Cao de Castro Laboreiro vs Bospin - Breed Comparison

The Bospin is a fairly new breed of dog and is the result of cross-breeding between the Boston Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher.

Mixed breed dogs are often healthier than full blood dogs and are becoming a popular choice. The origin of the Bospin is unknown. We know that the Boston Terrier hails from Boston in the USA and the Miniature Pinscher from Germany.

Cão de Castro Laboreiro originates from Portugal. Also known as the Portuguese Cattle Dog he was used long ago to guard livestock. Today, the modern Cao de Castro Laboreiro is descended from the molosser type dog.

There are hints to the dog's origins from the 19th century, but changes in agricultural methods meant a disappearance of the dog as a livestock protector. Today the dog is mostly kept as a pet and was first seen at a dog show in 1914.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as well as being recognized by the United Kennel Club in the United States.It is a rare dog and not many exist today but in Portugal, the USA and United Kingdom you will find a few breeders.

The Bospin’s Looks

The Bospin, a cross between the smooth haired Boston Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher can actually get any combination and characteristics of either of these two breeds. found in either breed. The Bospin in a small to medium sized dog who can live to be up to 15 years of age.

He has a short coat, but his looks will essentially depend on which is the more dominant breed. Regardless of which breed he takes after in looks, he will be a muscular little dog with long, lean legs and a long tail. They have small muzzles and a fairly long nose with brown eyes and upright ears. The short coat can be in a number of colours such as brown, beige or brindle, with black and white being a more common colour.

Temperament

The Bospin’s personality can be a blend of the Boston Terrier and the Miniature Pinscher. They’ve become such popular little dogs, full of fun and just loving to be with their human family. Because they are fairly even tempered, they make excellent family pets and will get on well with children in the home as well as other pets. This is a small dog but he isn’t a yapper. He isn’t going to make a wonderful watchdog as he can be quite friendly with strangers.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is a large dog, with height being in the region of 55 to 60cm and weight being in the region of 45 - 70kg. People describe the dog as wolf-like with a coat that is fairly short, thick and course. The coat is brindle with a base color of shades of grey, chestnut and black.

This large mastiff-type dog always has a black nose, his tail is long and carried high, but never curling over the back. He has a broad head and is much like the Labrador in looks, being free of wrinkles on the face.The ears of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro are medium-in-size and floppy while the eyes are dark brown.

Temperament:

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro makes an excellent pet as he forms strong bonds with his human family. He is territorial and makes an exceptional guard dog. He doesn’t particularly like strangers and is aloof around them.

This is an intelligent dog breed, he is strong-willed and stubborn, but when he is around the children in the family he is gentle and loving. When he has been trained and socialized, which is always highly recommended with every dog, he gets along with other pets in the home too.

The Bospin is an adaptable dog and can easily fit into farm life or city life. When he is trained and socialized he makes an amicable pet, ready to be a loyal and devoted companion.

The Bospin’s personality can actually lean more towards either the Boston Terrier or the Miniature Pinscher, but you’re always going to have fun and games with these entertaining little dogs. They just love the companionship of their human family.

A Bospin needs to be brought into a stable environment so that he can adapt to his new home easily and not be confused by constant changes. Be responsible with your pet and make him one of your family and you’ll be rewarded with an entertaining, fun, loyal 4-legged friend.

Environment and upbringing have plenty to do with how a dog turns out. People who just buy a dog for guardian purposes and nothing else can’t expect companionship in return.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro has always been a fearless guardian of livestock with his strong protective characteristics. He is intelligent and recognizes that a child in the family needs his protection.

This is a large dog who is strong, brave and intelligent but with his human family he is gentle, loving and loyal. Nonetheless he still requires a firm owner, and if you’re fair and firm with him you get the best with him. With this dog you can form a close friendship and bond.

Your Bospin is a healthy dog breed, but the most healthiest pets can fall victim to health problems. There are some conditions that are specific to certain types of dogs and smaller breeds have their own set of worrisome dog ailments.

Dental Problems

Smaller dogs or toy breeds have smaller skulls and sometimes their smaller mouths have to find room to house the 42 teeth that dogs have. This over-crowding can lead to dental disease.

Collapsed Trachea

This is a common problem in brachycephalic breeds – those dogs that have short, broad muzzles such as the Boston Terrier. Toy breeds are more prone to tracheal collapse, a common cause of airway obstruction in dogs where the dog develops a rasping cough and labored breathing.

Legg Calve Perthes Disease

This is a developmental orthopedic disease where you see degeneration of the femoral head and which can lead to arthritis. The disease affects young animals and more specifically toy breeds. Your dog will have trouble walking and will usually hold one leg up. Your dog can battle along with pain and arthritis.

The Cão de Castro Laboreiro is generally a healthy breed, but even so, it is good to be aware of typical canine diseases that your pet may develop.

Eye Problems:

There are many eye problems that dogs have to contend with and if you see any kind of ulceration in your dogs eye, get veterinary advice.

Heat- Stroke:

A dog should always have access to a shady spot. Never ever leave your dog in a hot car. Heat builds up quickly and death can result soon as the body temperature rises.

Parasites:

Roundworm and tapeworm can infest dogs and you’ll need to speak to your vet about a worming program. Lice, mites and ticks are all parasites which attach themselves to the skin.

Grooming

Because of the short coat and minimum shedding, your Bospin will only require minimal maintenance. Brush him down at least twice a week to keep the short coat free of loose hair and to also keep it shiny and glossy. As with any other dog breed, he should have his teeth brushed at 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush. Don’t be tempted to use human toothpaste. Check his ears too to make sure they are free of dirt and infection.

Activities

The Bospin is a hybrid breed and because he comes from two energetic dogs, you’ll need to provide him with activities to keep him busy. He will love to go on a walk with you and you can play ball games with him in the garden or even indoors. He isn’t a working dog so he isn’t going to demand too much activity, but it is better to get into the habit of exercising him regularly to keep him in good shape and to maintain his good health.

Diet

Bospins need to be fed carefully to avoid weight issues or health problems. Puppies need to eat frequently - 4 times a day. For your Bospin, always go for top quality commercially produced dog foods where meat is the top ingredient. Home made foods are always a wonderful choice for your pet and this can include meat, rice and vegetables.

If you’re unsure about feeding your dog, get advice from your vet. Always have fresh, cool water available and make sure you wash out the water bowl regularly.

Grooming:

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro has a short coat which requires minimal grooming. Brushing him twice a week to rid him of loose hairs will suffice.

Nail clipping as well as ear- and teeth cleaning are other routine maintenance procedures for your pet.

Diet:

The food you give your pet must be well-balanced and have protein and carbohydrates. If you want his skin and hair to remain healthy, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals will also be needed.

Boneless chicken and fish, brown rice and vegetables can be a good choice as well as some of the top quality commercially manufactured foods. An active dog will always need a higher protein content and therefore including raw meat into the diet is imperative – not every day as it can be very expensive, but every other day.

Remember that bones can be dangerous as they can splinter and cause your pet internal damage. Fresh, cool water must be available at all times.