The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog is a devoted livestock guardian breed and household watchdog with an even temperament and generally calm demeanor. He loves his human family with all of his heart and is a dependable companion and alert protector. With a dignified personality that matches his grandiose appearance, this is not the type of dog that will demand attention frequently or otherwise act like an obnoxious pest, nor will he cower in the corner anxiously. This is a confident but laid-back breed that will step up to any challenge if he feels his owner or other charges are in danger, and the breed is well-known for even confronting bears when necessary – usually while protecting cattle. The breed gets its name from the raven-black color of the coat, and has been recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club since 2008.

The Romanian Raven Shepherd has an abundant, medium-long coat which is straight and rough. The head and parts of the legs are covered with short hair. As mentioned above, the color is always black, or black with white markings on the chest and forequarters although black must cover at least 80% of the dog. When two dogs of otherwise equal merit are being judged, the dog with the most black should be prioritized. Other key traits of the breed include a deep chest, a powerful and massive head, small almond-shaped eyes, v-shaped hanging ears, and a high-set pendant tail.

Ravens are active dogs that can get silly and joyous in play with their owners, and especially love playing with children. They tend to be gentle even with the smallest of kids. They do need owners that are able to exercise them regularly not only with games in the backyard but also with long daily walks of at least an hour a day. For this reason the breed isn’t for everyone as they require not only active owners, but those who live in homes with enough space to accommodate them. Like many livestock guardians, Ravens are often good with all sorts of animals as long as they are introduced to them while young. This includes cats and even smaller pets. This tolerance doesn’t hold true for animals that wander into their territory however, as they are not very forgiving towards strange dogs (or other animals) that suddenly appear on their property.

The Romanian Raven has a loud, thunderous voice which he will use when a stranger enters the property. He may tend to bark frequently, as anything out of place may cause his suspicions to rise so he is best living in a home without close neighbors! Like most livestock guardian dogs he is suspicious of people whom he doesn’t know. Standing up to 31 inches at the withers and reaching up to 130 pounds, this dog can easily take down a threat if he needs to! For this reason it’s doubly important to socialize him extensively while young to ensure the proper temperament develops. Even with socialization, know that this isn’t the best dog for people who enjoy throwing weekly parties at the house as he doesn’t love having house guests over.

Raven Shepherds are intelligent and generally submissive to their owners, making them easy to train in general. This said, they are independent-minded and are not push-button obedience dogs either. With consistency and plenty of guidance, however, they can become wonderfully trained members of the family! As the breed tends to live an average of 12 years it is important to start young and introduce training while they are still at an easier size to manage. It is also interesting to note that although they usually love everyone in the family, they will generally choose one person who they are more likely to “listen to”. This said, the whole family can (and should) take part in training as this will benefit everyone and promote an even stronger bond!

Photo By Canarian

The Georgian Mountain Dog is not from the American state of Georgia, but rather he originates from the country of Georgia- where he is the national animal of the country. This is an old guarding (property protection) and livestock guardian (livestock protection) breed that descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, and is highly related to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. At one point threatened with extinction, a group of dedicated breeders with the purpose of preserving this powerful dog has been working diligently to ensure the breed’s survival. The Cynological Federation of Georgia recognized the breed standard in the year 2000 and hosts shows so that breeders can continue their work. This molosser can be identified by a massive head, high-set ears traditionally cropped extra short, a short yet thick double coat which can appear in any color, and a heavy distrust of strangers.

Georgians are courageous yet calm, and are well known to have a very high suspicion of strangers. They are extremely protective of their families (including livestock and other pets) and won’t hesitate to defend if they feel they need to. This dog is not for the novice, for if they suspect danger they won’t wait around, choosing to act quickly whether or not actual danger exists! An owner must be very knowledgeable and experienced with handling the unique personality of a livestock guardian dog, including early and frequent training and socialization. This said, when raised correctly the breed should not be aggressive towards his owners, and in fact will form a very tight bond with them.

Georgians can be gentle with children and will often play more carefully with them than they might an older person. They also share a gentle nature with family livestock and household pets including cats, as long as they consider those animals to be part of their family. When it comes to strange animals or wild animals however, they are not so kind. This trait makes sense when one remembers their original purpose was to protect their herd or family group from predators and/or outside danger. With other dogs, they usually only get along with those in their household, although there may be some initial scuffles with housemates as the dogs decide where they stand with each other. Not a breed generally known for its dog-sociability skills, they have historically (and unfortunately) been used in dog fighting pits.

The standard of the Georgian Mountain calls him a dog of “robust constitution” but he is definitely not a huge couch potato! Rather, he is an athletic dog fully capable of long exercise routines in even the worst of weather. He does need regular daily exercise in order to thrive. He will not do well in an apartment or even a small house as he needs room to stretch out. Traditionally the breed is kept outside to guard the flock or home, and while he can be an indoor dog he prefers to be outside as much as possible so that he can patrol a large yard. When given regular exercise and correct care, the typical lifespan is 11-12 years and the breed as a whole is not prone to any particular health issues (although any dog of any breed or mix can always develop an issue).

Georgian Mountain Dogs require patient owners when it comes to training, and furthermore they tend to be dominant which means household rules must be in place and upheld at all times. A wishy-washy owner will not be a good fit for this strong assertive breed, as they require someone firm and experienced. Add in the fact that this giant breed can reach 30″ or so, and can weigh anywhere from 100-200 pounds, and it becomes obvious that an out-of-control Georgian is a disaster in the making! With the right owner, however, this strong breed is known for being clever and is capable of being taught obedience. This said, the primary goal of this dog is that of serious protector.

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a molosser recognized only by the Asociación Canofila Guatemalteca – the first standard being published in 1972. It is known only in a few parts of the world – primarily in its home country of Guatemala where it is the only native breed, and has therefore been granted the title of the country’s national breed. This dog is the result of crossing the Bull Terrier, Boxer and Dalmatian in the late 1800’s and for a while was known as the Guatemalan Bull Terrier until the name was later changed. Despite a similar appearance to the Dogo Argentino, the two breeds are themselves not related although they do share a couple of ancestor breeds (Bull Terriers and Boxers). Of the two, the Guatemalan is actually an older breed. Like the Argentino, Guatemalans are usually primarily white although it is preferred for them to have markings of other colors on their face. Another physical difference is the tail, which is often (although not always) docked.

Guatemaltecos are known for being physically strong and agile. In terms of temperament, when raised correctly they should be sound-minded and stable although courageous when necessary. They are alert to, and cautious around, strangers and don’t tend to be overly friendly unless the person is a friend of the family/owner. This is a guard dog and a territorial one at that. They don’t generally tend to like strangers coming onto their properties. When it comes to their owners they are calm and affectionate – gladly obeying orders and tending to become very loyal dogs. Many are one-person dogs, becoming most bonded to the person they spend the most time with. In fact, they can be difficult to re-home if something ends up happening and they can no longer stay with their original owner/s.

Dogo Guatemaltecos are medium in height but have a sturdy, muscular build making them powerful dogs. This, combined with their serious temperament means that they are not a breed for the novice owner! With poor management they can become aggressive, which means they need an experienced owner who is prepared to “run a tight ship” at home. The breed must receive obedience training from a young age and live in a household where everyday rules are enforced. Without this structure they can be prone to putting themselves in the head position of the house, which can be a dangerous situation. Take note that training may be a slow process as they are a stubborn breed.

The Guatemalteco has a smooth, harsh coat that does require some regular grooming. They shed heavily which means they will need to be brushed a minimum of once a week, if not even several times a week. While some breeds shed more frequently at only certain seasons, the Guatemalan tends to shed heavily year-round. Nails should be groomed weekly and baths given occasionally (too much bathing or the use of cheap shampoo can exacerbate skin allergy issues). This is also a drooling breed which means keeping towels handy around the house will help an owner clean up drool before it ends up on furniture and floors! In terms of physical care, the Guatemalan Dogo has a medium activity level and requires regular exercise on-lead – 45 minutes to an hour each day should be sufficient. When at home he needs a securely fenced yard to keep him on the property while he roams and patrols.

While the primary purpose of the Dogo Guatemalteco was that of guard dog, he was unfortunately also used in dog fighting. This means that many cannot be trusted with other dogs regardless of how long they have known each other. It goes without saying this breed will probably not do well in a dog park situation! On the other hand, Guatemalans can live in families with children if they are raised with them and as long as the parents are experienced with guarding breeds. While not a dog for a novice, they can be loyal guardians for the right knowledgeable owner.

Photo By Blabriel

Recognized only by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia, the Serrano Bulldog originated (quite obviously) in Brazil. The word serrano indicates “mountains” or “hills”, pointing to the type of region that the breed evolved in. Their ancestors were dogs brought to Brazil by European immigrants in the 1800’s, and they were originally used for herding cattle and pigs in slaughterhouses. They were said to have dragged the pigs by the ears and helped to control the animals. In the 1970’s this was eventually deemed unhygienic and the breed became more scarce for awhile until eventually being revived and then recognized fairly recently. They share a similar background to another Brazilian breed, the Campeiro Bulldog, which is a heavier cousin that developed in different regions of the country.

Temperament is very important in the Serrano, as they are supposed to be balanced and easy-going for the most part while still retaining the ability to attack if necessary (whether the owner tells them to or they make the decision that it’s required). This molosser breed is a guard dog through and through when the situation calls for it, however should never be unduly aggressive to people or other (known) dogs, and in fact should be fairly submissive to their owner. Keep in mind that although they shouldn’t be unduly aggressive, they will be suspicious of strangers and strange dogs. Serranos are loyal to their owners and carry themselves with dignity.

The Serrano Bulldog is intelligent and calm in the home. When working, he is spirited and has the energy needed to do the job that is asked of him – either as a guard dog or as a cattle herder. He also has the courage required to do both jobs. Even still, he is gentle enough to live with children. Quiet and only requiring a moderate amount of activity, he would be desirable in many households except for the fact that he can be difficult to train and he does have natural suspicions towards strangers that require an experienced owner. The Serrano lives on average 10-12 years and isn’t known for having any breed-specific health issues.

Serrano Bulldogs aren’t particularly tall, and would be considered a medium sized dog if it weren’t for their fairly substantial bulk which can put the biggest males close to 90 pounds! In particular, a large wide head with an undershot jaw are distinguishing features of the breed. The tail is either corkscrew, curled or occasionally long and straight. The coat is smooth and allowable in any color.

Photo By Ivanor Oliviecki

The Landseer is not just a color variety of the Newfoundland breed – overseas it is a breed in itself. Also sometimes called the Landseer ECT (which stands for Eastern Continental Type), the breed originated in Germany and Switzerland as a guard dog and companion. Landseers are excellent water dogs and historically would tow nets to the shores to help their fishermen owners. Their natural swimming abilities also meant they were used in water rescue situations. This is an old breed that’s been around for hundreds of years and has been depicted in many different forms of art. The most famous painting of one was depicted by Sir Edwin Landseer in a portrait entitled “A Distinguished Member of Humane Society”. The breed was ultimately named after him.

One can tell just by looking that the Landseer is a powerful dog. Not only is he imposing in appearance, but he can be protective of his owner if he feels there is danger present. Thankfully, (when properly bred and raised correctly) he shouldn’t be outright aggressive and in fact will only use teeth as a last resort. This said he will definitely make his suspicions known to an imposing stranger! This is a reliable and confident breed that should have a stable temperament, even if slightly suspicious towards those he doesn’t know. Prospective owners should be aware that in order for the correct temperament to come to fruition, the dog must be thoroughly socialized from puppyhood onward, and that the dog must be given obedience training. Teenage dogs will likely try to “pull rank” at certain points, and an owner must keep steadfast to the household rules.

When it comes to training, the Landseer is independent-minded and may be slower to respond than other breeds, but is otherwise very smart and can be trainable. Members of the breed have been known to compete in many different dog sports including rally, draft work, obedience, agility, scentwork, coursing, barn hunt, fastcat, dock diving and water trials. They require daily mental stimulation and training for various sports is an excellent way to engage their brains. Luckily many are very motivated by food and attention! A bit of patience will still be required however, and the ability to change up the training plan on the fly. The breed can be stubborn and prone to putting their own spin on obedience commands so the trainer must be quick-thinking and good at problem solving.

The Landseer doesn’t always realize just how big he is and can accidentally knock over small children and the elderly. Although he usually loves kids, he needs to be taught rules to follow so that he doesn’t hurt them by accident. Combined with the fact that he has a medium-high energy level, it’s clear that he would do best in a home where the people are active and strong (generally speaking) and/or are able to train him to be gentle. He should also have regular exercise including long walks of at least an hour a day, and a round or two of ball chasing. Bonus points for owners who can regularly take him swimming as this is a favorite activity!

Landseers need to live in the house with their humans as they are very faithful and need to be near “their people” to be happy. They also need plenty of enriching activities to keep from becoming destructive, particularly puppies and younger adolescent dogs. While a mature Landseer is easy to live with in the home, a younger animal can be prone to chewing and a dog of this size (even a puppy) can do quite a lot of damage if not properly managed! The breed grows physically very quickly, but mentally can take much longer. This is why training is so important!

As with all breeds, there are certain factors which can make Landseer ownership difficult or a bad match for certain types of people. Namely, as a guard dog this breed likes to bark and is likely to do so when he catches sight of a person out the window. Furthermore, some Landseers have a prey drive and can be prone to chasing cats or other small animals. Finally, as mentioned before this is a giant powerful breed that requires a strong and capable handler. For those who can provide what the breed needs to thrive, however, this is a wonderful and loyal breed with a steadfast temperament.

Photo By Katja Gleisberg

The Transmontano Mastiff is a livestock guardian dog that hails from Portugal. Also known as the Cao de Gado Transmontano, this very rare breed is seldom seen outside of its homeland but is invaluable for protecting flocks of sheep. The main foe of this molosser breed is the wolf, which is frequently seen in the area and is the main reason the flocks need protection. The vast majority of these dogs are still used as livestock guardians even today! As far as the breed’s lineage, some speculate that the Tibetan Mastiff played a part in its creation. There is no actual evidence of this however, although it is known that the Alentejo Mastiff is a definite ancestor. Although most Transmontanos reside overseas some members do live in the United States – in particular, Oregon. A select few were brought over in order to observe how well the dogs protect flocks from wolves and other predators in this country.

The Transmontano is a working breed through and through. He is completely dedicated and serious about his job and, as such, may or may not make a good pet. Prospective owners should have a thorough understanding of this breed’s temperament and needs before obtaining one, particularly in regards to the guarding nature. If a threat were to arise it would be dealt with calmly but matter-of-factly by the dog. These are not hot-headed dogs but they will react accordingly to any perceived dangers. The breed is very intelligent and will remain inquisitive and alert to all goings-on in their vicinity. For example, they won’t sleep through a package delivery. They’ll be there at the window or the door, ready and willing to act if they feel a threat has arisen!

The Transmontano Mastiff is very territorial and is likely to try and expand the territory which he feels must be guarded. This can result in the dog digging out under the fence frequently. A very, very secure fence is extremely important – it is not fair nor safe for a Transmontano to wander the neighborhood, potentially ready to defend the whole street from perceived dangers! These “dangers” could include people, pets or wild animals. Interestingly, in Portugal it is not unusual for a pack of Transmontanos to guard a large flock – including intact males and females. While strange dogs can be seen as instant foes, they are much more adaptable to living in a multi-dog household than other similar breeds. As well as digging under fences, Transmontano Mastiffs will also dig large craters just about anywhere. Making dens to escape the heat is a behavioral breed trait that most will due instinctively.

Transmontanos have a lot of energy due to their history of guarding flocks among many miles and over difficult terrain. In Portugal, they don’t really have “time off” and must be able to defend at any time whether day or night! Anyone keeping one as a companion must realize that they need a vast amount of space to roam in order to be happy. It can be very difficult to have one as a pet if it is not being used as a livestock guardian as this need (large amount of space plus a job) is hard to replicate otherwise. They will absolutely not work in an apartment setting, nor in any lifestyle that doesn’t allow plenty of free movement.

While it may seem otherwise, the Transmontano can actually make a good companion for those who are able to meet their extensive needs. It is said that females in particular can make better pets, and it is also said that they do better in households that only have one or two members rather than a large family. They can fit in very well for someone with a large property who would prefer an outside-only dog, as this breed doesn’t need to live indoors. They do still enjoy human company and attention, but can also bond to other dogs or livestock. They are generally calm and pleasant to be around, and are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Finally, as a breed they are rugged and healthy, not normally prone to extreme health issues, and able to live in any climate as long as common sense precautions are used.

As a breed that is naturally independent, the Transmontano Mastiff can (and should) be trained and socialized starting from an early age. This is a breed that tends toward being dominant, tends to be possessive of food, people and other items of value, and can hold a grudge when he feels he’s been treated unfairly. It is absolutely essential to gain and maintain control and to do it in a very firm, yet very fair way! He will not tolerate behavior which he feels is abusive, but likewise he will take advantage of an owner that doesn’t follow through with rules. For this reason the breed should only be owned by very experience owners that understand how to manage this type of temperament! For experienced owners that know what they are doing, they will find that this dog is in fact very trainable.

Photo By CARLOS

The Continental Bulldog is a new breed created in 2004 Switzerland by crossing the (English) Bulldog with the Olde English Bulldogge. The creation came about because of The European Convention on the Breeding and Keeping of Pets, as well as the Swiss Animal Welfare Act, as it was determined that the (English) Bulldog was not healthy enough to be ethically bred. This is a very controversial topic, and one that is debated heavily as many Bulldog fanciers purport that their breed can be very healthy when well-bred! Wherever one stands on the issue, this new breed is unique to itself while still retaining many of the characteristics of the aforementioned breed. Recognized in a few countries including Germany (and of course Switzerland), the breed is provisionally recognized by the FCI as well. In this process, the breed will sit at provisional status for 10 years while the the population of dogs is monitored and developed.

The Continental is praised for being calm in the home and not overly demanding of physical exercise, while still being athletic enough to participate in dog sports. This molosser breed has a similar temperament to other bulldog types, being easy to live with. He is friendly to both family and strangers but does so with a laid-back attitude. His grumpy-looking face may make him seem fierce, but he is actually comical and loving. The Continental Bulldog needs to spend lots of time with his human family in order to thrive. In fact, the sole purpose of the breed was to create a companion animal.

Continental Bulldogs are basically couch potatoes that are willing and able to participate in activities with their owners when desired. This means they can work equally well for active owners as well as the less active, or even apartment-dwellers as long as they are given at least a moderate amount of exercise. They are confident enough to take in new situations with ease (when socialized) and interested in new surroundings. They should be neither aggressive nor shy towards people or other dogs, so they are easy to bring into public. A medium sized dog, they are small enough to fit in most cars while being large enough to keep up with their owners when leashed. They have the same massive frame as most other molosser breeds which often garners attention from strangers who admire this type of dog.

Continentals can come in any color, save for brown or blue. White with patches of color is discouraged, however, and their nose should always be black. The smooth, flat coat sheds a moderate amount and so needs to be brushed at least once a week. Grooming needs will also include cleaning the wrinkles and folds of the dog’s face regularly and keeping it dry. Doing so will help to prevent trapped moisture from causing infections. The ears, which can appear either as rose ears or folded ears, should be inspected and cleaned on a somewhat regular basis. Overall this is a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming.

Contis (as they are affectionately known) can be stubborn and, as such, need owners with a bit of patience! They are ranked medium in difficulty to train and require someone that can be firm in laying down the rules while always practicing consistency. For best results, start training while the dog is young and before they develop into their full strength! Contis generally live between 11-13 years, so starting off right with obedience training will likely make for an easier and more enjoyable experience for the lives of both dog and human. Overall, for those who are prepared to deal with a bit of stubbornness, this can be a good dog for a novice dog owner.

Contis can make wonderful watchdogs as they will bark to alert when someone comes to the door but are otherwise usually quiet. They also fulfill the role of family dog just as well, as they tend to get along with children. It is highly recommended to supervise interactions with young kids, however, as should be the case with all dogs! They love to play and can be somewhat exuberant, hence the supervision. One also must always make sure kids are treating the dog fairly. Along with a good attitude toward children, Contis also get along with other household pets including other dogs! Some people have problems keeping two males together, however, so opposite sex pairs are usually best. Overall this new breed shows a lot of promise as a companion animal, and fanciers hope that in time they will develop further and spread across the globe so that others can experience their wonderful temperaments!

The Fila Brasileiro is the first genuine Brazilian dog breed, and a guard dog extraordinaire. Created by European dogs that were brought to Brazil during the Colonial period (likely including the Mastiff, Bulldog and Bloodhound), they were primarily kept on large plantations. There are three main clubs that are associated with this massive breed, each with its own standard. Unfortunately various scandals having to do with possible crossbreeding and falsifying pedigrees have arisen over time – and the different clubs have different views on which dogs are “correct” or even purebred. As might be expected, fanciers tend to side with one club over the others. An unfortunate situation for a breed which already might face extinction if not kept a close eye on.

Filas are a working breed that excels first and foremost as guard dogs, but are also adept at tracking, driving cattle and big game hunting. They have even been used as police dogs! Regretfully, in olden times, they were also used to return escaped slaves to their owners – as appalling as this job is now, it was a way of life in the eighteenth century. Today the breed can be a loyal and devoted companion, although are only for the serious and experienced dog fancier. Unlike some breeds in which an owner can adapt and “make the breed work for them”, this does not hold true for a Fila. An owner and a certain lifestyle will either be right or it will be wrong.

Fila Brasileiros are intense in temperament and not generally classified as friendly. As working guard dogs, they can be aggressive with people – so much so that at dog shows, judges aren’t even expected to touch the dogs! Distrust towards strangers is part of the breed standard itself. The word Fila actually translates to “hold or grab”, hearkening back to his days of grabbing cattle, large game, or even people. It is a breed that was bred to use its mouth freely, and still may do so when feeling threatened or challenged. As such, Filas are illegal to own in many countries around the world. One must take care when having friends over to the home as he is unlikely to be excited about the appearance of guests.

The Fila Brasileiro is a hot-weather breed, doing best in warm climates. The short, low-shedding coat is adapted to the types of temperatures seen in their country of origin, and requires very little grooming. Lounging on a large property in the sun, this breed works best as an only dog as they aren’t known for their sociability with other canines. Neither do they get along with other animals (wild or otherwise) as they have very high prey drives. Finally… they may or may not get along with kids either – especially stranger’s children. Put these things together with their distrust/dislikes of strangers and one can see how they are not the right breed for most.

Filas are giant dogs that can weigh up to 180 pounds, so they don’t do well in apartment settings or areas in which they can’t stretch their legs. Neither do they work for owners who can’t be firm in their training and rearing. The best owners are those who are very experienced with similar breeds, and who can devote lots of time to serious socialization and obedience training. These molossers are not easy to train, for although they are intelligent, they aren’t keen on being told what to do. They are headstrong and need constant consistency.

Don’t be fooled by the Fila’s massive size and lumbering appearance… he is actually surprisingly agile, remarkably fast, and needs lots of intense physical exercise as well! Be prepared for long walks or other structured forms of activity – he isn’t big on playing fetch, or really most types of play in general. His temperament could be classified as serious, through and through, and that’s how he prefers his exercise. Once his workout is done for the day he is likely to be quiet and unassuming in the home, and will easily relax next to his owner. At least until he catches sight of someone walking past the window! He is fiercely devoted to his owner – whom he loves – but that fierceness comes with a price.

The Romanian Bucovina Shepherd is so named because he developed in the Bukovina region of Romania. This livestock guardian breed is one of three FCI-recognized Romanian shepherd breeds which also includes the Mioritic and Carpathian. He also did double duty as a household watchdog as well, and was even known to have given his life for his owner or his flock when met with an extreme adversary. Recognized by the Romanian Kennel Club and the FCI, the breed is thought to have been created in the 1700’s although the first standard wasn’t written until 1982. His temperament is calm and even-tempered, with a loyal nature and a love of children.

Bucovina Shepherds can take some work to train because they were bred to think for themselves. However, like many molosser breeds, they absolutely do require obedience training as they can develop dominant and controlling behaviors without any management. Consistency is key, but overall this is probably a job best left for an experienced owner! Take note that the breed can be slow to develop, and younger dogs are very exuberant. It is easy for one to accidentally knock over a small child in his excitement. Training can help establish impulse control however it will take some time and one should expect the dog to be clumsy and excitable when young.

The Romanian Bucovina needs a home with a large backyard in order to run and stretch his legs. This isn’t a couch potato, but rather an energetic and playful dog that needs a lot of room to cavort. He does best in a country or otherwise rural home not only because he needs a lot of space, but also because of his loud and commanding barking which could annoy neighbors. Take note – although a big backyard is a necessity, he won’t be happy just to spend all day mindlessly loping around the yard. He also needs mental stimulation in the form of a job or plenty of outdoor activities with the family including daily walks. The breed does best when paired with an active individual or family because he has the stamina to walk for miles on end without tiring. An hour a day should be considered minimum for walks, and being allowed to run alongside a bike or accompany the owner on a hike is even better!

Bucovinas take their livestock guarding jobs very seriously and will not hesitate to attack predators if they feel their flock is being threatened. They are fearless and will work both night and day to keep their charges safe! When kept as a pet, they will employ a similar skill set. Intruders will be met first with a deep and powerful bark. It would be extremely unwise for a stranger to break into the home of this serious guard dog, especially after being warned. To say this breed doesn’t trust strangers would be an understatement – his giant size and intimidating appearance is one thing, but he is also prepared to back up his threat! For this reason he does need to be thoroughly socialized from puppyhood even if an owner wants him to be a guard dog. There is a difference between an unpredictable guard and a sound-tempered one. When properly bred, raised and socialized he should not be randomly aggressive.

If a Romanian Bucovina Shepherd is raised with other animals, he is likely to be ok with them and consider them part of his pack. However, he can be dangerous around smaller animals that he doesn’t know (both wild and domesticated) and may even kill them. This is probably related to his livestock guarding duties, where he sees intruding animals as threats that need to be taken out. He can also be fairly dog-aggressive and doesn’t always do well in multiple dog households. A single male can sometimes be ok with a female or vice versa, however, as opposite-sex pairs are less of a threat. This is an extremely devoted and loyal dog that considers it his sole purpose in life to protect those he loves, but this devotion comes with a serious and commanding edge. This breed is not for everyone.

The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog (also known as the Azores Cattle Dog or as the Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel) is a molosser-type breed from Portugal. They were used as catch dogs and herding dogs since the time they were created in the late 1800’s, and were built sturdily enough to live outdoors while doing these important jobs. Although they’ve been around for a long time, it wasn’t until 1984 that the first standard was actually drawn up. Later, they were recognized by the FCI internationally although to this day are a fairly rare breed. Nowadays, they are frequently used in personal protection and other guard duties. Temperament can vary from one individual to the next – with some fairly docile and gentle, and others tending to be quite dominant. Most tend to form strong bonds with their owners and they make great pets for those who can meet their requirements.

Intelligent and obedient when training is started young, members of the Miguel breed can participate successfully in many dog sports! Formal obedience, tracking, agility, flyball and herding are some of the activities that they can excel in. That said, because many can be dominant, they should only be owned by experienced dog people that are ready to provide strict rules and management! Training should incorporate “basic house rules” but can also branch out into more specialized areas as well. This assertive breed needs a job to do and specialized training can fulfill that need. Not only can herding (for example) be fun, but it will also give this dog a purpose and a mental outlet!

The Saint Miguel is a medium sized breed with a robust build and a distinctive rolling movement in the rear. The tail is traditionally docked short and the ears are often cropped into a unique rounded shape. The head is square and broad. The color pattern is always brindle, with the base color ranging from shades of fawn to gray. The coat is smooth yet dense with a harsh texture, and only sheds moderately as long as the coat is brushed weekly. The short yet functional coat allows this hardy molosser breed to thrive in any climate.

Miguel Cattle Dogs are quite territorial and can be sharp towards strangers who encroach upon their property. It is vital that they be socialized while young so that they don’t become a liability! Well-socialized dogs still make excellent watch and guard dogs, but will be more predictable in general. With friends and family, however, the breed is friendly. Apartment-dwellers should steer clear of this breed as the frequent comings and goings of neighbors is likely to make them agitated.

The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog is fairly energetic and needs at least one long walk every day to stay healthy and happy. As this breed’s lifespan averages 12-15 years, this is a commitment not to take lightly! Miguels that are well cared for are not known for any particular health problems, and they tend to stay strong and hardy well into old age. They are also not prone to getting sick easily as long as the dog is given regular vet care.

Miguels are generally good with children and enjoy extended play sessions! This said, their exuberance and “zest for life” shows in their play style and may be a bit too much for younger kids. Older children are a better match! This happy attitude doesn’t always extend to other animals however, and they are particularly likely to chase after small pets such as cats. Other dogs may be equally off-limits as well, as many members of this breed don’t get along with other canines.

The ideal home for a Saint Miguel is one with an experienced and fit adult, or a family with older children. Elderly people may have a harder time handling this breed, as will the meek or inexperienced. With a single individual, a work-at-home owner is best, as this breed doesn’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. However accommodations can be made for other situations as long as he isn’t left alone for extended periods on a regular basis. When matched to someone with an ideal lifestyle to him, he will likely become an extremely devoted dog, relishing in any attention given to him and returning it tenfold.