Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonAmerican Pit Bull Terrier is originated from United States but Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel are having almost same height. American Pit Bull Terrier may weigh 11 kg / 24 pounds lesser than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same life span. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same litter size. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
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United States
Portugal
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
Coat:
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american pit bull terrierThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

cao fila de sao miguelThis 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.

Description

american pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

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

american pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

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

american pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

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

Feeding

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

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