Cão Fila de São Miguel

The Cão de Fila de São Miguel (frequently translated into English as the São Miguel Cattle Dog, but other names, such as Azores Cattle Dog, may be used) is a dog breeds of molosser type originating on São Miguel Island in the Azores, an island chain which is one of the autonomous regions of Portugal. The breed was originally used for working with cattle.

A large dog, but not oversize; up to a maximum of 60 cm (23.6 ins) at the withers and 35 kg (77 lbs) in weight, with females slightly smaller. The general appearance is of a normally proportioned, deep chested, muscular dog with a broad head and medium length neck, straight back, and long legs. The tail is held up and is slightly curved. Ears are drop unless they are cropped. The coat is a brindle of brown (pale brown is described as fawn) or grey, with black; it is short, smooth and harsh to the touch, with a short fringe on the tail (if undocked) and on the backs of the rear legs.

A large, aggressive, working dog, the Cão de Fila de São Miguel must be well socialized at an early age if it is to be kept as a pet, and supervised when around unfamiliar children. As with all working dogs, it must be given regular training and a job to do. Temperaments of individual dogs may vary greatly. Suitability of an individual dog for a particular kind of work may depend on the quality of early training.

Cão de Fila de São Miguel from Portugal have no documented health problems, but dogs bred elsewhere are often bred to be very oversize (over 60 cm/23.6 in and 35 kg/77 lb) and may suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia and other ailments particular to deep chested oversize dogs, such as bloat.