The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a huge and magnificent breed that is rather uncommon outside of Portugal. This livestock guarding breed is thought to be descended from Mastiff-type dogs and is noted for his protective instincts and stamina. The Cao de Castro Laboreiro can be a suitable choice if you're seeking for a guard dog. Just be cautious about introducing this dog into a household with other dogs or pets.

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a big Portuguese livestock guarding breed. Castro Laboreiro, a tiny hamlet in northern Portugal that has evolved from a small mountain settlement to an urban region, is the breed's name. The present breed is descended from an ancient molosser-type dog that worked with mountain herders to protect flocks from wolves, mountain lions, and other predators. The breed's actual origins are unknown, and there are no literary references to it prior to 1800.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Highlights
Breed Size	Large
Nature	Playful, Friendly
Energy Level	Active
Intelligence	High
Barking Level	Frequent
Coat Length	Short
Breed Group	Working
Droll Amount	Medium
Good with	Familes, Children, Dog
Feed Level	Medium, High
Colour Type	Black, fawn, golden and brown with black hairs
Other Facts	Easy to walk outside, easy to train, easy to kept at home, easy to groom.

Dog History

The history of the Co de Castro Laboreiro is certainly one of the most enigmatic of any canine still alive, but if there is one thing that everyone seems to agree on, it is that the breed is one of the oldest on the planet. Many specialists have attempted to establish a reliable ancestry, the majority of which appear to date back to a Mastiff-type dog or even earlier, such as the Lupomolossoids, who were forerunners of breeds such as the Great Pyrenees. They are said to have existed before the Mastiff, with greater ties to the Molossus, the dogs of Ancient Greek and Roman warriors.

Regardless of their ancient past, these dogs have been known to protect flocks and families in Portugal for hundreds of years from both human assaults and predators, and many of their features stem from this history. It is also thought that the Portuguese may have carried the dogs to Newfoundland, influencing the creation of the Labrador Retriever, a breed that shares many characteristics with the Co de Castro Laboreiro. The breed was rarely seen outside of its native region until the mid-twentieth century, which is one of the reasons why its numbers have always been so low.

It shrank even further in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as agricultural practises changed and more modern firearms helped to contain and even kill off many predators, leaving many dogs without their usual jobs. As a result, many farmers abandoned them, forcing them to hunt in order to survive. They finally came back to haunt the farmers by murdering their animals in order to survive. Fortunately, a few determined breeders persisted, and instead of employing them as guards, they were raised to be companions, propelling them into a future of family and displaying, which began in 1914 at a Portuguese dog show. Their numbers are still restricted today, with a total of roughly 500 canines globally. The majority of their breeders are still in the area.

Health and Care

Muscular, well-built, sturdy, rustic, and medium to big in stature, this breed is perfect for you. Dogs should be 55-60cm tall, while females should be 52-57cm tall, with weights of 40kg to 45kg. Dark wolf coat colours are also characterised in wolf words, however most breeders prefer the'mountain colour' (cor do monte), which is brown (called pine-seed) or dark red, over a light brindle. Allowing too much activity at a young age is not a good idea. This breed is free of any known health problems.

Care

This very clever and unique canine must be socialised from a young age, and you must have the time and room to properly train and exercise them. This breed requires regular walks while it is not working. Brush your dog once a week to get rid of any dead hair.

Dog Breed Care Tips and Important Instructions

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a smart breed that was created to operate as a livestock guardian on its own. As a result, the breed responds well to instruction, albeit he can be difficult and headstrong at times. To keep this dog under control, you'll need to show strong leadership, but you shouldn't have to resort to punishment or harsh training methods. Begin socialising and teaching your dog at a young age and continue throughout his life.

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a large-breed dog with a mature height of 20 to 24 inches and a weight of up to 90 pounds. Both in height and weight, males of the breed are somewhat bigger than females.

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro spends a lot of time on the move as a livestock guarding breed, thus his activity level is pretty high. A 60-minute walk once a day should plenty to suit this breed's activity needs, however you can split it into two shorter sessions. This breed will also love having his own fenced-in yard.

Cao de Castro Laboreiro has strong family relationships and may be possessive and territorial at times.

Feeding

• Between the ages of eight and twelve weeks, Cao De Castro Laboreiro pups require four meals in a 24-hour period.
• 3 to 6 month old cao de castro laboreiro puppies should be fed 3 meals each day.
• Feed two bowls of food every 24 hours to pups aged six months to one year.
• 1 bowl of cao de castro laboreiro per day is sufficient by the time your cao de castro laboreiro reaches her first birthday.
• Cao de castro laboreiros may consume two smaller bowls at a time. It is your job to adjust to the eating habits of your cao de castro laboreiro.

Premium-quality dry dog food can be mixed with water, canned food, or broth to provide balanced nourishment to growing cao de castro laboreiros. Fruits and vegetables, boiled eggs, and cottage cheese may be favourites of your cao de castro laboreiro, but they should account for no more than 10% of her daily calories. Puppies raised by Cao De Castro Laboreiro should be fed high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Please limit your intake of "people food," since it can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bone and tooth problems, as well as finicky eating habits and obesity. Only give fresh, clean water, and be sure to wash the food and water dishes on a daily basis.

Fun Facts

• Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a brilliant individual. In 15 to 25 repetitions, they grasp and recall new orders.
• Training Cao de Castro Laboreiros is a breeze. They quickly discover the link between orders and actions.
• The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a fun-loving dog. You'll know it's ready to play when you hear excited barking and nipping.
• Cao de Castro Laboreiros despise an unpredictable daily routine, a loud home, and many visitors. This breed's emotional level mimics that of its owner, and they do not respond well to punishment.
• Cao de Castro Laboreiros are a breed of dog that is extremely loving. They like being a part of the family's activities. This breed isn't known for being aloof.
• Cao de Castro Laboreiros are a bit of a loner. This breed prefers to be alone and does not enjoy being with people all of the time.

Home Training Tips and General Information

Companion cao de castro laboreiros that are well-behaved may be a delight. However, if your dog isn't properly taught, he or she might be a real problem. "Down," "Heel," "Off," "Sit," "Stay," "Come," and "Leave it"—teaching your cao de castro laboreiro these commands strengthens your bond with both your dog and your family. If you have a puppy, begin teaching her acceptable behaviour as soon as humanly feasible! Snacks may be used to reward and motivate employees. When puppies are fully immunised, they can begin obedience training. For information on obedience classes, contact your local humane organisation or SPCA. Even as a puppy, it's advisable to walk your cao de castro laboreiro on a leash. If you inform your doggy, you may rest assured that he will return to you.A cao de castro laboreiro who is disobedient or violent cannot be permitted to play with other people.

Never give your cao de castro laboreiro medicine unless his veterinarian has recommended it. Did you know that in certain dogs, one regular-strength ibuprofen caplet might induce ulcers? Rat poison and other rodenticides should not be used near your cao de castro laboreiro. If you have cause to suspect your cao de castro laboreiro has consumed a poison, contact your cao de castro laboreiro's veterinarian immediately. You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for immediate assistance.

FAQS

Cao de Castro Laboreiro Unique Name

Male Name	Female Name
Dylan	Angel
Hank	Bonnie
Harvey	Chanel
Kobe	Coco
Koda	Edie
Lenny	Hope
Lewis	Jessie
Moe	Mimi
Moose	Minnie
Norm	Missy
Oliver	Mya
Petey	Peanut
Reggie	Precious
Sawyer	Buffie
Scooby	Carley
Trapper	Casper
Tyson	Keesha
Turbo	Kelly
Whiskers	Patsy
Wiz	Tequila