Overview
The Cão Fila de São Miguel comes from the island of São Miguel in the Azores, where it moves cattle, guards property and is left to make its own decisions about both. It is a muscular, medium-to-large dog with a short brindle coat, cropped ears in its homeland, and a serious manner.
The breed is almost absent from the UK. Treat any you meet as a working guard and herding dog rather than a pet breed. It is devoted to its family, suspicious of outsiders and inclined to take charge of other dogs.
Exercise and walking needs
Seventy five minutes a day in two purposeful walks suits most adults. The dog has stamina and likes to work, so direction changes, heelwork and scent games are better than aimless strolling. A dog with nothing to do will invent a job, usually guarding.
The short coat means winter rain gets through quickly. Keep the dog moving and dry it off properly afterwards.
On the walk
- Strangers: The breed reads approaching people as potential intruders. Keep a wide margin, do not allow petting by passers-by, and cross the road rather than squeeze past a group.
- Other dogs: Strong tendency to dominate, especially with the same sex. Avoid nose-to-nose greetings on lead and keep the dog out of mixed groups.
- Herding bite: These dogs were bred to nip cattle on the heel. Runners, cyclists and excitable children can trigger a chase. Lead on near all of them.
- Strength: Compact and powerful. Use the harness or collar the owner has fitted and keep the lead short in built-up areas.
Tips for professional walkers
- Arrange supervised introductions with the owner before any solo walk and let the dog decide when it is comfortable with you.
- Give the dog a task every few minutes: a sit, a heel, a find-it. Working breeds relax when they are working.
- Walk alone rather than in a group and pick quiet routes with few surprise encounters.
- Towel the dog after wet walks; the thin coat offers little protection.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog respond to strangers and to people running or cycling past?
- Has it ever shown aggression to another dog, and are there any dogs it tolerates?
- Is it allowed off the lead anywhere, and how reliable is it when called?
- Which commands and rewards does the owner use so you can stay consistent?