Azorean Shepherd Dog (Azores Shepherd Dog, Fila de São Miguel)

The Azorean Shepherd Dog is a Portuguese dog breed that originated in the Azores Islands. It is also known as the Fila de São Miguel and the Azorean Shepherd Dog. Originally used for working livestock, it has the impressive appearance and temperament of a working guard dog.

Content

1 History of origin
- 1.1 Purpose
2 Appearance
3 Character and behavior
4 Content Features
5 Health and life expectancy
6 Choosing and buying a puppy
7 Photos and videos
- 7.1 Video about the Azorean Shepherd Dog breed

History of origin

Beginning in the early 15th century, the Portuguese began settling the Azores, where they primarily engaged in livestock breeding. It became clear they needed large, sturdy dogs to help with herding and guard property. Suitable dogs were brought to the islands, and they laid the foundation for the development of the breed. These were likely Spanish Alanos, Canary Dogs and similar molossers, and later English mastiffs and bulldogs. The largest number of them were brought to the island of São Miguel.

The Azov Shepherd Dog's existence was officially documented only in the early 19th century. A standard was compiled and first published in 1984. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 2007.

Purpose

Traditionally, the Azorean Shepherd Dog was used to guard and herd cattle. With proper training, it can work with horses and small ruminants. It will nip the underside of stray animals' legs to prevent damage to the udder. Less commonly, the Fila was used to hunt wild boar and deer. Today, they are more often kept as guard dogs, companions, and bodyguards.

More recently, San Miguel dogs have been recruited to serve in the police and National Guard.

Appearance

The Azorean Shepherd is a somewhat elongated dog, strong and muscular, medium in size, and not overly heavy. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced.

Height: 48-60 cm.
Weight: 20-35 kg.

The head is strong and square. The skull is slightly domed and wide. The earlobe is black. The lips are pigmented and strong, with a slightly curved lower profile. The jaws are well developed and strong. The bite is scissor-like or pincer-like. The eyes are oval, brown, and medium in size. The ears are triangular in shape, fairly large, and hang down alongside the head. Traditionally, Azorean Shepherd Dogs were given rounded ears; this shape is characteristic only of them. Uruguayan CimarronThe neck is straight, strong, of medium length.

Previously, Azorean Shepherds traditionally had their tails and ears docked. Due to recent changes in Portuguese legislation aimed at promoting and protecting animal health, any amputations require a veterinary medical certificate justifying their necessity. The practice of docking to achieve a distinctive appearance has effectively become illegal.

The body is strong and muscular, with a broad, well-developed chest. The back is strong. The tail is thick at the base and long. The limbs are strong, long, and powerful. The paws are oval, with powerful toes.

The skin is thick and pigmented. The coat is smooth, short, and very dense. The color is brindle.

Character and behavior

The Azorean Shepherd Dog has a lively, keen intelligence and is easy to train. It has a strong character, combining an instinctive suspicion of strangers with a friendly, welcoming attitude toward family. At its core, it is a serious and courageous guardian, with a rather dominant temperament and a distinctly independent nature. It requires early socialization and rigorous training. It is not suitable for beginners or those without experience with guard breeds. It obeys only those it recognizes as its leader.

Given the breed's characteristics, training is a challenging task for those without relevant experience.

Being intelligent and dominant in nature, the Fila will not respond to force. In addition to good physical exercise, it requires mental stimulation and varied socialization.

Content Features

The Azorean Shepherd is not the best choice for a city apartment. Ideally, it would be kept in a private courtyard. It can be kept in a crate or on a leash, provided the owner can devote sufficient attention to it without allowing it to become completely independent, especially when it comes to guarding. It does not require complex care.

Health and life expectancy

Azorean Shepherd Dogs have no official health problems. This is likely due to a lack of research and the small population. The breed is considered healthy, robust, and very hardy. The life expectancy is 10-12 years.

Choosing and buying a puppy

Azorean Shepherd Dogs are exported from Portugal to various countries around the world, where they are bred and marketed as a rare and scarce breed. Small clubs and registries often slightly modify the standard and name, and there are many variations and translations. Several imported specimens of the breed are known to exist in Russia. Occasionally, ads for puppies are found. But more often than not, the enticing name conceals a common brindle-colored mongrel.