Havanese vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison

Havanese vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed ComparisonCao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal but Havanese is originated from Cuba. Cao de Gado Transmontano may grow 56 cm / 23 inches higher than Havanese. Cao de Gado Transmontano may weigh 59 kg / 131 pounds more than Havanese. Cao de Gado Transmontano may live 4 years less than Havanese. Both Cao de Gado Transmontano and Havanese has almost same litter size. Cao de Gado Transmontano requires Low Maintenance. But Havanese requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Toy dog
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Portugal
Cuba
Height Male:
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
1 - 9
Size:
Giant
Toy
Other Names:
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Colors Available:
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
colors all colors
Coat:
Short to medium length
coat type soft and curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao de gado transmontanoThe Cão de Gado Transmontano which is also known as the Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog is a large dog – in fact a giant dog breed. This is a rare molosser working dog, hailing from the region of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province in Portugal.

The large dog has always been used to herd livestock and to also ward off wolves. It is believed that the dog’s roots come from the Tibetan Mastiff as well as a Portuguese cattle dog known as the Rafeiro do Alentejo. The dog also shares some similarities with the short-haired Estrela Mountain Dog.

In 1995 the breed was still exclusive to Portugal, but now the breed has been imported to Oregon, USA to be part of an experiment to document bigger breeds and their role in protecting livestock from wolves. They were re-introduced to north-east Oregon from 2008.

havaneseThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

Description

cao de gado transmontano puppy - descriptionThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a large dog, believed to be the biggest of the Portuguese dog breeds. He is powerful and muscular with a large head and can stand up to 83cm in height and can weigh up to 65kg.

He is tough, and is quite comfortable living outside. He is a long-legged dog with a wide chest with medium length floppy ears and a long tail. The coat is fairly short although it can be in a variety of lengths. It is the medium length coated dog with the right coloring that is looked upon as a pure breed. The dog is white with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades.

Temperament:

The Transmontano Mastiff is an intelligent, obedient dog who is also independent and stubborn. As with all dogs, it is important to have him trained and socialized as this makes him obedient and eager to please. He loves to be patted by his owners and is a dog which is easy to train, responding well to firmness and fairness.

He is calm and somewhat docile but at the same time he is energetic and alert, making him a good watchdog. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny space. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home.

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

Characteristics

cao de gado transmontano dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano may look like a fairly formidable dog but they aren’t aggressive. They are full of courage and are above all, loving and loyal to their human family.

When you choose to have one of these large dogs as your pet, it is important to make sure he knows that you’re the leader. With training and socialization this dog is a gentle giant who makes an exceptional family pet.

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

Health Problems

cao de gado transmontano puppies - health problemsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a tough dog, used to spending long hours outside guarding sheep. These days however, he is also a companion dog and you’ll want to be aware of some common dog ailments that can strip him of his health and his joy of life.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a looseness with the hip joint, and while it can occur with all dogs, it is more common in large dogs. It’s a disease which can lead to arthritis, pain and also joint degeneration. It’s a disease which can be debilitating for the dog and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This is a heart disease seen in large breed dogs and where the heart becomes weak and can’t properly pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms include coughing, weakness, difficulty with breathing as well as a fluid-distended abdomen.

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

Caring The Pet

Diet:

cao de gado transmontano dogs - caringJust because this is a large dog, doesn’t mean you need to over-feed him. He is muscular and athletic, and by watching his diet, he’ll continue to be strong, lean and healthy. You can feed him a top quality pet-food brand and include boiled chicken, rice and vegetables. Every now and then mix in some raw meat with his dog food to ensure that his skin remains free of rashes and itchiness. Fresh, cool water must be available to him day and night as he drinks abundantly.

Grooming:

Some dog breeds need to be trimmed or stripped to look good, and dog owners often invest in expensive equipment to groom their pets themselves, Fortunately the large Cão de Gado Transmontano is a low maintenance dog and all you’ll need to do is give him a good brush-down twice a week.

Check his eyes, ears, teeth and nails regularly. Remember that dental hygiene is imperative and special canine toothbrush and toothpaste is available to brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3x a week to get rid of plaque and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Havanese vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  29. Havanese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Havanese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Havanese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Havanese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Havanese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Havanese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Havanese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Havanese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Havanese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Havanese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Havanese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Havanese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Havanese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Havanese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Havanese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Havanese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Havanese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Havanese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Havanese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Havanese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Havanese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison