Cao De Castro Laboreiro

Guardian Dog Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

Named for a small village in the mountains of Portugal, the Cao De Castro Laboreiro is an ancient breed of the Iberian Peninsula. The breed is common only in a limited range at variable altitudes in the northern part of the country.

The Cao De Castro Laboreiro was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

General Appearance

A strongly built, mastiff type dog, rectangular in proportion, with a pleasant appearance and, quite often, a striking coat. He has a noble carriage and is very hardy.

Characteristics

The Cao De Castro Laboreiro is a loyal and obedient herd guardian. He is still used to defend against wolves that frequent his homeland. He is sometimes hostile, but not aggressive, though he has a severe expression.

Head

Slightly long, rectangular in shape, light rather than coarse, and free of wrinkles.

SKULL

Rather broad, flat on top and arched at the sides, with slight frontal furrow and no prominence of occiput. The amount of stop is slight.

MUZZLE

Long, strong, and tapering in width from eyes to nose, but never pointed. Length of the foreface is slightly less than the length of the skull. The lips are clean and close-fitting, never pendulous. Mucous membranes, hard palate and edges of lips are all strongly pigmented in black.

TEETH

The Cao De Castro Laboreiro has a complete set of evenly-spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Faults: Undershot or overshot bite.

NOSE

Large, and always black, with well-opened nostrils.

EYES

Medium size, almond-shaped, and obliquely set. Varying shades of brown, from hazel to nearly black. The expression is severe and hard.

Fault: Wall eyes.

EARS

Medium size, triangular in shape, with rounded tips. Set fairly high, the ears hang naturally close and flat to the head. When the dog is attentive, the ears turn forward.

Neck

Straight, short and clean, carried proudly.

Forequarters

Shoulder blade and upper arm form an open angle.

FORELEGS

Long and straight, with well-developed bone and muscle. Pasterns are short and slightly sloping.

Body

The chest is fairly deep and oval in shape. The back is straight. The loin is short, strong and well muscled. The croup is gently sloping. There is a distinct tuck-up.

Hindquarters

Extremely muscular, the upper thighs have distinct muscle masses that are evident when viewed from behind.

HIND LEGS

There is moderate angulation of the stifle and hock. The rear pasterns slope a little forward when viewed from the side.

Feet

Rather round, with large, arched toes and thick pads. Single or double dewclaws are acceptable.

Tail

Set fairly high, thick at the base, reaching to the hock joint. Saber shaped and well furnished on the underside. When the dog is excited, the tail is carried above the topline but never curled over the back.

Faults: Curled, docked or natural bob tail.

Coat

Short, thick, coarse and weather resistant, the coat is shorter and finer on the head and ears and on the front of the legs. It is thicker and longer on the underside of the tail and the thighs. There is no undercoat.

Color

Wolf colors in all shades from very light through medium to very dark, sometimes all occurring on the same dog. Most preferred is a coat of mixed shades of grey interspersed with brown or reddish hairs on parts or all of the body.

Faults: White markings or any color other than breed typical.

Height and Weight

Average height for males is 21½ to 23½ inches; for females it is 20½ to 22½ inches.

Faults: Deviations over or under the average heights.

Gait

The Cao De Castro Laboreiro has an easy, rhythmical gait, moving with the legs parallel to the median plane of the body. The dog normally moves at a walk or an amble.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.