Indian Spitz vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison

Indian Spitz is originated from India but Cao de Fila da Terceira is originated from Portugal. Indian Spitz may grow 32 cm / 12 inches shorter than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Indian Spitz may weigh 73 kg / 160 pounds lesser than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Both Indian Spitz and Cao de Fila da Terceira has almost same life span. Indian Spitz may have less litter size than Cao de Fila da Terceira. Indian Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But Cao de Fila da Terceira requires Low maintenance

History

indian spitz - historyThe Indian Spitz is a working dog and has always been used for hunting and tracking small game. It is a popular dog breed in India.

There isn't too much information on the exact origin of the dog but dog experts tell us the dogs have descended from different Spitz breeds and wild wolves, and that they date back thousands of years.

People often mix them up with the Pomeranian, but they're different, being introduced in India by the British. The British began breeding them from a stock of German Spitz's and years of breeding produced the ideal dog type which could cope with the tempestuous weather conditions in India.

They aren't recognized by any major kennel clubs but the Kennel Club of India is working to establish the Indian Spitz as a separate breed.

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

indian spitz puppy - descriptionThe Indian Spitz is an attractive, fluffy looking dog breed thought to have been domesticated thousands of years ago.

The dog comes in two sizes – the smaller- and larger size. The Smaller Indian Spitz stands at between 20 - 25 cm and weighs between 5 – 7kg while the Greater Indian Spitz stands at 35-45cm and weighs between 12 – 20kg.

The dog has a long-haired coat, with the hair on the head being shorter than the rest of the body. The color of the coat can be white, brown or black and white.

Temperament:

The Indian Spitz is an easy-going dog which adapts to all kinds of living conditions in India. They therefore adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside.

The Indian Spitz is a social, friendly dog who is loyal towards his human family, showing his joy at being with them with high-pitched barking. He gets on well with children in the home and because he isn't aggressive, he gets on well with pets in the home too.

He is intelligent which means that he is able to be trained and socialized, turning him into an obedient pet who takes his job as guardian and protector seriously.

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

indian spitz dog - characteristicsPlayful, feisty, intelligent, loving and loyal, the Indian Spitz is full of character and just loves being in a loving family home.

Easy to train, he becomes a wonderfully obedient canine friend who loves nothing more than to spend time with you, especially when it is outdoors going for a walk or playing ball.

He is an entertaining little dog too, and anyone wishing to buy a dog like this won't regret it as he brings in a joyful dimension to any home.

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

indian spitz puppies - health problemsThese feisty little dogs can reach 14 years of age if looked after well.

Your Indian Spitz will need to see a vet when he is 6 weeks of age for his first vaccinations and also whenever he is sick.

He is a dog breed that doesn't get sick very easily, but still it is wise to know about some of the more common dog diseases that could plague your little pet, and these are among others, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and vision- and dental problems.

Dental Disease:

It is important to be keeping an eye on your dog's oral health. Infected teeth can have a bad impact on his health and can actually contribute to heart- and kidney disease for instance.

One of the major causes of dental disease in dogs is none other than diet. Always try to feed your pet the best quality food there is. Certainly if you feel your pet isn't getting the best food, try a probiotic supplement as this can create a healthy bacterial environment in your dog’s mouth.

Check your pet's mouth regularly so you can attend to any dental problem before it gets out of hand.

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

Diet:

indian spitz dogs - caringThese dogs have been used to a diet of milk and rice, but if possible it can be beneficial to the dog to include some cooked chicken and vegetables too. Raw meat is also important, but it is expensive, so just adding it in from time to time can still be beneficial. Water which is cool and clean should be available to the dog day and night, non-stop.

Grooming:

Your Spitz dog will simply require a brush twice a week to keep it clean and vibrant and free from loose hairs. While brushing him, make a point of checking him for fleas and ticks as well.

Exercise:

This is a busy little dog that wants to involved in everything you're busy with. He will love to join you in your long walks each day or if you take him to the park, he will love the chance to run off his leash.

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:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
India
Portugal
Height Male:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
70 - 80 kg
154 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
67 - 80 kg
147 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
3 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Greater Indian Spitz, Smaller Indian Spitz
Rabo Torto
Colors Available:
White, brown or black and white.
Fawn, yellow, brindle, red or black
Coat:
Long and fluffy
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  2. Perro de Presa Canario vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  3. Caucasian Shepherd vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  4. Dogo Guatemalteco vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  5. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  6. Danish Broholmer vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  7. Sage Koochee vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  8. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  9. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  11. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  12. Cao de Fila da Terceira vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  13. Cordoba Fighting Dog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  14. Perro Cimarron vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  15. Perro de Toro vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  16. Gran Mastin de Borinquen vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  17. Korean Mastiff vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  18. Samoyed vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  19. Labradoodle vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  20. Mixed vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  21. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  22. Great Pyrenees vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  23. Old English Sheepdog vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  24. Presa Canario vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  25. Indian Spitz vs Danish Swedish Farmdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Irish Jack Russell vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Lancashire Heeler vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  29. Telomian vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  30. Turnspit Dog vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Pomeranian vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  32. Maltese vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  33. Pug vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  34. Maltipoo vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  35. Jack Russell Terrier vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Schnauzer vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  37. Mal-Shi vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  38. Papillon vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  40. Japanese Chin vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature English Bulldog vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Dachshund vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  43. Lhasa Apso vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Poodle vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  45. Japanese Spitz vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  46. Italian Greyhound vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  48. Scottish Terrier vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  49. Malti-Pom vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds