Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed Comparison

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Cao Fila de Sao Miguel - Breed ComparisonHungarian Wirehaired Vizsla is originated from Hungary but Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is originated from Portugal. Both Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel are having almost same height. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Cao Fila de Sao Miguel. Both Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same life span. Both Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has same litter size. Both Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla and Cao Fila de Sao Miguel requires Low maintenance.

History

hungarian wirehaired vizsla - historyIn the 1930’s some breeders noticed that the Hungarian Vizsla produced some dogs with more water, cold weather and ground cover protection because they had a much thicker coat than most of the breed. One breeder decided to cross one of these females with a German Wirehaired Pointer, thus producing the first Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. There were now three types of Vizsla – the smooth coated, the longhaired, and the wirehaired. The longhaired is very rare and can be either smooth or wirehaired. It is also believed based on anecdotal evidence that the original Wirehaired Vizsla was also mixed with the Bloodhound, Pudelpointer, and Irish Setter during World War II. Many kennels started breeding the Wirehaired Vizsla at this time.

This rare longhaired is not recognized by any official club or organization while the smooth and the wired are recognized as two separate breeds. There are only a few longhaired Vizsla and they are only found in Europe. The Wirehaired Vizsla was recognized in 1986 by the FCI in Europe and in 2014 by the AKC (American Kennel Club).

Like their cousins the smooth Hungarian Vizsla, the wirehaired version is a natural hunter and easily trained. They are great retrievers as well as pointers in the water or on the land. Their wirehair coats offer them more protection than their smooth coated cousins. They love to swim and are very good at it and will even use your back yard pool if it is available to them.

The wirehaired Vizsla came to North America in the 1970’s and was recognized by the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) in 1977, The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) by 1986 and in 2006 by the United Kennel Club (UKC). The Australian Nation Kennel Council offered recognition in 2007 prior to their entrance into the AKC Foundation Stock Service. They began showing the breed at AKC events in Performance and Companionship, prior to their full AKC recognition in 2014.

These gentle hunting dogs became great family dogs as they love children and just want to be with their people. Falconers have recently taken up the breed because their temperament is suited to this work as well. There are only about 400 to 450 Wirehaired Vizslas left in the United States and few thousand across the globe.

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

hungarian wirehaired vizsla puppy - descriptionVery much like his cousins, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a noble looking breed. He is lean and muscular with a noble head and moderate skull line. Their muzzle is just a little shorter than the skull and the end is squared. They have powerful jaws and a broad, wide nostrils. The nose is brown, and the eyes are slightly darker than the dog’s coat color.

Low set ears are long and hang near the cheeks. With a strong, long neck and muscular shoulders, the Wirehaired Vizsla certainly looks the part of a hunting dog. Her chest is a little deep and the breastbone is prominent. She has round paws with short nails. Of course, her coat is wiry and dense. The undercoat is water repellent. He has an intelligent and lively facial expression.

Their ears are long but proportionate to the head and body. Their upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. Finally, the tail is thick and usually 1/3 docked. The tail is mostly carried in a horizontal position while walking or running.

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

hungarian wirehaired vizsla dog - characteristicsVery good with children as long as he gets enough exercise.

Special talents

Very athletic

Adaptability

A puppy could live in an apartment in the city, but the adult dog needs a yard and is better off on a farm.

Learning ability

Very smart, very responsive, high learning ability.

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

hungarian wirehaired vizsla puppies - health problemsMostly healthy but the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla does have some inherited dispositions to:

  • Hip Dysplasia: can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Dysphagia – Megaesophagus: Causes drooling, problems swallowing and muscle – entropy
  • Food allergies and intolerances
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Both Ectropium and Entropion: curling of eyebrows out and in.
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy : Unknown origin. Can cause seizures.

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

hungarian wirehaired vizsla dogs - caringFeed high quality food for medium to large breed puppies. Feed 3-4 time a day 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

Feed high quality food for adult medium to large dogs. Feed 2x a day 2-3 cups.

Points for Good Health

Great stamina and very athletic breed.

Games and Exercises

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a working dog and needs serious daily exercise. He will be full of energy and excitement if he doesn’t get enough mental and physical stimulation. He needs a family that can walk a mole or two every day or jog with him. He easily becomes neurotic and high-strung if his energy is not dissipated. Excels at Field Trials, Competitive Obedience, tracking and Barn Hunt.

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:
Hungary
Portugal
Height Male:
57 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
50 - 61 cm
19 - 25 inches
Height Female:
52 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 50 kg
99 - 111 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 48 kg
94 - 106 pounds
23 - 41 kg
50 - 91 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla • Hungarian Wire-haired Pointing Dog • Drotzoru Magyar Vizsla
Sao Miguel Cattle Dog or the Azores Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
russet to golden sand
Brindled, shades of fawn, brown, gray or black
Coat:
harsh, hard and loose fitting
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Responsive, Social
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. Pharaoh Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  5. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  6. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  9. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  10. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  13. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  14. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  15. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  16. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  17. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  18. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  20. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  21. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  22. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  23. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Kanni - Breed Comparison
  24. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Lithuanian Hound - Breed Comparison
  25. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Hungarian Hound - 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