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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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Cao de Castro Laboreiro dog profile picture
OriginPortugal flagPortugal
Other Names
What other names does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro have?
Castro Laboreiro DogDog of Castro LaboreiroPortuguese Cattle DogPortuguese WatchdogCastro Laboreiro Livestock Guarding Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Size and Weight

Size
Is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro small, medium or large dog?

How big do Cao de Castro Laboreiro get?

What is the average size of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro?

Large
Weight
How much does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro weigh? How much should a Cao de Castro Laboreiro weight? What is the normal weight of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? How much does a full-grown Cao de Castro Laboreiro weight?
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)

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro in the United States? How much money is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro?

Where to buy a Cao de Castro Laboreiro with a good pedigree?

$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.
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Is the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Cao de Castro Laboreiro?
Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ProtectiveIntelligentDominantFearlessBrave
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Castro Laboreiro Dog bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Cao de Castro Laboreiro in an apartment?
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro be left alone? How long can you leave a Cao de Castro Laboreiro alone?
Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs handle alone time quite well. They are not prone to have separation anxiety.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? How much bite force does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? How strong is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Castro Laboreiro Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Cao de Castro Laboreiro? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro do?
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Cao de Castro Laboreiros are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Cao de Castro Laboreiro see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs live? How old can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro be? What is the age limit of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro? How many years can the oldest Cao de Castro Laboreiro live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro?

How long is the lifespan of a Cao de Castro Laboreiro?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Cao de Castro Laboreiro: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? What is the activity level of the Cao de Castro Laboreiro?
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.
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Cao de Castro Laboreiro? How much food should I feed my Cao de Castro Laboreiro?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Cao de Castro Laboreiro risk for obesity:
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
RoughThickResistant
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Cao de Castro Laboreiro coats?
BlackChestnutMahogany
Grooming
How to groom the Cao de Castro Laboreiro and how often? How often should I take my Cao de Castro Laboreiro to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro need a bath? How often should you give a Cao de Castro Laboreiro a bath? Can I bathe my Cao de Castro Laboreiro every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Cao de Castro Laboreiro drool?
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs get along with other pets? Are Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Cao de Castro Laboreiro temperament with children:
Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
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.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Cao de Castro Laboreiro be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Cao de Castro Laboreiro pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Cao de Castro Laboreiro have in a litter? How many puppies can the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Cao de Castro Laboreiro have? How many puppies can a Cao de Castro Laboreiro give birth to?
5-10 puppies

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Recognition

AKC Group
Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Cao de Castro Laboreiro recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Cao de Castro Laboreiro breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are very easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Cao de Castro Laboreiros are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Cao de Castro Laboreiro doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Ability: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs handle alone time quite well.
  • Child Friendly: 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.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Cao de Castro Laboreiro dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: 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.

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