Cao de Castro Laboreiro Dog

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro (CCL) is a recognized breed. Even so, there is no clear evidence that this is one breed – such as the Serra da Estrela mountain dog – the oldest in Europe. In Portugal, genetic studies have attempted to clarify the origin of the CCL.

The breed is named for the Portuguese region of Castro Laboreiro, where these dogs still reside. The dogs are kept as guard dogs for livestock and farms in the region of Castro Laboreiro. In addition to protecting the house and yard, these dogs also protect cattle.

Due to the lifestyle of the people inhabiting this region, the dog has to be agile and flexible. With their attitude, and their use under the most adverse conditions, the Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a special kind of protection dog that is different from the other livestock guardian dogs (HSH) in many respects.

Description

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is a medium-size, very elegant dog, which comes in two types: the show dog and the working dog. In Portugal, the show dog has a maximum body height of 60 cm; for the working lines, the females are up to 65 cm tall, and the males 75 cm. This is a thoroughly healthy and sturdy breed, which still bears no breeding damage.

The fur is thick, dense, resistant to any kind of weather, smooth and fitting over the whole body. Most have bushy breasts and tails. In particular, the tail is saber-like, worn backwards, and is bushy in the middle. The fur is short (about 5 cm), though longer hair is found, depending on the color shock.

Colors range from mountain-colored, clear wolf, and dark wolf, to red-brown in all shades of gray and black. The coat then merges with the predominant colors in the highland landscape in Portugal. The eyes are almond-shaped and amber. Other colors are genetic defects. The ears are medium sized, nearly triangular with rounded tip, moderately high set, and hang on the head. The gait is prancing, elegant and very flexible. A special feature is the dog’s odor, even with wet fur.

In the CCL, there are also still various “shocks”. The CCL from the south has a different head shape than that of the CCL from the north.

Care and use

A very good watchdog, it defends livestock, the house and the yard against wolves, which still exist in this area. The Cao de Castro Laboreiro is the only livestock guardian dog that enters into a close emotional bond with his master. He is kind to the owner and his family, but does not have the slavish obedience of the working dog; he has no will-to-please.

He is suspicious of strangers and strange animals, but not quarrelsome. People who like to go to the training grounds should give this dog a wide berth. Because of its housing conditions, it is also suitable as an excellent family dog, respectful of other animals, and, with children, very well behaved.

The Cao de Castro Laboreiro needs a keeper who will meet him with respect and loving consequences; the dog will not permanently tolerate any kind of violence or coercion. He is used to deciding and acting independently. This dog should not receive protection training because its protective instinct is genetically determined and should not be increased.