The Majorero is an old Spanish working breed that has been around for centuries. He was used as a sheep and cattle herder, protector of the home and flock, and as a farm companion. Recognized as a native breed by the Real Socieded Canina de España (Spanish Kennel Club) in 1994, the breed is actually thought to be 500-600 years old. This very old breed is also low in numbers and as it started to reach almost-extinction levels, the Association for the Conservation of the Perro Majorero was organized in 2008 in order to save it. Slowly the public in Spain is re-discovering this ancient breed and numbers are beginning to climb slowly upward. That said, this still remains a very rare breed and is virtually unknown in most of the world.

Majoreros do best in homes with yards as not only do they need room to roam, but as ranch dogs they actually enjoy being outdoors more than being stuck inside. A moderate amount of daily exercise in addition to yard time is recommended to keep their muscles and minds healthy, although surprisingly they aren’t good candidates for strenuous exercise either. Historically they spent most of their time slowly wandering their domains while keeping watch, and aren’t as active as most other ranch-type breeds. They are recommended for experienced dog owners without small children as they are a territorial guarding breed which can be dominant as well as aggressive (to strangers) in the wrong hands. This is a dog that needs early and frequent socialization combined with proper training and strict household rules.

When it comes to training, the Majorero can be stubborn as he was bred to work fairly independently and to think for himself. Consistency is key, as well as an owner that understands how to be firm while training. It will take time to teach him, and even more time for the commands to become reliable. Take note that the breed doesn’t tend to get along well with other dogs, and while training will ideally allow him to tolerate their presence he likely won’t be a good candidate for a multi-dog household. On the plus side, however – his natural instincts for guarding and herding take little to no training at all in order for him to do those jobs! As a dog that thrives on having a job to do, it is actually recommended that he be given some sort of task to keep his mind stimulated.

The Majorero has a dignified and well-behaved temperament in the home, however he is protective and passionate about making sure his family is safe. When no danger is present, however, he is quietly affectionate and gentle with those whom he knows and loves. This is not a breed that will lick you to death or be otherwise overly demonstrative with his affections – instead opting for a more reserved display of his fondness. Except when danger arises, he is generally very calm.

There is a bit of variation between one Majorero and the next as this breed was developed solely for working purposes. Conformation wasn’t deemed important at all in the early years of the breed and it was only recently that a standard was actually drawn up. This said, according to the standard the dog should be medium in size with a compact square body and a croup that is higher than the withers. Weight varies considerably from about 55 pounds in a small female, to close to 100 pounds in a large male. Double dewclaws are an important featured trait. The color is always brindle and may actually have a greenish hue in the sunlight, despite there being no actual green in the coat. The coat is short, thick, and fairly soft. The standard also states that the tail is traditionally docked up to the hock joint only, which means only the last few vertebra are taken, giving him a slightly shorter tail.

Photo By Anja Griesand

The Cursinu (AKA the Corsican Dog) has been around since the 16th century. Originating on the island of Corsica, the Cursinu was used to herd and guard flocks, in addition to being used as a hunting dog and a guard dog for the home. This is a primitive-type breed that has faced extinction in the past due to the modernization of farming, however several clubs and interested parties are currently working to keep the breed from dying out. In the process, the breed managed to become recognized by the French Kennel Club in 2003 and currently as of today, there are over 2200 dogs recorded by the breed’s parent club in France. This relatively unknown, yet distinctively versatile breed is most often used in wild boar hunting today and is still able to handle a vast number of jobs given to it.

The Cursinu is described as a rustic country dog. The breed is active and very capable of adapting to a limitless number of jobs and tasks, particularly hunting. He is loyal and devoted to his owner and is as good of a companion as he is a reliable worker, but he does need lots of exercise – both physical as well as mental! Long walks or jogs every day would be a good start, in addition to more interesting and engaging forms of exercise. Unsurprisingly because of his background, he requires an owner who can give him jobs that provide plenty of physical and mental outlets. He would be most at home with an owner who can let him herd livestock or hunt, but could also benefit from dog sports such as tracking, rally or agility.  The breed is said to be hyperactive until about the age of 1, after which point he tends to “settle” into… a fairly energetic dog!

The Cursinu is wary around strangers but generally docile and affectionate with those whom he knows. His alert nature, territorial disposition, and tendency to bark when he feels something is wrong makes the Cursinu a good watchdog and even guard dog. He can be protective of his owners if he feels they are in danger. He is gentle with children and can get along with cats when socialized to them early. With other dogs he is usually polite yet reserved. Although he’s great with most animals, small pocket pets may be in danger if they are left to wander the home un-caged because of this breed’s high prey drive. This prey drive also makes him more likely to wander so a fenced yard is definitely recommended!

The Cursinu is a very healthy breed in general with no health issues regularly seen, and an average lifespan of 12-15 years. He can adapt to any type of weather and is able to live either inside or outside. Many owners find that the breed requires only very infrequent visits to the vet and is quite low-maintenance in terms of health care. Grooming is also considered low-maintenance as he requires only an easy weekly brushing and the occasional bath. Nail trimming, dental care, and ear cleaning should also be added to the schedule but is easy enough to complete. Shedding is fairly low all year round, with slightly more hair loss twice a year.

The Cursinu is intelligent yet independent, and often requires more training than other breeds because of this independence. He also has a stubborn nature combined with a strong prey drive meaning that an owner/trainer must be patient when working him around highly distractible situations. With a strong personality and an often willful nature, an owner needs to be firm with this breed while remaining fair. Furthermore, without enough physical and mental stimulation (AKA training) the Cursinu can be destructive. Just one more reason that training is a necessity!

The Cursinu is a medium-sized dog with either a short or mid-length coat – the latter which often comes with fringes. The color is most often brindle in a variety of different shades. The ears are either hanging or rose shaped, but always triangular. The muzzle is shaped like a truncated pyramid and relatively thin. The tail is long, thick and well supplied with hair. At rest the tail can either hang low or be curled up onto the back.

Photo By Küchenkraut

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 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 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.

While the Northern Inuit Dog is a very rare breed, it’s possible you have seen one on TV if you watched Game of Thrones! Members of the breed played the Direwolves in the series (although the size was enhanced through CGI once the characters grew). The breed’s history dates back to the early 1980’s, when several dogs unspecified of origin were imported from North America into Britain. The goal was to create a breed which could work long hours as well as function as a pet – following the example of Inuit people who crossed dogs with wolves for a similar purpose. It should be noted, however, that Northern Inuits were primarily created as pets and while they can be given tasks their almost-entire purpose is that of a companion. While there is no wolf ancestry in the Northern Inuit, “wolf-like” breeds such as Siberians, Malamutes and Shepherds were definitely involved in the creation.

The Northern Inuit tends to do best in colder climates as he has a thick double coat and is highly related to Northern breeds, however he can live in warmer parts of the country with some care and common sense. Keeping him in air conditioning, making sure he always has water, scheduling walks for morning and evenings and giving him supervised access to a pool on extra hot days are all ways that can help accommodate this winterized breed to a warmer climate. Either way, make sure to never shave his coat as this will only make things worse for the dog!

Northern Inuit Dogs are intelligent but also known to become bored easily which means that training requires incorporating plenty of enthusiasm and diversity. They also are strong-willed, stubborn, and have a fairly high prey drive to boot. For this reason, they are not recommended for novice owners. That said, they are fully capable of passing a basic CGC test or reaching high levels of obedience when an owner puts in the work! They are also talented enough to participate in dog sports such as bikejouring, agility, sledding, scent work and canicross. Furthermore, some Northern Inuits have even been used as assistance dogs while others have done therapy work – which speaks as much as to their sociability as their trainability. Because they can reach giant-status in terms of size, every Inuit must be given basic obedience training at the very least!

Northern Inuits are often great with children although are not recommended for small kids because of their size and strength. Many also do well with other dogs who can put up with their rough (not aggressive) play style. They do have prey drive and may not be great around small pets although many owners with cats have had success integrating the two. Socialization to cats while the dog is still a young puppy can help encourage a smoother interaction down the line.

The Northern Inuit Dog, despite his intimidating wolf-like appearance, is not a guard dog for he is far too friendly and trusting. He should never be outright aggressive without very good reason. This loyal, friendly and affectionate dog is overall a lover and not a fighter. This said, he is likely to make noise which may deter some would-be intruders. Although he doesn’t bark much, many Northern Inuits howl – loudly! Which is something to consider if one is living close to neighbors…

Northern Inuits only require a moderate amount of exercise. One long walk a day is sufficient for most, although they can enjoy longer excursions with their owners such as hiking. Like all giant breeds, care should be taken when they are puppies not to over-exercise them as their growing joints are not built to handle super strenuous tasks. Along with physical exercise, they also need mental exercise as well which can take the form of training or interactive “brain games”. This breed is active outdoors although has the capability of being calm and relaxed in the house.

Northern Inuit Dogs exhibit some characteristics of other Northern breeds such as digging in the yard, but overall do not have all of the Northern spitz traits. This includes a lack of both typical “bad behaviors” of spitz breeds (wandering, hyperactivity), as well as “good features” such as sled pulling abilities. While a Northern Inuit Dog can pull a sled, it is unlikely he will possess the same endurance as his cousins who were bred for this particular task. This breed was created to be a pet rather than to be a workhorse, which puts him in a different category when it comes to dog ownership.

Northern Inuits are extremely social animals and known for following their owners from room to room. They are also less likely to try to escape and wander the neighborhood since they prefer to be in the company of “their people”. While flattering to many, be aware that this high social desire also makes them more prone to separation anxiety – the downside to dogs with “velcro personalities”. They will not do well in households where everyone is at work for long hours!

Photo By Malfuros

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a very old breed, mentioned in texts as early as the 1800’s. Named after a village in the mountain of Portugual, he is also known as the Castro Laboreiro Dog, the Portuguese Cattle Dog or the Portuguese Watchdog. This livestock guardian breed was tasked with watching over cattle and guarding the herd. A true working guard dog, they had earned a reputation of being ferocious toward predators when needed. Sadly, as predators began to dwindle in numbers in their home country, many dogs lost their jobs and homes. Abandoned by their owners, it was unfortunately common for them to become feral in the mountains of Portugal for a time. Luckily, this is rarely the case nowadays and the breed has since been re-domesticated and are used mainly as guard dogs today. This breed is rare in the United States but is recognized here by the UKC, and by the FCI abroad.

The Laboreiro is a very protective, dominant breed. He has a natural territorial nature and will patrol the house or yard without special training – often choosing a high spot to rest where he can see the majority of the property. His fearless demeanor and tendency to take control of situations makes him very ill-suited to first-time dog owners! He is said to “threaten first and greet later”. This said, he can be good with children of the family although may be less tolerant of strange children. When raised correctly, he is docile with his owners and develops a strong bond. However he can be extremely suspicious of strangers and even aggressive in certain circumstances.

Cao de Castro Laboreiros are intelligent dogs although many will only perform commands if prompted by their owners. They will not tolerate abusive training methods and instead need firm, yet fair discipline from experienced owners. Because they were bred to do a job, they require assigned work in order to be happy and behaviorally sound. Members of this breed can be seen in the Portuguese Marine Corps, where they have been used as police and military dogs. They have also been used as guide dogs and competitors in dog sports such as agility. They tend to learn obedience commands quickly although their independent nature means they may not always “decide” to perform the command.

The Laboreiro is not a loud dog by nature. He tends to only bark when he needs to – usually to warn of a stranger approaching the property. The sound itself is peculiar and unique, starting on a low tone and ending in a high pitch. He does best in a home with a large yard somewhat secluded from constant crowds of people. Apartments or busy city life can work him into a frenzy as he will likely feel the need to be on constant alert. In a more rural area, he can be allowed to roam the property and be taken for long daily walks without worry of frequent stranger interaction. The Castro Laboreiro is an active breed that does require regular exercise by an owner that is physically able to control this strong dog. When given enough exercise, however, he is surprisingly calm in the home.

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro was bred to be hardy and healthy – living with flocks and requiring little veterinary care. Because of this there are no common health problems in the breed (although like any breed, any individual dog can always develop a health issue). Average lifespan is 12 years. Grooming is also simple, as this single-coated dog requires only basic coat care. They shed very little, and some even claim that the breed is less likely to bother allergy sufferers.

The Laboreiro may have issues with other dogs, owing to their territorial nature. They do best as only-pets in the home, and are not a breed that will thrive in a dog park or daycare situation. In contrast they do very well with livestock, which should come as no surprise. The early lifestyle of the breed was one in which they lived outside with their herd, ever watchful and on-duty even in bad weather conditions.

Every year in Portugal, a competition for Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs is held. It is the oldest competition of its kind in the country having started in the 1950’s. Like most dog shows, the Laboreiros are judged on their conformation. Judges look for a Mastiff-type frame and strong build, being medium-sized yet muscular. The coat is short, thick and coarse and comes in a variety of “wolf colors” and/or brindle in all shades. Despite a spotty past, thankfully these handsome dogs are once again appreciated and admired in their home country.

Photo By Schiowa