Maremma Sheepdog vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison

Maremma Sheepdog vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed ComparisonCao de Castro Laboreiro is originated from Portugal but Maremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy. Cao de Castro Laboreiro may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Maremma Sheepdog. Cao de Castro Laboreiro may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Maremma Sheepdog. Both Cao de Castro Laboreiro and Maremma Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Cao de Castro Laboreiro and Maremma Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Cao de Castro Laboreiro requires Low Maintenance. But Maremma Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
undefined
Portugal
Italy
Height Male:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
52 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 70 kg
99 - 155 pounds
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 70 kg
92 - 155 pounds
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 9
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Portuguese Cattle Dog
Maremmano, Abruzzese Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Shades of grey, chestnut and black
White
Coat:
Fairly short, thick and course.
Long and Thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao de castro laboreiroCão 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.

maremma sheepdogKnown also as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, the Maremma Sheepdog is often referred to as the Maremmano or the Abruzzese Sheepdog.

This is a working dog – a guardian of sheep and an indigenous dog to central Italy. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep.

It was in 1924 that the first standard for the breed was published.

Description

cao de castro laboreiro puppy - descriptionThe 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.

maremma sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Maremma Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build. Some people who have owned these distinctive-looking dogs say he is like a big bear. He stands at 65 to 73 cm in height, both male and female, and he weighs 35 to 45 kg.

The coat is long, thick and white with a dense undercoat. If you look you’ll see flashes of pale orange or apricot amid the white. There is thicker, longer hair around the neck area.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and the ears medium length and floppy. The long tail is set low and is thickly feathered. You can expect 6 – 10 puppies from these dogs.

Temperament:

The Maremma has always been used to guarding sheep, and today even though he is looked upon as a wonderful, friendly companion dog, he also makes an excellent watch dog, being brave and courageous. He isn’t the kind of dog that you think of as getting wildly excited over something, as he has a dignified aura about him.

He is an independent dog, so training and sociaization will be absolutely imperative as he is strong-willed and likes to do things his way. Once trained and socialized, it is amazing to see such a large dog obeying all your commands such as ‘lie down, come, sit an stay'. He is very intelligent and shouldn’t have any trouble learning these basic commands.

He is calm and gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home. With his role as guardian of sheep, he has learned to be loyal and patient and will make a loyal ad loving family pet he takes his role as guardian very seriously.

He loves hard work, and shepherds have always appreciated the splendid work he does guarding their flocks. As a companion you will also appreciate the many excellent qualities he possesses.

The Maremma Sheepdog isn’t recommended for life in the city where there is a tiny garden. He has always been accustomed to large open spaces and requires a large garden. He won’t tolerate heat well with that thick coat of his and will require a shady spot in your garden to retreat to.

Characteristics

cao de castro laboreiro dog - characteristicsEnvironment 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.

maremma sheepdog dog - characteristicsThis is a beautiful dog, but large, so don’t make the mistake of wanting a large dog like this for his looks. He will be expensive to feed.

If you have the means to provide a good home for him, he is friendly and good natured, even though he is strong-willed and independent.

Provide him with a good home and you’ll have a most splendid pet and companion.

Health Problems

cao de castro laboreiro puppies - health problemsThe 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.

maremma sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis ancient dog breed is robust and can reach 11 to 13 years of age when cared for properly. Like any other dogs, he can be prone to certain health problems.

One of these is hip dysplasia. Preventing your dog from becoming overweight can work towards preventing these kinds of musculoskeletal issues. Hip dysplasia occurs when your dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly so that the hips partially dislocate.

It is painful for your dog and it can be debilitating, leading to arthritis too and making it difficult for your pet to get around and to get up from lying down. There are a number of treatment options offered by your vet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

cao de castro laboreiro dogs - caringThe 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.

Exercise:

maremma sheepdog dogs - caringAs already suggested, this large dog will need space and he will need to be exercised. Apart from long walks in he countryside or in the park or your neighborhood, he will also need other activities that stimulate him mentally and physically.

Grooming:

The thick, all-weather coat of the Maremma will need a thorough bushing at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs. When you are brushing him, look around for signs of ticks and fleas too and run your hands over him to feel for any unusual lumps.

Diet:

The Maremma is a large-breed dog, so before you get a big dog like this, decide whether you have the financial means to feed him and look after him properly. He is going to cost a lot to feed, so think it through first.

He will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been specially formulated for a dog of his size. Keep the food of dogs simple. We’re all tempted to feed our dog treats like things such as chocolates, coffee, nuts, onions, grapes and raisins but these can cause havoc with your dog’s stomach.

Stick to simple, nutritious food. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as potatoes, spinach and carrots can do wonders for your pet when you sometimes mix this into his kibble.

Try and mix some raw meat into his diet occasionally. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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