Cão de Gado Transmontano: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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The origin of this [[mountain dog]] conjoins the history of all the Iberian [[Mastiff]]s and its evolution is linked to the [[transhumance]] route on the [[Iberian Peninsula]].<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /><ref name="Dohner1"/><ref name="Dohner2"/><ref name="Yilmaz"/> In [[Ancient history|ancient times]], this [[Molossus (dog)|molossus dog]] stood in the high regions of Portugal, in particular in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province.<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /> The breed is used to improve [[pastoralism]] by developing it as a [[livestock guardian dog]], particularly against [[Iberian wolf]] attacks, that are always prolific in the area. The breed has evolved over time with improved [[genetics]] through [[selective breeding]] for the conditions of [[pastoral farming]].<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /> It is thought to have roots with the [[Tibetan Mastiff]].{{efn-ua|It is often supposed that the breed is related to the [[Tibetan Mastiff]], but no proof of this exists. Perhaps in the future, DNA evidence will prove when the dogs arrived and what their ancestry is, but for now there is no proof, only legends, guesswork, and speculation.<ref name="Yilmaz">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWzDORDnRIgC&pg=PA165&dq=C%C3%A3o+de+Gado+Transmontano&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjmrLun46jSAhWj8YMKHVDeDxgQ6AEIOTAF#v=onepage&q=C%C3%A3o%20de%20Gado%20Transmontano&f=false |language=French |first1=Orhan |last1=Yilmaz |publisher=karabash.eu |title=Le Karabash Chiens de Protection |pages=163–165}}</ref>}} It is an offshoot to the [[Rafeiro do Alentejo]], the southern Portuguese cattle dog, which "for many centuries" would follow the cattle herd in their migrations within the country.{{efn-ua|"These two workers were considered to be nothing more than regional types of the same breed in the past, but noticeable differences in appearance and personality between the two have served as the basis for their official separation."<ref name="Cattle">}} As those migrations were curtailed, the two breeds diverged.<ref name="Dohner1"/><ref name="Dohner2"/> The breed also shares "some similarities with the short-haired [[Estrela Mountain Dog]]"<ref name="CDT"/> |
The origin of this [[mountain dog]] conjoins the history of all the Iberian [[Mastiff]]s and its evolution is linked to the [[transhumance]] route on the [[Iberian Peninsula]].<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /><ref name="Dohner1"/><ref name="Dohner2"/><ref name="Yilmaz"/> In [[Ancient history|ancient times]], this [[Molossus (dog)|molossus dog]] stood in the high regions of Portugal, in particular in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province.<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /> The breed is used to improve [[pastoralism]] by developing it as a [[livestock guardian dog]], particularly against [[Iberian wolf]] attacks, that are always prolific in the area. The breed has evolved over time with improved [[genetics]] through [[selective breeding]] for the conditions of [[pastoral farming]].<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /> It is thought to have roots with the [[Tibetan Mastiff]].{{efn-ua|It is often supposed that the breed is related to the [[Tibetan Mastiff]], but no proof of this exists. Perhaps in the future, DNA evidence will prove when the dogs arrived and what their ancestry is, but for now there is no proof, only legends, guesswork, and speculation.<ref name="Yilmaz">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWzDORDnRIgC&pg=PA165&dq=C%C3%A3o+de+Gado+Transmontano&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjmrLun46jSAhWj8YMKHVDeDxgQ6AEIOTAF#v=onepage&q=C%C3%A3o%20de%20Gado%20Transmontano&f=false |language=French |first1=Orhan |last1=Yilmaz |publisher=karabash.eu |title=Le Karabash Chiens de Protection |pages=163–165}}</ref>}} It is an offshoot to the [[Rafeiro do Alentejo]], the southern Portuguese cattle dog, which "for many centuries" would follow the cattle herd in their migrations within the country.{{efn-ua|"These two workers were considered to be nothing more than regional types of the same breed in the past, but noticeable differences in appearance and personality between the two have served as the basis for their official separation."<ref name="Cattle"/>}} As those migrations were curtailed, the two breeds diverged.<ref name="Dohner1"/><ref name="Dohner2"/> The breed also shares "some similarities with the short-haired [[Estrela Mountain Dog]]"<ref name="CDT"/> |
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In the mountains of Portugal, which are characterized by steep fields of [[pasture]]s and difficult road access, this breed has adapted to the conditions of the region<ref name="Dohner2"/> and the type of [[cattle]], [[sheep]] and [[goat]]s that have traditionally [[grazing|grazed]] in these areas.<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /> |
In the mountains of Portugal, which are characterized by steep fields of [[pasture]]s and difficult road access, this breed has adapted to the conditions of the region<ref name="Dohner2"/> and the type of [[cattle]], [[sheep]] and [[goat]]s that have traditionally [[grazing|grazed]] in these areas.<ref name="CDT" /><ref name="CGDT" /><ref name="Club" /> |
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Revision as of 18:32, 26 February 2017
| Cão de Gado Transmontano | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Transmontano Mastiff Transmontano Cattle Dog |
| Origin | Portugal |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
The Cão de Gado Transmontano (English language: Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog) is a rare molosser working giant dog breed, originating in the region of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province, Portugal.[1][2][3][4][5] Their primary function is flock protection, and their success is interlinked to the welfare of the flock and the existence of wolves, particularly.[A]
History
The origin of this mountain dog conjoins the history of all the Iberian Mastiffs and its evolution is linked to the transhumance route on the Iberian Peninsula.[1][2][3][4][5][6] In ancient times, this molossus dog stood in the high regions of Portugal, in particular in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province.[1][2][3] The breed is used to improve pastoralism by developing it as a livestock guardian dog, particularly against Iberian wolf attacks, that are always prolific in the area. The breed has evolved over time with improved genetics through selective breeding for the conditions of pastoral farming.[1][2][3] It is thought to have roots with the Tibetan Mastiff.[B] It is an offshoot to the Rafeiro do Alentejo, the southern Portuguese cattle dog, which "for many centuries" would follow the cattle herd in their migrations within the country.[C] As those migrations were curtailed, the two breeds diverged.[4][5] The breed also shares "some similarities with the short-haired Estrela Mountain Dog"[1]
In the mountains of Portugal, which are characterized by steep fields of pastures and difficult road access, this breed has adapted to the conditions of the region[5] and the type of cattle, sheep and goats that have traditionally grazed in these areas.[1][2][3]
Until the second half of the Twentieth Century, the region was primarily pastoral.[4][5] This changed when the government of Portugal encouraged land clearing so that grains could be produced. However, many of those areas have returned to their prior uses as pasteur.[5]
This Portugese breed continues to guard extensive sheep flocks in the region, and more than 95% of them are so employed.[4] As of 1995, they were exclusively in Portugal, with no known exports to other countries,[4] and rarely seen outside of the northern Iberian peninsula.[7]
Description
Coat and Color
The breed has short to medium coats, with a dense undercoat. Generally their coat is white, with large brindled patches of black, yellow, silver and 'wolf grey.'[4][5] This landrace's appearance and temperament is quite homogeneous.[4] Its shorter coat is well adapted to the region's dry and warm climate.[5]
Size
This is the largest of the Portugese breeds.[8]
It is a powerful, muscular and large breed with a broad muzzle and large head. Males range from 73–83 cm (29–33 in), and weigh between 121–143 lb (55–65 kg). Bitches range from 65–75 cm (26–30 in), weighing in between 100–132 lb (45–60 kg).[4][5] They have loose fitting jowls and a single flue.[5]
Temperament
This breed has a calm and reserved reaction to threats, and is notably curious and intelligent.[5] An important attribute is its ability to work as a mixed pack with intact males and females; of course, younger males have to socialize to "temper their dominance" and adapt to working within the pack.[5] They have a natural predisposition to digging under fences and "expanding their territory," which needs to be monitored and controlled.[5] They are high energy — fit, active, vigorous defenders of the flock, and well adapted to fending off wild boar, foxes, and wolves, which are the prevalent predators in the area.[4][5] Feral dogs are another opponent.[4][5] They are an "excellent night guardian."[4]
"This dog is an athlete of all terrain able to make many miles along rugged landscapes, protecting both day and night his herd of possible threats. The largest of these is the Iberian Wolf, an endangered species that with the help of dogs of this breed can be preserved."[1] Representatives were selected and imported to the United States for a United States Department of Agriculture study on use of dogs to mitigate wolf predation in the western United States.[5]
They need large spaces and by nature like to roam free.[1] They are ill-suited to being chained or apartment living.[3] To cope with the heat, they like to burrow and make dens.[1]
They are a good companion dog.[1] Females are generally more tractable and better companion dogs.[5]
Early training and socialization is required.[D]
As the breed association counsels: "... like all shepherds, the Transmontano Cattle Dog is a dominant dog and a 'single owner' [dog]. And because he is quite jealous and possessive, it is important to emphasize the importance of education and socialization...."[1] They are possessive of toys and food, and owner control is essential. They are highly trainable and responsive to positive dog training techniques.[4] They do not respond well to punishment, and have 'a long memory.'[1][5] They are high energy dogs that require a lot of space.[3]
Nevertheless, to protect an estate and flock, these are a perfect solution in the right environment.[1]
Recognition
No kennel club officially recognizes this breed.[4][5] A breed association exists.[3][4][5]
The government of Portugal maintains a breed registry and facilitates placement of Cão de Gado Transmontano for flock and wolf protection through its agency, Parque Natural de Montesinho.[4]
Grupo Lobo supports placement of these dogs to protect flocks from wolves.[4]
See also
- Cão de Castro Laboreiro, a cattle dog originating in Portugal.
- Cão Fila de São Miguel, a cattle dog originating in Portugal.
- Estrela Mountain Dog, a herding dog originating in Portugal.
- Rafeiro do Alentejo, livestock guardian originating in Portugal.
References
Notes
- ^ "'The cattle are lost, where there is no dog to guard it,' our ancestors said. Nowadays, the pastors who live in Trás-os-Montes repeat the saying and entrust their flocks to the Transmontano Cattle Dog."[2]
- ^ It is often supposed that the breed is related to the Tibetan Mastiff, but no proof of this exists. Perhaps in the future, DNA evidence will prove when the dogs arrived and what their ancestry is, but for now there is no proof, only legends, guesswork, and speculation.[6]
- ^ "These two workers were considered to be nothing more than regional types of the same breed in the past, but noticeable differences in appearance and personality between the two have served as the basis for their official separation."[7]
- ^ "One thing is for sure, it may even be funny for a dog to show its joy by jumping or nibbling in a joke." But an out-of control sixty pound dog is a hazard and no fun.[1]
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Cattle Dog Transmontano" (in Portuguese).
- ^ a b c d e f "Cão de Gado Transmontano breeders association in Portugal".
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Transmontano Mastiff Portuguese Club" (in Portuguese).
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Dohner, Janet Vorwald (December 12, 2007). Livestock Guardians: Using Dogs, Donkeys, and Llamas to Protect Your Herd. North Adams, MA: Storey Books. pp. 122–123. ISBN 9781580176958. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Dohner, Janet Vorwald (October 4, 2016). Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Guide to 93 Guardians, Herders, Terriers and other canine working partners. North Adams, MA: Storey Books. p. 117. ISBN 9781612125923. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
- ^ a b Yilmaz, Orhan. Le Karabash Chiens de Protection (in French). karabash.eu. pp. 163–165.
- ^ a b "Transmontano Cattledog". Retrieved February 26, 2017.
- ^ "Living with a Transmontano Cattledog". Retrieved February 26, 2017.
Further reading
- Hancock, David (August 31, 2014). Dogs of the Shepherds: A Review of the Pastoral Breeds. ISBN 9781847978097.
- Kojima, Toyoharu (August 28, 2005). Legacy of the Dog: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide (Revised and Updated, 2nd ed.). Chronicle Books LLC. ISBN 9780811851138.