Vikhan Sheepdog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal but Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Vikhan Sheepdog. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Vikhan Sheepdog. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel may live 7 years more than Vikhan Sheepdog. Both Cao Fila de Sao Miguel and Vikhan Sheepdog has same litter size. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low Maintenance. But Vikhan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Gun dog
undefined
Portugal
Pakistan
Height Male:
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
6 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Colors Available:
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
fawn, black , brown
Coat:
Short and smooth
long and shaggy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

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.

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

Description

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.

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

Characteristics

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.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

Health Problems

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.

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

Caring The Pet

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.

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  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. Vikhan Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Vikhan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Vikhan Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Vikhan Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Vikhan Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Vikhan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison