Cao Fila de Sao Miguel Dog

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is an FCI-recognized dog breed from Sao Miguel, the main island of the Azores in Portugal. Provisional recognition was granted by the FCI in 1995.

Due to the relative remoteness and narrow space of an island, along with the climatic conditions there, a uniform type of dog developed. Its ancestors probably include the Spanish Alano.

A medium to large dog (up to 62 cm, 35 kg), and short-haired, it is usually brown or ash gray tabby; white markings on chest and feet are allowed. In the Azores, the ears are traditionally docked rounded so that the dog has a leopard-like appearance. In the natural state, the ears are medium in size and hanging.