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Cao de Castro Laborero is a breed of property and livestock of dogs native to the village of Castro Laborio, located in the mountainous region of northern Portugal. This breed has very mysterious origins, although it is considered one of the oldest livestock-protecting breeds from the Iberian Peninsula. Cao de Castro Laborio is famous for his protective nature and fearlessness. Cao de Castro Laborio is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, with a total worldwide population of only 200–500 pure animals. Cao de Castro Laborio is also known as the dog of Castro Laborio, the Portuguese watchdog, Portuguese Guard Dog, Portuguese cat dog, and Castro Laborio livestock Guard Dog.
The history of Cao de Castro Laborio is a great mystery. Even the Portuguese Kennel Club states that anything written about the origin of the breed is pure conjecture and expertise. This breed was developed long back when written records were kept of dog breeding, and kept almost exclusively by farmers in remote areas. This means that the breed was not recorded in historical records until the early 1800s. All early mentions of the breed state that it was native to the area around Castro Laborio and was known for its patronage ability. One of the best-known early mentions of the breed comes from Novelio a Brasileiro de Pazins, written in 1882 by Camilo Castello Branco. Branco writes, “”Castro Luborro’s dog, very fierce …”” Camilo Castello Branco was the most famous and famous of all Portuguese writers, and his breed would be mentioned in that it was well known at the time.
Although Cao de Castro Laborio first appears in historical records written during 1800, most believe the breed to be very old, possibly thousands of years old. Currently, there is a considerable amount of debate about how to properly classify Cao de Castro Laborio. Nearly all sources claim that it is a mastiff-type dog, the least exaggerated and most atypical member of the entire family. Those who claim this claim believe that the breed is most closely related to the best known Rafaero Alentezzo and Cao da Serra da Estrella. If this is the case, the breed has almost certainly descended from dogs brought to Portugal during the Roman Times. There is no debate among canine historians as fierce and varied as to the origins of mastiff-type dogs, and there are literally dozens of theories. If the Cao de Castro Laborio is a true mastiff, it is probably the most ancient of all such dogs, possibly evolved over centuries or centuries before the more exaggerated modern breeds. This brings to light an interesting possibility. Many claim that Mastiffs are descended from the famous war-dogs of Molosus, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. However, descriptions of Molossus often indicate that it was a fleet-footed herring and Hunting Dog, in addition to being a fierce attack and guardian dog. As Cao de Castro Laborio very closely coincides with this description, it is possible that this breed is a direct descendant of Molossus, perhaps even its closest. However, there are several reasons to suspect a Mastiff dynasty for Cao de Castro Laborio. The breed has a very large disparity for most Mastiff-type dogs from neighboring regions of Portugal. Another recent genetic test carried out in Portugal appears to be that the breed is not closely related to other Portuguese patron breeds, almost all of which are mastiffs.
It is also commonly suggested that Cao de Castro Laborio is descended from very early livestock conservation breeds, and that it was first brought to Portugal with farmers from the regions. Although there is considerable controversy, most researchers now believe that the dog was the first domesticated species, and the process was completed about 30,000 years ago. It was not until about 14,000 years ago that other species were domesticated in the Middle East, including sheep and goats. These early Middle Eastern farmers quickly realized that wolf hunting behavior could be changed to the practice of conserving and conserving livestock in dogs. Agriculture proved so successful that these early Middle Eastern farmers moved across Europe, keeping their livestock and livestock with dogs. In recent years, many European and Middle Eastern livestock protecting breeds that were traditionally considered mastiffs have been reclassified into a new group Lupomolosoides. Lupomolossoids are considered to be direct descendants of these first livestock protectors. Almost all of the lupomolocids are massive in size and have long, predominantly white hair. The Great Pyrenees, Maremma Sheepdog, Kuvas, Tatra Mountain Sheepdog, and Akbush Dog are known as Lupomolsoides, although other breeds such as Komondor and Overachka are frequent. In the opinion of this author, Cao de Castro Laborio is a decidedly lupomolocid. Although this coat is quite different from other members of the family, it can easily be explained by crossing other dogs over the course of centuries, and by an adaptation to Portugal’s warm climate. In all other aspects, the breed almost exactly matches the description of lupomolocids, and in general this dog is much more numerous than lupomolosids as it is for mastiffs. If the Cao de Castro Laborero is actually lupomolocid, it is one of the oldest European breeds and was probably introduced in Portugal with the introduction of agriculture, 5,00 0, 000 years before the birth of Christ.
Although the Cao de Castro Laborio was developed, it was known throughout Portugal for its security capability. This dog served remote farmers as a guardian dog. The primary purpose of the breeds was to protect them from predators. The remote mountains of northern Portugal have long been one of the remaining wild regions of Europe. Until recently, the region was one of the last bastions of Europe’s great hunters; Wolf, Brown Bear, Red Fox, Iberian Lenexa, and Golden Eagle. All these hunters are very keen to find a quick and easy meal from a flock of sheep or goats, and have the skills and abilities to appear without notice. Cao de Castro Laborio was bred to detect the presence of such animals before they were able to attack. The dog first barked loudly to warn the owner of its presence and then attacked the animal if it was not stopped. Cao de Castro Laborio was also banned for defending against human attackers. After Rome was driven from Portugal by the Visigoths, the region experienced nearly a thousand years of constant warfare. The first conflict was between Aryan Christian German-speaking Visigoths and Catholic Roman and Celtic-speaking natives. This was followed by a war between Catholics and Islamic Moors. This war made life very difficult for Portuguese peasants, who were often at the mercy of bandits, robbers and dozens of military factions. After a long day in the fields protecting livestock, Cao de Castro Laborio was often brought home from night to protect the family.
Although there are no definitive records, it is now believed that Portuguese sailors brought Cao de Castro Laborio to Newfoundland. Portuguese sailors and fishermen have been traveling to Newfoundland now since at least 1500, and the name Labrador is commonly mistaken for the Portuguese word “”lavender””, meaning landholder, although it is similar to laborero. It was common for these people to bring dogs together for company, protection, and to kill mice. Although the Podengo Portugueso and the Portuguese Water Dog were the most commonly bred breeds, others were known to travel along with sea voyages. Cao de Castro Laborio is believed to have been brought to Newfoundland, an unbelievable resemblance to a Labrador retriever. There is probably no breed that is as close to a Labrador retriever as Cao de Castro Laborio (were it not for color, the breed would be essentially indistinguishable). Interestingly, Labrador puppies are still often bred with brindle coloration, a trait possibly inherited from this breed. Additionally, the St. John’s Water Dog, a breed from which both Newfoundland and Labrador retrievers descend, was described as highly protective and an excellent fighting dog. These traits would certainly describe Cao de Castro Laborio.
Although well known in Portugal, Cao de Castro Laborio was always apparently limited to where it lived. By the middle of the 20th century, the breed was found almost exclusively in a small area around Castro Laborio, roughly from the Spanish border to the Braga district. Because of this, the population of the breed was always quite small. This population greatly reduced during the 19th and 20th centuries. Better weapons technology and a growing population pushed the area’s poachers to the brink of extinction. Improved police forces and political stability meant that human expulsors took very little risk. Rapid changes in farming methods have made the breed obsolete. Many local farmers gave up their Chaos de Castro Labourios, leaving them to fend for themselves. These dogs had no choice but to turn to hunting to survive. The breed became infamous as livestock killers, and while they worked in packs, they were able to kill prey in the form of cattle and horses. Fortunately for the breed, many devoted fans continued to breed them. Although the breed was no longer used as a livestock protector, it was quickly discovered that Cao de Castro Laborio made a very devoted companion animal and a fully devoted personal and property protector. These dogs were more and more kept as domesticated and guarded dogs, until the breed was essentially kept for other purposes. In 1914, the breed made its first appearance at a Portuguese dog show. Shortly afterwards, the first written standard was written by a local vet named Manuel Marques. In 1935, Cao de Castro Laborio was given full recognition with the Portuguese Kennel Club, and later also by the Federation Synthological Internationale (FCI). Until very recently, the breed was completely unknown outside it’S homeland, but in recent years a very small number has been exported to the United States and Germany.
Cao de Castro Laborio is a very rare breed. Estimates of the population worldwide range from 200 to 500 pure animals, almost all of which live in Portugal. There are currently about 6 breeders in Portugal, an additional 2 in Germany, and 1 known breeder in the United States, the Sunhearth Trails Kennel. Despite the breed’s very small US population, the United Kennel Club (UKC) became the first major English-language kennel club to fully accredit Cao de Castro LaBorio in 2006 as a member of the Guardian Dog Group. Currently breeders around the world are working together to increase the population and popularity of the breed. Demand for this breed is increasing on the rare pet trade market, and also with people willing to experiment with new property and livestock conservation breeds.
Cao de Castro Laborio is incredibly similar to the Labrador Retriever, except that it is usually of different color and is less standardized. Although often classified as a mastiff, this breed carries the least exaggerated features of any member of that family. Cao de Castro Laborio is a large breed, although it is not usually a giant one. The average male is 21½ and 23 male long at the shoulder, and the average female is between 20½ and 22½ . Although weight is affected by gender, height, and erection, most breed members weigh between 45 and 80 pounds in good condition. It is a powerful built and strong breed, but it is significantly lower than other Mastiff-type dogs, being built like a Labrador retriever or German Shepherd. This breed is a Working Dog and should always be in a healthy and healthy condition. Cao de Castro Laborio has a long tail, has a saber-like curve, and is carried high, but never held above the back.
Cao de Castro Laborio’s head and face are very average for a dog, meaning they have no exaggerated features. The head itself is somewhat long, rather wide, rectangular in shape and free of wrinkles. The muzzle itself is quite long, but not as long as the skull, usually appearing in a ratio of 6: 5. The snout attentively leads to the end, but the pointy or splatter is never visible. The lips of this breed are tight-fitting and are never pendulous. Cao de Castro Laborio’s nose is large and always black. Cao de Castro Laborio’s ears are of medium size and triangular in shape. The ears usually turn downward from close to the head and move forward when the dog is noticed, although some breed members have partially pillared or rose ears. Cao de Castro Laborio’s eyes are of medium size, almond shaped, and light brown to almost black. The breed is noted for its serious and intimidating expression, and most individuals appear serious and very harsh.
The coat of Cao de Castro Laborio is short, thick, thick and weather resistant. The coat is the shortest and smoothest on the head, ears and feet and the longest and thickest on the thighs and the underside of the tail where it forms a brush. This breed does not have an undercoat. Cao de Castro Laborero is found in many acceptable colors. The best description comes from the breed’s official FCI standard. “”The most common is the wolf color and the most preferred color is ‘mountain color’, so called by the locals and considered as an ethnic feature by the breeders in Castro Laborio.”” It is a brindle coat with a base color of various shades of gray overlaid with dark and light shades of black. It is typical with hair of three different colors; From pine-nuts to scarlet and mahogany. Brittle can be light and dark colors on different parts of the body; Deep on head, back and shoulders; Light on the lower part of the body, thighs and thighs and stomach and limbs on the middle body. A small white space is allowed on the chest. “”
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
Cao de Castro Laborio has minimum requirements. This breed should never require professional grooming, only very occasional brushing. In addition, only those routine maintenance procedures are required of all breeds, such as nail clipping and ear cleaning required. The Cao de Castro Laborio is kept almost exclusively as an outdoor dog, so no reports appear when the breed is shed. However, it is reasonable to assume that this breed is shed, and probably heavy.
As with all breeds, initial socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. This breed has a reputation for being difficult to house. However, in every other case, it is very easy to train them. For example, They like to perform tricks and learn new ones quickly. They respond very well to training based on positive rewards rather than harsh or negative methods. This breed is required to live with his family and is likely to result in undesirable behaviour if he is regularly left alone for long periods of time.
This breed is classified as “somewhat active”, but is average. Long segments of quiet activity are often spread with brief bursts of high activity, often simply moving around the house or yard. In addition to walking, daily play sessions are required. Another dog can be a good exercise partner, but they will still need quality playtime with his owner. A fence-backed backyard is a good idea; Bichons are surprisingly fast, and if someone makes a dash for freedom, it can be difficult to catch or call you back. They enjoy obedience, agility and participating in rally competitions.
They should perform well on high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, freshwater must be available at all times.
It does not appear that any health studies have been conducted on the Cao de Castro Laberoiro, which makes it impossible to make any definitive statement on the health of the breed. There are no available life expectancy estimates for this breed, but it is likely between 10 and 14 years, depending on similar breeds. There are no documented health concerns for this breed, but Cao de Castro Laborio has such a small gene pool that many of them are likely to be at risk.
Although skeletal and visual problems are not thought of in this breed at high rates it is advisable for owners to keep their pets by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Do the test. OFA and CERF perform genetic and other tests before identifying potential health defects. It is particularly valuable in detecting conditions that do not appear until the dog has reached an advanced age, it is especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog , Which has tested them to prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to their offspring.
Even though health studies have not been done on Cao de Castro Laborio, they are for similar and closely related breeds. The biggest problems discovered include: