Transmontano Cattle Dog

🏞 History

The Transmontano Cattle Dog is an ancient breed, originating from the mountainous region of Trás-os-Montes in northern Portugal. Born in the Middle Ages, this robust dog was bred to protect herds from wolves, bears, and thieves.

Descended from crosses between local guard dogs and Roman war dogs, the Transmontano Cattle Dog has become a powerful and resilient guardian, adapted to the harsh conditions of this region. With the rise of industrial agriculture, its traditional role has diminished, but thanks to the efforts of passionate breeders, it has found new recognition as a companion dog for its loyalty and protective instinct.

🐕 Breed Profile

The Transmontano Cattle Dog is a massive, courageous, and confident dog with a natural instinct for protection. Its imposing stature and calm temperament make it an excellent guard dog for families willing to invest in its training. It needs space and activities to thrive.

🔍 In Brief

• Hypoallergenic: No

• Weight: 45-65 kg (males), 35-50 kg (females)

• Height: 65-75 cm (females), 70-80 cm (males)

• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

• Physical Activity Needs: 2 hours per day

❤️ Personality & Compatibility

• Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Playful: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

• Calm: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Sporty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Vocalizations: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

• Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Independent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Compatibility

• Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (protective and patient)

• Animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (requires early socialization)

• Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (reserved but not aggressive)

• Apartment: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (not suitable, needs space and nature)

🌟 Ideal for: active families living in the countryside or in a house with a large fenced garden.

🛠 Hygiene & care

• Maintenance difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

• Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

• Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

💰 Budget

• Purchase price: 800-1500 €

• Average annual cost: 1000-1500 € (food, veterinary care, accessories)

🌟 In summary

The Cão De Gado Transmontano is a majestic and devoted breed, perfect for those looking for a protective and calm dog. With its mountainous origins, it is the ideal companion for life in the countryside. Be aware, its training requires time and patience, but it will reward its owner with unmatched loyalty and a guardian instinct.