Fila de São Miguel

Originating from São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, the Fila de São Miguel is derived from mastiffs imported by sailors. The Fila de São Miguel descends from the Fila de Terceira, now extinct. The Fila de São Miguel is traditionally fed with curdled milk poured into a hole in the ground on the pasture. The rounding of the ears is intended to protect it from brambles. The Fila de São Miguel is still used by shepherds in São Miguel. The breed became established in the early 20th century, but the beginning of breed recognition dates from the early 1980s. The first standard was drafted in 1984 and the breed was provisionally recognized by the International Canine Federation (FCI) in 1995. The first breeding club Clube do Cão de Fila de São Miguel was created in 1991. The Fila de São Miguel was recognized by the FCI in 2007. In 2012, with 44 registrations in the French Stud Book (LOF), the Fila de São Miguel is one of the last breeds in group 2 'Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs - Mastiffs - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs'.

The Fila de São Miguel is described in the International Canine Federation (FCI) standard as an intelligent dog, responsive, docile with its master and of an assertive temperament towards strangers. Training must be firm but without harshness. The Fila de São Miguel is endowed with a strong guarding instinct.

The Fila de São Miguel is a medium-sized dog of mastiff type, of robust appearance. The body fits into a rectangle. It is strong and well-muscled, with ample forechest. The chest is broad and well-descended. The croup is slightly higher than the withers. Attached high, the tail of medium length is thick and slightly curved. The tail is docked at the level of the 2nd or 3rd vertebra, in countries where caudectomy is not prohibited. The gait of the Fila de São Miguel shows a slight rolling motion at the rear. The head is angular and strong with a marked stop. The longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle are parallel. Oval in shape, the eyes of medium size and dark brown color are slightly recessed and positioned horizontally. When not docked, the ears are of medium size, triangular in shape and fall without being attached to the cheeks. They are rounded in countries where ear docking is not prohibited. The coat is short, smooth, dense, of rough texture. It is slightly fringed at the tail, anus and rear of the thighs. The coat is brindle of which it accepts all colors: fawn, charcoal sand, light to dark grey. White markings are allowed on the forehead, as a blaze from the chin to the chest and on the feet.