Spanish Water Dog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

Cao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal but Spanish Water Dog is originated from Spain. Cao de Fila da Terceira may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Spanish Water Dog. Cao de Fila da Terceira may weigh 58 kg / 128 pounds more than Spanish Water Dog. Both Cao de Fila da Terceira and Spanish Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Cao de Fila da Terceira and Spanish Water Dog has same litter size. Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low Maintenance. But Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
Portugal
Spain
Height Male:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 80 kg
154 - 177 pounds
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
67 - 80 kg
147 - 177 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Rabo Torto
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Colors Available:
Fawn, yellow, brindle, red or black
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
Coat:
Short and dense
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Cao de Fila da Terceira Mastiff hails from Portugal and is also known as the Rabo Torto.The dog actually comes from the isle of Terceira in the Azores. The dog descends from mastiffs, bulldogs and local dogs.

It was in the 1960s that there was an attempt to revive the dwindling numbers of the breed. The dog was declared extinct in the 1970s but there were some people in the Azores who wanted to see the breed restored, and it remains a mystery as to if the dog is in fact still available. The breed isn’t recognized by kennel clubs.

spanish water dogBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

Description

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a medium sized molosser, recognized by his weird tail – short and twirled. In fact, the dog’s other name, Rabo Torto, actually stands for ‘twisted tail’, which is a trademark of this dog and which is thought to come from the mix of bulldog in him.

The dog’s coat is short and smooth and the color is usually fawn or yellow while other colors such as brindle, red or black are also available but less acceptable. You may also find small white markings on the chest and feet.

Standing at about 55cm, the dog is muscular and powerful with a broad head, medium sized floppy ears, wide chest and strong muzzle.

The Cao de Fila da Terceira is a good guard dog and while he doesn’t like strangers, he is a dog who is loving and devoted with his human family. See that he gets socialized and trained and he is capable of establishing a deep relationship with all members of the family, children and other pets included. He relies on his owners to provide him with warmth and communication.

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

Characteristics

If only dog owners would realize that when it comes to a dog’s characteristics, that while there are some traits inherent in a dog, essentially it’s a case of you reap what you sow with a dog. Treat your dog badly, ignore him and abuse him and you get an aggressive, volatile dog who is a threat to the very humans who created the monster in him.

The Cão de Fila da Terceira will certainly need excellent training and socialization, and when he receives plenty of loving attention from his human family he becomes an amazing, relaxed pet. He becomes patient and sweet-tempered so that you can ultimately call him guardian and friend.

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

Health Problems

The Cão de Fila da Terceira is a healthy dog breed, but even so, you need to be looking out for some ailments which can threaten the comfort and wellbeing of any dog.

Constipation:

This can often be brought about by the wrong diet. When you see your pet battling to clear out the bowels, it can often be rectified by altering your dog’s diet. Speak to your vet if it continues. Your vet may suggest adding some form of nutritious oil to your pet’s diet.

Heart Problems:

Dogs can also suffer from heart disease, especially when there is an obstruction to the flow of blood to the brain which can cause your pet to collapse. Veterinary attention must be sought without delay.

Kidney Failure:

Frequent passing of water can be indicative of a kidney problem. Veterinary advice will be needed.

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

Caring The Pet

Companionship is important for the Cao de Fila da Terceira, and if you don’t have another dog in the home, as a pack animal, your dog will rely on you for being an active part of his life. A dog that is well treated becomes thoroughly loyal to his owner.

Diet:

A balanced diet is important for health and for a shiny coat. If you’re unsure of how to feed your Terceira, speak to your veterinarian first. Your vet will know that protein for instance, is essential for your dog. The vet will also speak to you about how to feed a puppy, an adult dog, a pregnant female dog and also feeding your senior dog. Your vet will also explain the hazards of overfeeding and how raw meat also needs to be included in your pet’s diet.

Fresh, cool water is your pet’s life-blood and should be available to your dog night and day. Every dog can benefit too from taking a daily supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acid.

Grooming:

The grooming of your pet will depend on the breed. The Cão de Fila da Terceira has a short coat so he will be easy to maintain. Brush him twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Areas which also need checking daily are the eyes to see that there is no discharge. It is also important to inspect the ears as there should be no build-up of wax inside the ear. Toenails also need attention and should be clipped if they grow long from the pet not walking on hard surfaces.

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

Comparison with other breeds

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