Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Basenji - Breed Comparison

Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Basenji - Breed ComparisonBasenji is originated from Congo but Cao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal. Basenji may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than Cao de Gado Transmontano. Basenji may weigh 52 kg / 114 pounds lesser than Cao de Gado Transmontano. Both Basenji and Cao de Gado Transmontano has almost same life span. Both Basenji and Cao de Gado Transmontano has almost same litter size. Both Basenji and Cao de Gado Transmontano requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
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Congo
Portugal
Height Male:
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
Height Female:
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
Coat:
short
Short to medium length
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

basenjiThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

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.

Description

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

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.

Characteristics

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.

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.

Health Problems

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less 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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Basenji vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Basenji vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  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
  33. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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
  50. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison