Dominant
Intelligent

Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle

Choose a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Avoid Sheltie Tzus as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Azores

United States

Ancient Molosser Breed

Shetland Sheepdog and Shih Tzu

American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Ancient Times

2000s

Brown

Blue
Brown

Black

Black

Fawn
Gray
Brindle

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
Silver
White
Sable
Brindle

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Sheltie Tzus have longer coats compared to most dogs.

A Cao Fila de Sao Miguel can have a litter of 13-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Sheltie Tzu can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Sheltie Tzus are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

While the Sheltie Tzu breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Patellar Luxation
Von Willebrand's Disease
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Entropion
Ectropion
Deafness
Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
Eye Conditions (Cataracts, Lens Luxation)

Full Physical Examination
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Eye Examination
Respiratory Tests
Skin Evaluation
Blood And Urine Analysis
Hearing Tests
Diagnostic Imaging
DNA

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Sheltie Tzus are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sheltie Tzu has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Sheltie Tzus have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

Sheltie Tzu dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Sheltie Tzus are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Sheltie Tzu, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Cao Fila de Sao Miguels usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Sheltie Tzus usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Sheltie Tzus have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguel should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Sheltie Tzu should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Clipper

For an average 55-80 pound (25 - 36 kg) Cao Fila de Sao Miguel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 20-25 pound (9 - 11 kg) Sheltie Tzu feed 1.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Sheltie Tzu is somewhere $1.70 - $2.20 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Sheltie Tzu is between $34 - $67. This makes an average of $408 - $804 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are easygoing, low-sensitivity dogs that make low-maintenance and stress-free pets.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

The Cao Fila de Sao Miguel is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

The Sheltie Tzu is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Sheltie Tzus have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Sheltie Tzus are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Sheltie Tzus are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Sheltie Tzus are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Sheltie Tzus have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Cao Fila de Sao Miguels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Sheltie Tzus are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.