Moscow Guard dog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Moscow Guard dog is originated from Russia but Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal. Moscow Guard dog may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Moscow Guard dog may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Moscow Guard dog may live 4 years less than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Both Moscow Guard dog and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same litter size. Moscow Guard dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low maintenance

History

Looking much like the Saint Bernard, the Moscow Guard Dog or Moscow Watchdog is large, descending from quite a few giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard, different Russian Hounds and the Caucasian Ovtcharka.

The dog has a gentle temperament. Known also as a gentle giant, the Moscow Guard Dog was developed in the Soviet Union and is fairly common in its native country.

The first US-born litter of Moscow Guard Dogs was born in 2015. The Moscow Watchdog hasn’t yet been recognized by the AKC.

cao fila de sao miguel - historyThis Molosser type dog originated on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, a region of Portugal. Known also as the Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog, the existence of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has been documented since early in the 19th century.

The dog has always been used as a cattle dog but today it remains rare outside of Portugal. In was in 1984 in Portugal that the first written breed standard was published in Portugal. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel then earned recognition with the Portuguese Kennel Club.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Russia
Portugal
Height Male:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
Height Female:
64 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 68 kg
99 - 150 pounds
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Moscow Watchdog
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
Red and white - bit of black and tan
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
Coat:
Thick coats of medium length
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Moscow Watchdog is a large mastiff-type dog. He stands at between 64 and 69cm in height ad weighs in the region of 45 – 68kg. He has a thick coat which is medium length, he has floppy ears and a long, plumed tail. The most common colors for the Moscow Watchdog are red and white with a little bit of black and tan around the head.

He is quite a heavy shedder so regular brushing and grooming is recommended.

He takes his role seriously as guardian and protector of his human family.

Large dogs don’t usually live as long as smaller breeds, and with good care your Moscow Watchdog can reach between 9 and 11 years of age. If you want your dog to be a parent, the litter size you can expect is anything from 5 to 10 puppies.

Temperament:

The dogs were used for guarding purposes and they are strong-willed, dominant and independent. They are also gentle dogs but will still require training and socialization to make them obedient and an all-round pleasant dog.

While the Moscow Watchdog is described as a pleasant dog, he isn’t a friendly teddy-bear kind of dog, tending to be fairly aloof. He would do well with an owner who is firm, fair, consistent and strong, as he is strong-willed.

cao fila de sao miguel puppy - descriptionThe Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a medium to large sized dog standing 50 – 61cm in height and weighing 25 – 41kg. As with all molossers, the dog has powerful jaws.

This dog breed has muscular limbs and dark brown eyes. The ears are normally docked into a rounded shape much like that of the Hyena. The tail has always been docked at the 2nd or 3rd vertebra but these days with regulations surrounding docking, the tail is unfortunately left long.

The coat of the Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is short and smooth while the hair on the tail and thighs is a bit longer. The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is always brindled, and comes in shades of fawn, brown, gray or black. A white mark on the forehead around the chest or on the paws is also often seen.

Temperament

The Cão de Fãila de São Miguel is a working dog who is used to guarding livestock. He is an athletic dog, game for plenty of action, and he will require plenty of daily exercise. He is territorial and makes an excellent guard dog, but even so, when it comes to his own owner and human family, he is gentle and loving.

The Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel is an intelligent dog and he will need training and socialization which allows him to get on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

Characteristics

The Moscow Watchdog is a large dog and beautiful to look at. Even though he is large and strong, he is gentle and calm and makes a splendid pet.

Because of his large size he is better suited to life in the countryside or the suburbs as compared to smaller properties in the city. Their exercise needs will also need to be met such as a walk every day.

Think carefully before you take such a large dog into your home as he will require a lot of good food. Before investing in any dog, make sure that you have the means to provide him with an excellent home where he gets the best care, because he is willing to give you the very best of himself.

cao fila de sao miguel dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Fila de São Miguel is a natural guard dog who will love and guard his family. With training and socialization he can become a devoted and gentle family dog with children and with other pets. They can be aloof with strangers.

The Cão de Fila de São Miguel is an active dog who wants to be busy, and he is therefore better suited to country living rather that in a small home where space is limited.

Intelligent, a fast learner, protective and territorial, the Cão de Fila de Sao Miguel is an aggressive, hardy working breed who is also an excellent guard dog and protector. With firm training he becomes loyal, lovable and devoted – an ideal family companion.

Health Problems

The Moscow Watchdog is a healthy dog breed, and with few inheritable health problems, you’re not likely to spend much at the vet with him.

Of course, any dog needs a good diet, adequate exercise, vaccinations, and parasite treatments to stay in top condition. Some of the common diseases to look out for -

Hip Dysplasia:

We always have to mention hip dysplasia as it is so common with all dogs. Its an hereditary condition where lack of hip joint stability causes pain inflammation and lameness in the dog. Your dog, even though he is young, can develop hip dysplasia and then it can lead to early arthritis too. Your dog will need to get to the vet.

cao fila de sao miguel puppies - health problemsThe Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a dog who enjoys exceptional health. When you do research you see there aren’t really any particular illnesses plaguing this dog, and he can actually live to be 15 years of age. Be aware of some illnesses as they are common among different dog breeds – hip- and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, heat intolerance and arthritis.

Dog bloat:

This is a dangerous illness that can affect any dog – small or large. This is when the dog’s stomach fills with fluid or gas so that it expands. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs and your dog can have trouble breathing. There is also no blood flow to the heart. Sometimes the stomach of the dog twists and your pet can go into a state of shock. Recognize the symptoms of bloat – a swollen stomach, drooling and wanting to vomit but nothing coming up. Get your dog to the vet immediately.

Abscess:

An abscess can be so painful for your pet often when your dog has a thick coat it could go undetected. If an abscess on your pet doesn’t burst, or even if another abscess appears, a vet must be consulted and a course of antibiotics given.

Ear Infections:

Ear mites, dirt and a build up of wax may cause your dog to scratch at the ear, shake his head or hold it on one side. There may even be a foul-smelling discharge. Your dog will need to have his ears cleaned. Special ear drops can rectify the problem. Remember that hot, red ears will require veterinary attention.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

This is a large breed dog so you want to make sure that if you feed him from the many commercially manufactured foods there are, it is the high quality one packed with vitamins and minerals and which cater specifically for large breeds to ensure the right amount of minerals and vitamins for his size.

You don’t want to just go on and on giving him dry kibble every day, so occasionally it will be a good idea to give him some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables which can be added into his kibble. This is all the variety your dog needs, as dogs like consistency and simplicity because then they don’t suffer with digestive issues.

Never leave him without a constant source of cool, fresh water.

Exercise:

Contrary to what this dog looks like – large and clumsy, he is actually quite agile and will require a good amount of exercise. He may not look particularly active but he will certainly want a daily walk and he will also require running off the leash in the park or some ball and rope games in the garden.

Grooming:

he Moscow Watchdog has a thick, medium length coat. He doesn’t require professional grooming, but a good brush through once a week will help to condition the coat. Also, the breed is a moderate shedder so removing loose hair keeps the coat shiny and healthy.

cao fila de sao miguel dogs - caringThe Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is a low maintenance breed and all that will be required for him is that you give him a thorough brushing a couple of times a week.

Diet:

The Cao Fila De Sao Miguel puppy will require four meals of puppy food a day. The adult Cao fila de sao miguel can go down to 1 or 2 meals a day after his 1st birthday.

These days you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods and your veterinarian can help you choose one suited to this particular dog breed. Add in some home-made vegetables, rice and meat every now and then. The idea is to make sure your dog is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs.

There is evidence showing that dogs who enjoy raw meat every now and then enjoy a number of health benefits. Skin and teeth are improved, your dog has a shinier coat, less allergies,less inflammation and he is more relaxed and amicable. Ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water in a clean bowl and at all times.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Catahoula Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  2. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  4. Chow Chow vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  6. Dalmatian vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  7. Golden Doodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  8. Pomsky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  9. Sakhalin Husky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  10. Other vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  11. Chinese Shar Pei vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  12. Olde English Bulldogge vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  13. English Springer Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  14. Old English Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  15. Schnauzer vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  16. Puggle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  17. Brittany vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  18. King Charles Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  20. Schnoodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  21. Collie vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  22. Pharaoh Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  23. English Setter vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  24. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  25. Catahoula Leopard vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Sarplaninac vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Mountain View Cur vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Native American Indian Dog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Mucuchies vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Shepherd Husky vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Slovak Cuvac vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Southern Hound vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Taigan vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  39. St. John's Water Dog vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Tornjak vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Tibetan Kyi Apso vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Tibetan Mastiff vs Moscow Guard dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Moscow Guard dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  44. Moscow Guard dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  45. Moscow Guard dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  46. Moscow Guard dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  47. Moscow Guard dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  48. Moscow Guard dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  49. Moscow Guard dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  50. Moscow Guard dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds