vet may suggest adding some form of nutritious oil to your pet’s diet.

Heart Problems:

Dogs can also suffer from heart disease, especially when there is an obstruction to the flow of blood to the brain which can cause your pet to collapse. Veterinary attention must be sought without delay.

Kidney Failure:

Frequent passing of water can be indicative of a kidney problem. Veterinary advice will be needed.

greek sheepdog puppies - health problemsWith good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.

Some diseases to look out for include -

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.

Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.

Lyme Disease:

Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.

Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.

Caring The Pet

Companionship is important for the Cao de Fila da Terceira, and if you don’t have another dog in the home, as a pack animal, your dog will rely on you for being an active part of his life. A dog that is well treated becomes thoroughly loyal to his owner.

Diet:

A balanced diet is important for health and for a shiny coat. If you’re unsure of how to feed your Terceira, speak to your veterinarian first. Your vet will know that protein for instance, is essential for your dog. The vet will also speak to you about how to feed a puppy, an adult dog, a pregnant female dog and also feeding your senior dog. Your vet will also explain the hazards of overfeeding and how raw meat also needs to be included in your pet’s diet.

Fresh, cool water is your pet’s life-blood and should be available to your dog night and day. Every dog can benefit too from taking a daily supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acid.

Grooming:

The grooming of your pet will depend on the breed. The Cão de Fila da Terceira has a short coat so he will be easy to maintain. Brush him twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Areas which also need checking daily are the eyes to see that there is no discharge. It is also important to inspect the ears as there should be no build-up of wax inside the ear. Toenails also need attention and should be clipped if they grow long from the pet not walking on hard surfaces.

Grooming:

greek sheepdog dogs - caringThe coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.

Diet:

Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.

Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Greek Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Greek Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Greek Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Greek Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Greek Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Greek Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Greek Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Greek Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Greek Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Greek Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Greek Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Greek Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Greek Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Greek Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Greek Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Greek Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Greek Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Greek Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Greek Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Greek Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Greek Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Greek Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Greek Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Greek Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison