Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed ComparisonCao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Cao de Gado Transmontano may grow 40 cm / 16 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Cao de Gado Transmontano may weigh 50 kg / 111 pounds more than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Cao de Gado Transmontano may live 4 years less than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same litter size. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Hound dog
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Portugal
Switzerland
Height Male:
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
Short to medium length
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao de gado transmontanoThe Cão de Gado Transmontano which is also known as the Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog is a large dog – in fact a giant dog breed. This is a rare molosser working dog, hailing from the region of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province in Portugal.

The large dog has always been used to herd livestock and to also ward off wolves. It is believed that the dog’s roots come from the Tibetan Mastiff as well as a Portuguese cattle dog known as the Rafeiro do Alentejo. The dog also shares some similarities with the short-haired Estrela Mountain Dog.

In 1995 the breed was still exclusive to Portugal, but now the breed has been imported to Oregon, USA to be part of an experiment to document bigger breeds and their role in protecting livestock from wolves. They were re-introduced to north-east Oregon from 2008.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

Description

cao de gado transmontano puppy - descriptionThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a large dog, believed to be the biggest of the Portuguese dog breeds. He is powerful and muscular with a large head and can stand up to 83cm in height and can weigh up to 65kg.

He is tough, and is quite comfortable living outside. He is a long-legged dog with a wide chest with medium length floppy ears and a long tail. The coat is fairly short although it can be in a variety of lengths. It is the medium length coated dog with the right coloring that is looked upon as a pure breed. The dog is white with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades.

Temperament:

The Transmontano Mastiff is an intelligent, obedient dog who is also independent and stubborn. As with all dogs, it is important to have him trained and socialized as this makes him obedient and eager to please. He loves to be patted by his owners and is a dog which is easy to train, responding well to firmness and fairness.

He is calm and somewhat docile but at the same time he is energetic and alert, making him a good watchdog. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny space. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

Characteristics

cao de gado transmontano dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano may look like a fairly formidable dog but they aren’t aggressive. They are full of courage and are above all, loving and loyal to their human family.

When you choose to have one of these large dogs as your pet, it is important to make sure he knows that you’re the leader. With training and socialization this dog is a gentle giant who makes an exceptional family pet.

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Health Problems

cao de gado transmontano puppies - health problemsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a tough dog, used to spending long hours outside guarding sheep. These days however, he is also a companion dog and you’ll want to be aware of some common dog ailments that can strip him of his health and his joy of life.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a looseness with the hip joint, and while it can occur with all dogs, it is more common in large dogs. It’s a disease which can lead to arthritis, pain and also joint degeneration. It’s a disease which can be debilitating for the dog and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This is a heart disease seen in large breed dogs and where the heart becomes weak and can’t properly pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms include coughing, weakness, difficulty with breathing as well as a fluid-distended abdomen.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

cao de gado transmontano dogs - caringJust because this is a large dog, doesn’t mean you need to over-feed him. He is muscular and athletic, and by watching his diet, he’ll continue to be strong, lean and healthy. You can feed him a top quality pet-food brand and include boiled chicken, rice and vegetables. Every now and then mix in some raw meat with his dog food to ensure that his skin remains free of rashes and itchiness. Fresh, cool water must be available to him day and night as he drinks abundantly.

Grooming:

Some dog breeds need to be trimmed or stripped to look good, and dog owners often invest in expensive equipment to groom their pets themselves, Fortunately the large Cão de Gado Transmontano is a low maintenance dog and all you’ll need to do is give him a good brush-down twice a week.

Check his eyes, ears, teeth and nails regularly. Remember that dental hygiene is imperative and special canine toothbrush and toothpaste is available to brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3x a week to get rid of plaque and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
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  34. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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