Galgo Espanol vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonGalgo Espanol is originated from Spain but Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal. Galgo Espanol may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Galgo Espanol may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Both Galgo Espanol and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same life span. Both Galgo Espanol and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has almost same litter size. Both Galgo Espanol and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low maintenance.

History

galgo espanol - historyGalgo Espanol means Spanish with galgo meaning greyhound, thus a Spanish Greyhound. This breed is ancient with their roots in perhaps the English greyhound and others in the sighthound family. They are much like the greyhound in that they are laid back, calm, gentle and quiet, unless they are competing on the local track. Like the greyhound they are shy and reserved; great with kids and other pets. And of course, they love cats.

There are dogs like the Galgo referred to in writing by the ancient Celts and Romans. One author, Arrian, had his own Galgos and used them when hunting. The breed flourished in the second half of the Middle Ages in Spain and well into the 8th century. When the Christians regained control of the Iberian Peninsula, they did away with the hunter old forms of hunting and introduced a new form with hounds that made the Galgo the pride of the aristocracy and not in the homes of the ordinary people. Arrian claim to two types of dogs, the smooth and rough coated.

Muslim and Chrisitan Kings kept Galgo Espanols. In all probability the Saluke and Galgo were crossbred at this time. It was illegal to kill a Galgo and in 1081, the Mayor of Cartuario of Slonza left his Galgo in his will to Diego Citid. Dogs seen in painting from the 12th century look just like dogs of this breed who can be seen today.

It is believed that when the Galgo was developed, it was in the midsection of Spain or the Castillian plains. They ruled the interior of the country while the bloodhound ruled the exterior. The 18th and 19th centuries saw very little change in the breed. However, in the 20th century, there was cross breeding with the English greyhound that produced a leaner, faster and powerful track racing dog. The results was a faster dog without the long distance stamina of the pure Galgo. For this reason, the breeders returned to breeding the pure professional racing dog.

The sport of racing the Galgo earns Spain around sixty million dollars per year. They train anywhere from three to four thousand of the Galgos every year for Open Field Coursing Championships. Still, there no longer is any cross breeding between the Greyhound and the Galgo. The current coursing programs feature a hare that is much hardier and difficult to pursue so the stamina of the old Galgo Espanol is desired. In Castile, where these games are played, the landscape is open with large fields that requires that the hare travels far greater distances. This means that the stamina of the original Galgo Espanol is needed.

When not racing the Galgos have become great house pets. They have a reputation as gentle dogs that are docile and quiet, with good health. This reputation is well earned. They are also successful show dogs in Europe much more than the states. This is perhaps because they are really rare outside of Spain. They are not recognized by the United Kennel Club nor the American Kennel Club.

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

galgo espanol puppy - descriptionObviously the Galgos looks a lot like the Greyhound, but in some very important ways they are very different. The rear of the Galgos is higher than the front and their muscle are flatter. They are built for endurance while the Greyhound is built for speed. The Galgos is a lighter, smaller dog with larger ear on a long head. They have long tails and their chests are not deep like the Greyhounds.

The Galgo comes in smooth and rough coats and a variety of colors. The rough coat protects dogs that are in climates colder than the ones in Spain and also keeps them from injuring their skin while running. The colors include brindle, black, golden, toasted, cinnamon, yellow, red, white, white with patches, or any color as long as they have a white forehead and muzzle.

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

Children friendliness

galgo espanol dog - characteristicsThey are good with children, but you need to be careful no one gets knocked down or hurt.

Special talents

Stamina for running and a good record in lure coursing.

Adaptability

Though they can be couch potatoes like greyhounds they are better off with a fenced yard and not an apartment.

Learning ability

They are smart and can learn anything you want to teach them if you can keep their attention.

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

galgo espanol puppies - health problemsBeing a large dog, the Galgo Espanol would normally face a high probability of hip dysplasia. Fortunately for the breed this is not true. In this respect their lightness of weight, their history as a working dog and their anatomy have protected them from it. They are however susceptible to other issues.

Osteosarcoma

Bone Cancer

Malignant tumors that quickly spread throughout the body. Life threatening.

Anesthetics

As a sighthound, the Galgo Espanol is prone to have issues anytime with anesthetics. They don’t metabolize the anesthetics like other dogs do. They will take longer to revive, and they are susceptible to hypothermia while under an aesthetic.

Muscle/Toe Injuries

While running, they are prone to injuries

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 the puppy

galgo espanol dogs - caringFeed your puppy a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 3 meals a day 2.5 to 3 cups total for the day.

Feeding the adult

Feed your adult Galgo a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 2 meals a day but don’t overfeed Give 4-5 cups total for the day.

Points for Good Health

They have amazing stamina and good speed. Generally good health as a breed.

Games and Exercises

He can be a couch potato indoors and runs forever outdoors. He does need daily exercise and bedrest both. The best would be if you could sprint him every day or have a small yard he can play in. They excel of course at agility and lure coursing. Keep them on a leash because if they run you will never catch them. The American Sighthound Field Association presents lure coursing events that they are eligible for. They have exceled at show competition in Europe but are not well known in the U.S.

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:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Spain
Portugal
Height Male:
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
Height Female:
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
(brindle),
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
Coat:
Smooth or Rough
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
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. Catahoula Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  2. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  3. Finnish Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  4. Chow Chow vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  6. Dalmatian vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  7. Golden Doodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  8. Pomsky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  9. Sakhalin Husky vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  10. Other vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  11. Chinese Shar Pei vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  12. Olde English Bulldogge vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  13. English Springer Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  14. Old English Bulldog vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  15. Schnauzer vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  16. Puggle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  17. Brittany vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  18. King Charles Spaniel vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  20. Schnoodle vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  21. Collie vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  22. Pharaoh Hound vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  23. English Setter vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  24. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  25. Catahoula Leopard vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison
  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  27. Saluki vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  28. Mountain Cur vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  29. Rajapalayam vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  30. Plott Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  31. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  32. Otterhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  33. Mudhol Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  34. Ibizan Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  35. Rampur Greyhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  36. Galgo Espanol vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Galgo Espanol vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Galgo Espanol vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  39. Galgo Espanol vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Galgo Espanol vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  41. Galgo Espanol vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Galgo Espanol vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  43. Galgo Espanol vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Galgo Espanol vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Galgo Espanol vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  46. Galgo Espanol vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  47. Galgo Espanol vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Galgo Espanol vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Hanover Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  50. Majestic Tree Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds