Cao de Castro Laboreiro Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cao de Castro Laboreiro so you can get to know the breed more.
Group | Guard Dogs |
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Popularity Rank | 271 |
Reviews | 0 |
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Origin | Portugal |
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | Castro Laboreiro DogDog of Castro LaboreiroPortuguese Cattle DogPortuguese WatchdogCastro Laboreiro Livestock Guarding Dog |
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Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | Purebred |
Size Classification
What size category is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Learn how big the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed typically grows. | Large |
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Weight Statistics
How much does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed. | Male: 50-75 pounds (22.5-34 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-31.5 kg) |
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? | Male: 62.5 pounds (28 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) |
Height
How tall is the Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Cao de Castro Laboreiro height: | Male: 20-24 inches (51-60 cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) |
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? | Male: 22 inches (55.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) |
Price Range
How much does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Cao de Castro Laboreiro costs. | $600-$800 If you choose to purchase the Cao de Castro Laboreiro, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Cao de Castro Laboreiro for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cao de Castro Laboreiro gets to a happy place. |
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Availability
How easy is it to get a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? How many Cao de Castro Laboreiro are there in the world? | Average: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs. Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful. |
Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Discover the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | Smart: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.
The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking. |
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Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's trainability and response to training methods. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions. |
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro as a watchdog? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's alertness and guarding instincts. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs will alert you if they sense something different. |
Territorial Protection
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro protective of its territory? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's guarding instincts and behavior. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Cao de Castro Laboreiro can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Cao de Castro Laboreiro will take care of unwanted people or animals. |
Personality Traits
What personality does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? Learn about characteristic Cao de Castro Laboreiro temperament and behavior traits. | ProtectiveIntelligentDominantFearlessBrave |
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Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cao de Castro Laboreiro sensitivity: | Sensitive: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well. |
Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro a good family dog? | Average to High: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog. |
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Castro Laboreiro Dog need? Cao de Castro Laboreiro social needs: | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are kinda antisocial. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time, they tolerate being left alone. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cao de Castro Laboreiro to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cao de Castro Laboreiro roam? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence. |
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cao de Castro Laboreiro have high prey drive? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash. |
Barking Frequency
Does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro bark a lot? Learn about typical Cao de Castro Laboreiro vocalization patterns and triggers. | Average to High: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
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Playful Nature
How playful is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed. | The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play. |
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro live in an apartment? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's suitability for apartment living. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Cao de Castro Laboreiro indoors can cause a lot of problems. |
Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's flexibility to new situations. | Average: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro be left alone? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's tolerance to solitude. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety. |
Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro biting potential? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's bite risk factors. | Low 🔽 The Cao de Castro Laboreiro has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
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Mouthing Tendency
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro mouthy? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's tendency to use mouth during play. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs need to be taught a good attitude. |
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's bite force measured in PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Cao de Castro Laboreiro measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Cao de Castro Laboreiro puppy not to bite from an early age.
The Cao de Castro Laboreiro, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained. However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for. In conclusion, while the Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Cao de Castro Laboreiro can be a loyal and protective companion for your family. |
Average Lifespan
How long does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed. | 10-12 years The average lifespan of Cao de Castro Laboreiro: 11 years |
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Climate Tolerance
How well does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro handle different weather? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's climate adaptability. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat. |
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Discover typical conditions affecting the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed. | Cao de Castro Laboreiros are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed. |
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro need vet visits? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's veterinary care requirements. | Rare The Cao de Castro Laboreiro should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
Energy Rating
How energetic is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Understand daily activity needs of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro need? How much exercise do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs require per day?
Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs need a lot of exercises? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends. |
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed need? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
Obesity Tendency
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro prone to weight gain? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's obesity risks. | Average: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cao de Castro Laboreiro weight regularly. |
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Food Consumption
How much food does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro need daily? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's feeding requirements. | 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Allergy Friendliness
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro hypoallergenic? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's suitability for allergy sufferers. | No Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
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Coat Colors
What colors does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro come in? Discover all possible Cao de Castro Laboreiro color variations. | BlackChestnutMahogany |
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro need? Learn about Cao de Castro Laboreiro coat maintenance requirements. | Easy to groom: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog. Recommended for beginners. |
Drooling Tendency
Does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro drool a lot? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's drooling habits. | The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
Stinkiness Rating
Does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro smell bad? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's natural odor levels. | Medium ⏺ The Cao de Castro Laboreiro has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's fur characteristics. | RoughThickResistant |
Bathing Needs
How often does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro need baths? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's bathing requirements. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.
For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while. |
Shedding Level
How much do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Castro Laboreiro Dog? Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs shed a lot? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type. |
Child Compatibility
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro good with children? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's behavior around kids of different ages. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children. |
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Pet Compatibility
How well does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro get along with other pets? Discover the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's compatibility with other animals. | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. |
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cao de Castro Laboreiro temperament with other people: | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly
How well do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed live with a cat? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs get along with other dogs? | Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not a good choice. |
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed suitable for first-time owners? | Yes Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Are Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs good office canines? Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | No Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Castro Laboreiro Dog temperament with senior people? Are Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs good for elderly owners? | Cao de Castro Laboreiros are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Service Dog Capability
Can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a service dog? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's service work potential. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not the best breed for service purposes. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's therapy work aptitude. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
Scent Detection Ability
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro good at detection work? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro do search and rescue? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's SAR capabilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
Maritime Work Ability
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro good on boats? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's maritime capabilities. | Not really Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
Draft Work Capability
Can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro pull carts? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's drafting abilities. | Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed is a good choice for drafting purposes. |
Military Service Background
Was a Cao de Castro Laboreiro used in military service? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 5-10 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro pregnant? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's gestation period. | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female Cao de Castro Laboreiro: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
Breeding Frequency
How often can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro in? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's AKC classification. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro in? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's international classification. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Learn about the Cao de Castro Laboreiro's official recognition. | Dog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc. |
Cao de Castro Laboreiro Pros and Cons
- Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have great intelligence.
- Training Difficulty: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are very easy to train.
- Health Concerns: Cao de Castro Laboreiros are commonly healthy dogs.
- Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro doesn't require a lot of grooming.
- Watchdog Rating: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
- Alone Time Tolerance: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs handle alone time quite well.
- Child Compatibility: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
- Senior Citizens Friendly: Cao de Castro Laboreiros are usually recommended for elderly people.
- Good For First Time Owners: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
- Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
- Allergy Friendliness: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed.
- Impulse to Wander or Roam: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
- Cat Friendly: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
- Dog Friendly: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
- Office Friendly: Cao de Castro Laboreiro is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Cao de Castro Laboreiro History
The Cão de Castro Laboreiro, or in its other name, the Portuguese Cattle Dog finds its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, in Portugal. Their original Portuguese name is derived from a small town in the northern part of Portugal, now a parish in the Melgaco urban area.
Even though the Cão de Castro Laboreiro’s history is mostly unknown, there are several different legends surrounding the breed’s development. The earliest documents and records about the breed are from 1882, however, it is more than possible that the breed had been around way much longer than the 19th century. Furthermore, it might be one of the oldest livestock guardian breeds. According to another theory, the Cão de Castro Laboreiro is descended from Molosser type of dogs, who lived during the ancient Roman times and were used as war dogs. On the other hand, regarding their history, the Portuguese breed club noted that "Everything that is written about their origins is pure fiction, without any scientific or historical accuracy ... data is rare or does not exist ... most guardian and herding breeds do not have records before 1900". Nevertheless, it is certain that the Cão de Castro Laboreiro is descended from very old livestock herding and guarding breeds, which worked alongside humans and with livestock herders in the remote mountainous and rocky region of Portugal, defending both human and livestock from predators. The breed got nationally known thanks to the dogs’ ferocious behavior against wild wolves. When working the breed was considered to be intelligent, extremely fearless, who protected any flock or herd he was given to guard any moment of the day.
The Cão de Castro Laboreiro was first shown to the general public in 1914 at a dog show, and the first breed standard was written up in 1935, by a veterinarian named Manuel Marques, when the breed was recognized by the Clube Portogues de Canicultura, which was founded in 1897. The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) also registered the breed in 1935 within their Group 2, Section 2.2: Mastiffs, Mountain Type, Portugal (breed number 150). The UKC (United Kennel Club) also recognized the breed under its official, indigenous name in the United States of America, into their Guardian Dog group. Despite the registrations and the long history, the AKC (American Kennel Club) did not recognize the breed yet. Later, due to the eradication of wolves and other larger predators the Cão de Castro Laboreiro lost its initial purpose. Moreover, the changes in the agricultural methods over the last hundred years also contributed to many dogs being abandoned, turning feral, and becoming a problem for those that raise cattle and horses.
Nowadays, there are still specimens who are working as guarding and herding dogs in the breed’s native land, Portugal, especially in the Azores region. However, sadly the breed faced a serious and dramatic decline in their population numbers because of the constant modernization of agricultural methods. Today, the Cão de Castro Laboreiro is believed to be among the rarest breeds, with their 200 to 500 specimens registered or documented over the whole world, but mostly within Europe. Consequently, breed clubs and breeders are working on preserving the breed, and popularizing them, in order to increase their numbers.