Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

Grand Gascon Saintongeois is originated from France but Cao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal. Grand Gascon Saintongeois may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Grand Gascon Saintongeois may weigh 45 kg / 99 pounds lesser than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Both Grand Gascon Saintongeois and Cao de Fila da Terceira has almost same life span. Both Grand Gascon Saintongeois and Cao de Fila da Terceira has almost same litter size. Both Grand Gascon Saintongeois and Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low maintenance.

History

grand gascon saintongeois - historyKnown also as the Virelade, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois hails from the Saintongeois region of France, being a newish addition to the hunting dog breed.

The Saintongeois hound and the Grand Blue de Gascogne are the ancestors of this scentdog as these two breeds themselves, are exceptional hunters. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large dog and favored by the French nobility for its ability to hunt.

After the French Revolution the popularity of the breed waned. It was Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour who tried to revive the Saintongeois Hound. The dogs were mated with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and were so outstanding that breeding was continued. The breed that was created is the Grand Gascon Saintongeois which we know today.

It was in January 1993 that the Grand Gascon Saintongeois was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club.

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.

Description

grand gascon saintongeois puppy - descriptionThe Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large, well built breed of dog that looks strong and robust. His head is strong and covered with loose skin that forms wrinkles around the cheeks. He stands at 61-73cm and weighs 30 to 35kg.

He has straight, long legs. He has a short, smooth coat which is white with black patches. Sometimes you'll also find a speckled or ticked pattern. There'll be tan dots over the eyes.

The eyes are brown, the nose black and the long, thin textured ears are low on the dogs head and also well back on the skull. The tail is long.

Temperament:

He is known for his deep voice to voice an opinion. He is a loving, friendly, courageous and affectionate breed with a well balanced temperament, making him a splendid pet. He is also intelligent and so he won't battle at all to learn some rules. Training and socialization will be good for him even though he is such an amicable dog already, but then he just becomes extra obedient.

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.

Characteristics

grand gascon saintongeois dog - characteristicsYour Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a true hunting dog breed and valued for his hunting prowess. He has another side to him though and is gentle, loving and calm with his human family.

He makes a wonderful family companion, getting on well with children as well as pets in the home. He may show a bit of aggression to strangers and this is why training and socialization works so well with him as it helps him behave well around family and strangers.

Training is never a problem as he is an intelligent dog. He is an energetic dog and won't fit well into city life in tiny properties, also because of his tendency to bark when bored. He fits well into country life or large properties.

When you provide your large pet with good food, a warm place to sleep, exercise and plenty of love and attention, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is going to turn out to be one of the most loyal, affectionate pets you can imagine.

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.

Health Problems

grand gascon saintongeois puppies - health problemsYour Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a robust dog, who with good care can reach up to 14 years of age. You're not going to be running to the vet often with this strong looking dog, but even so, there are one to two problems that you'll want to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Long-eared dogs are more susceptible to canine ear infections. The symptoms of the infection will be dependent on how severe it is. Certainly your dog may experience pain and you'll see him shaking his head and pawing at his ear. If both ears are affected by inflammation, he may even walk in a wobbly fashion and the infection could lead to deafness. It is imperative that he get to the vet as soon as possible.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the ball and socket joint of the hip is malformed. It results in a joint rubbing and grinding. It can lead to loss of function of the hip joints. It is a common skeletal disease in young or old dogs, small or large dogs and in both males and females.

Large dogs are more commonly affected though with hip dysplasia which can see arthritis developing too. Your dog will display decreased activity and difficulty with standing up after lying down. Veterinary intervention will be required.

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.

Caring The Pet

grand gascon saintongeois dogs - caringThese large dogs with their short smooth coats have very little grooming needs. Regular brushing twice a week will remove dead hair and also ensure the good condition of the coat.

He has long ears and these will need to be checked regularly to avoid ear infections. It will be a good idea to learn how to clean the ears and to do it in such a way as to avoid damaging them. Signs of ear infection include redness, discharge, irritation and bad odor.

Diet:

Following the feeding instructions on the packaging of top quality kibble, provide your Grand Gascon Saintongeois with at least 2 meals a day. To steer away from the monotony of kibble every day, mix in some raw meat from time to time, and also include some cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables as a tasty treat. Fresh, cool water should always be easily accessible to him.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
France
Portugal
Height Male:
61 - 73 cm
24 - 29 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
61 - 73 cm
24 - 29 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
70 - 80 kg
154 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
67 - 80 kg
147 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Virelade
Rabo Torto
Colors Available:
White with black patches
Fawn, yellow, brindle, red or black
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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. Irish Setter vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  3. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Red and White Setter vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  5. Pachon Navarro vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  6. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  7. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  8. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  9. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  10. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  12. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  14. Spinone Italiano vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  15. Talbot vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  16. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  17. Weimaraner vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  18. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  19. Samoyed vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  20. Labradoodle vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  21. Mixed vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  22. Great Pyrenees vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  23. Old English Sheepdog vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  24. Presa Canario vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  25. Labrador Husky vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  26. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  27. Perro de Presa Canario vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  28. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  29. Dogo Guatemalteco vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  30. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  31. Danish Broholmer vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  32. Sage Koochee vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  33. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  34. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  36. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  37. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  38. Cordoba Fighting Dog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  39. Perro Cimarron vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro de Toro vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  41. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  42. Korean Mastiff vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  44. Labradoodle vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  46. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  47. Great Pyrenees vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  48. Old English Sheepdog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  49. Presa Canario vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds