Catahoula Leopard vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Catahoula Leopard vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonCatahoula Leopard is originated from United States but Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal. Catahoula Leopard may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Catahoula Leopard may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Both Catahoula Leopard and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has almost same life span. Both Catahoula Leopard and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has almost same litter size. Both Catahoula Leopard and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low maintenance.

History

catahoula leopard - historyThis working dog breed originates from America’s Deep South. In fact it was originally named after a small village in the state of Louisiana and was made the state’s official dog in 1979. The dog is believed to have come from the Mastiff and Greyhound.

Known as war dogs they were left with local tribes who crossed them with wolves, and French Beauceron blood was also included.

A number of Catahoula dog Associations were started and the Louisiana Catahoula Cur Association was formed in 1976, followed by others. These Associations work to promote the breed. In 1995 the United Kennel Club was the first national dog registry to recognize the Catahoula.

cao fila de sao miguel - historyThis 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

catahoula leopard puppy - descriptionKnown as the Leopard dog because of the distinctive spotted patches on his short to medium length coat, this interesting looking spotted dog can have a coat of many colors such as solid colors, brindle and a blend of several colors including blue merle and red merle, black and tan.

He is a muscular and athletic dog of medium to large size with sturdy legs and deep chest. He stands at 56 – 68cm and weighs 20 – 50kg. Many of these dogs have webbing between the toes which gives them an advantage when running through marshy areas or when swimming.

With his floppy ears, the tail is long or bobtailed. An unusual aspect with the dog is his eyes – having what is known as marbled glass eyes which are blue or blueish-white in color.

Temperament:

The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be stubborn and he is also energetic, fearless and highly intelligent. You’ll want to have him trained and socialized early as then he becomes a more relaxed, obedient dog. He is an assertive dog but not aggressive by nature.

Catahoulas in general are even tempered and they are willing to share their space with children in the home as well as other pets. They are protective of children and of their entire human family, making good watchdogs.

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

catahoula leopard dog - characteristicsThe Catahoula makes a fine family pet but he is a dog which shouldn’t be left outside day after day. He is a companion dog and won’t thrive without the companionship of his human family.

He is highly intelligent and also energetic, and if you want him to be relaxed and amicable around other humans and pets in the home he will require training and socialization. For training and ownership, the Catahoula Leopard will require a strong, firm, confident personality and he’ll be an obedient, loving and loyal companion.

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

catahoula leopard puppies - health problemsYour Catahoula Leopard is a healthy dog breed and with good care he can live to be 10 to 14 years of age. However, there are a number of reasons why some of the healthiest dogs can become ill.

Knowing about these illnesses means you can take action and minimize the pain and suffering your pet might have to otherwise endure.

Ear Infections:

You’ll notice your pet shaking his head and maybe even scratching his ears. Ear infections are more evident in dogs with floppy ears and there can be an ear discharge. When left untreated, the ears can become painful and then it is time to get him to the vet.

Urinary Tract Infection:

This is a common illness in dogs and can be terribly uncomfortable and debilitating for your pet as he tries to urinate all the time with no success. Signs of UTI can include this excessive urination with little urine coming out, lethargy and discomfort. Take your pet immediately to the vet to be checked over.

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

catahoula leopard dogs - caringA dog makes such a splendid pet, willing to give loyal and loving friendship to humans, even those who don’t treat him properly. When you think of the unconditional love your Catahoula Leopard dog will give you, surely you want to provide him with good food and shelter.

Love and treasure this 4-legged friend of yours as he is a friend like no other.

Provide identification for Him:

It can be devastating if your dog goes missing, and if he has no identification, to find him might only mean telling people what he looks like. Rather put a collar on him and an ID tag so that your chances of getting him back are just that much better.

You can also have him micro-chipped by your veterinarian and these chips have a unique code which can provide useful information on your pet.

Vaccinations:

Make sure that your pet is vaccinated as a puppy against diseases which could be deadly such as rabies.

Spay or Neuter your Catahoula Leopard:

If you have no intention of allowing your Catahoula Leopard to have puppies, rather have him neutered or spayed if its a female. It is better for them and they can live longer and be free of some ailments that at un-spayed or un-neutered dog may get.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United States
Portugal
Height Male:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
Height Female:
53 - 68 cm
20 - 27 inches
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 48 kg
44 - 106 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 48 kg
39 - 106 pounds
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 12
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Louisiana Catahoula, Catahoula Hound, Leopard Dog
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
Brindle, blend of several colors - blue merle, red merle, black and tan
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
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:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  2. Catahoula Leopard vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  4. Catahoula Leopard vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Leopard vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Leopard vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  7. Catahoula Leopard vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Catahoula Leopard vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  9. Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  10. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Leopard vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. German Pinscher vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Water Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  14. Puli vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  15. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  16. German Spaniel vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  17. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  18. Porcelaine vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  19. Finnish Lapphund vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  20. Griffon Nivernais vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  21. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  22. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  23. Pumi vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  24. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  25. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  26. Catahoula Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  27. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  29. Chow Chow vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  30. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  31. Dalmatian vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  32. Golden Doodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  33. Pomsky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  34. Sakhalin Husky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  35. Other vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  36. Chinese Shar Pei vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  37. Olde English Bulldogge vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  39. Old English Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  40. Schnauzer vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  41. Puggle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  42. Brittany vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  43. King Charles Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  44. Fox Terrier vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  45. Schnoodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  46. Collie vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  47. Pharaoh Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  48. English Setter vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  50. Catahoula Leopard vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds