Kishu vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison

Kishu vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed ComparisonCao da Serra de Aires is originated from Portugal but Kishu is originated from Japan. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Kishu are having almost same height. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Kishu are of same weight. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Kishu has almost same life span. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Kishu has same litter size. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Kishu requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Portugal
Japan
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
42 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 27 kg
33 - 60 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
2 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog
Kumano Ken, Kishu Ken
Colors Available:
Fawn, gray, yellow and black
White, red or brindle
Coat:
Long, shaggy, single-layer coat,
Short, straight and dense double-coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao da serra de airesAncestors of the Cao da Sera de Aires were used for herding livestock in the Serra de Aires and Alentejo, Portugal. This herding dog is native to Portugal and throughout the 20th Century he was kept as a working dog.

Known also as the Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog or Serra de Aires Mountain Dog, there are some questions surrounding the breed's ancestry as there are few records of dogs before 1900. The dog is thought to be related to the Pyrenean and Catalan Sheepdogs and that it has descended from Briards which were imported into Portugal and crossed with the Pyrenean Sheepdog.

The Cão da Serra de Aires breed standard was accepted by the Portuguese Kennel Club, and the breed was recognized internationally in 1996. The dog was also recognized by the United Kennel Club in the Herding Group in 2006.

kishuThe Kishu is a Spitz type hunting dog that originates from Japan. Many people believe he is a descendant of the wolf. Those who have studied the dog say that it has kept its genetic purity and that there has been very little cross breeding with other dogs.

The Kishu is also known as the Kumano Ken, a name given after the area the dog originated from. The breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, and is known as the Kishu Ken. In 1934 the dog was also designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and is protected by law.

The dog is also included in the group ‘Asian Spitz and Related Breeds’ class of primitive dogs.

Description

cao da serra de aires puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Cão da Serra de Aires is a medium-sized dog. He stands at 45 to 55 cm at the withers and weighs about 17 to 27 kg. He is recognizable by the long, shaggy, single-layer coat, of straight or slightly wavy hair. Don’t be deceived by the coat as below, the dog has a muscular, athletic body.

The coat comes in different shades such as fawn, gray, yellow and black. The dog has a long tail which is held straight out or down and he has medium-length, floppy ears. You’ve got to look hard, as the facial features of the dog are hidden by its shaggy coat. He has a lot of facial hair that sometimes you have to wonder if he can see out of his eyes.

Temperament:

The Cao da Serra de Aires is a wonderful canine companion and is devoted and loyal, forming strong bonds with their human family. He is a playful, amicable dog and gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He is intelligent and trainable, and when properly trained and socialized,he becomes an even nicer pet to have around and is obedient to his master’s voice. He is territorial, strong willed and dominant and makes a good watchdog too.

kishu puppy - descriptionThe Kishu is a medium sized dog standing between 43 – 56cm in height and weight is between 14 – 27kg.

He has a short, straight double coat which can be white, red or brindle. The dog has minimal shedding, making him an easy dog to groom.

The nose of the dog is black, but particularly with the white coated dogs, the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The ears are erect and pointed forwards and the tail is carried slightly curved over the dog's back.

Temperament:

The docile Kishu is no pushover and he is a strong minded, courageous dog. He is also an amicable dog breed, getting on well with his human family as well as with other dogs in the home.

He is somewhat aloof and reserved around strangers. Even though he is a docile dog, it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he can be obedient and balanced in all situations.

He is intelligent and learns easily. An interesting aspect with the Kishu Ken is that he likes to take in everything going on from a vantage point, often seeking out a higher spot from where he can look about.

Kishu Kens like to keep an eye on whatever is going on, and sometimes he looks for a high place so that he can survey everything. They can be aloof or shy around strangers.

Characteristics

cao da serra de aires dog - characteristicsThe Cão da Serra de Aires is such a loyal dog to his human family that he makes a splendid pet. He is active, having worked historically at herding and guarding.

Socialization and obedience training ensure that he becomes an exceptional pet and he has a host of positive attributes to his name – he is intelligent, energetic, loyal and loving. He may have been used long ago to guard livestock, but today he is selected as a pet specifically for his excellent companionship and for his protective nature.

kishu dog - characteristicsThe Kishu is a hardy dog breed known for his exceptional hunting instincts and loyalty. He is a brave, clever, playful, tenacious dog eager to please his master.

He isn’t so much a hunting dog anymore but is essentially a companion dog, bonding closely with his human family. He will get on well with children and pets in the home, but more so when he has been trained and socialized.

Apart from making a splendid companion, the Kishu promises to be an excellent guard dog to anyone who threatens his human family.

Health Problems

cao da serra de aires puppies - health problemsAs with most dogs that are looked after well, their health can be good. The Cao da Serra de Aires isn’t likely to keep you at the vet often. Just like with any good dog, there are some health disorders that can benefit you to know about.

Being forewarned , you can get your pet to the vet quickly before the illness gets out of hand.

There are some pet owners who want to have their pets tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as well as the Canine Eye Registration Foundation to rule out health defects such as hip dysplasia and cataracts before they manifest themselves in their pets. This is of particular importance to breeders so as to prevent the parent dogs passing bad genetic conditions to the puppies.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a common skeletal disease where the dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. It can be terribly painful for your pet to get around. It’s a genetic condition and while it is more prevalent in big dogs, any breeds are susceptible.

Your dog will battle along with painful joints and sometimes his hind-end will be lame. You’ll notice that once lying down, he battles to get up again. Fortunately vets are well acquainted with this ailment and they have different options to treat and manage it.

Cataracts:

Cataracts in your dog come about from a disease process which affects the lens of the eye. The eye loses its transparency and impairs vision. There are some instances where cataracts can cause blindness. You’ll see a whitish gray area in your pets eye. The most common cause of cataracts is genetics. Get your pet to the vet who will do certain tests to evaluate the eyes and make a recommendation.

kishu puppies - health problemsBefore you bring a new puppy or rescue dog into your home, you must be prepared for the responsibility of a dog. If you're just simply looking for a watchdog to stick into your backyard, you're being cruel.

A dog is a social creature and you need to spend time with them and care for them. Sometimes he can get sick and then you may need to get him to the vet.

Some of the illnesses your Kishu can get will be easily treatable, while others may be life-threatening and require surgery.

The health of your dog will depend a lot on the food you provide it with as well as your lifestyle. Common dog health problems can range from typical eye- and ear infections to bloat, hip dysplasia and cancers.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone which can lead to other health problems such as tiredness and weight gain. A daily thyroid pill from the vet can help sort this issue out.

Arthritis:

This is a common health problem, seen more in older dogs. Your once active dog will move around slower and battle to stand up after lying down.

Arthritis can’t be cured but you can alleviate the pain and suffering. Your vet will tell you that diet and nutrition are important factors to ward off arthritis in the first place.

If your dog has arthritis and is in pain, get him to your vet who can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.

Kennel Cough:

This is a respiratory infection which can be transmitted from one dog to another. You’ll notice coughing, tiredness, runny nose and watery eyes and loss of appetite. Take him to your vet who will know what to do to speed up recovery for your pet.

Caring The Pet

cao da serra de aires dogs - caringAs a working dog used to long hours of action, the Cao da Serra de Aires will need lots of activity. He’ll need you taking him for long walks and playing ball games with him. He can become frustrated and destructive when left without any physical stimulation.

Grooming

The Cao da Serra de Aires may have long hair but he isn’t high maintenance. He won’t require professional grooming, but will require a good brush a least twice a week. This is because the long coat can tangle.

To keep him looking his best, you’ll want to be trimming the hair around his paws. Another important grooming task is checking his ears and cleaning them. You have to be careful about cleaning your pet ears if you don’t know how, as it could damage the ears. Your vet can always advise you on how this is done.

Grooming:

kishu dogs - caringThe Kishu will need to be brushed twice a week to keep the coat free of dust and loose hairs. Their ears should be checked regularly too for wax build up and dirt as ear infections are a common dog illness.

Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Take him regularly to have his teeth cleaned because dental problems can put his entire body at risk for disease.

Exercise:

The Kishu needs a good sized garden to roam. He is best suited to country life because he needs regular exercise. If he lives in the city, put him on a leash and take him for walks.

Diet:

Apart from exercise, good food is imperative as nutritious food contributes to longevity. Top quality food and the right size portions can ensure lean, energetic, happy, healthy dogs.

Take trouble to understand the ingredients listed on the commercial dog food packaging. Generally the low quality, processed commercial foods are inflammatory.

Even if you go for the top brand kibble, don’t just provide your pet with dry kibble night after night. Mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Remember too, that fresh whole foods such as vegetables have live enzymes and are packed full of fiber which is so necessary for digestion. A good diet with fresh, cool water is guaranteed to provide an excellent dimension to your pet’s health.

Comparison with other breeds

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