Transmontano Cattledog

TRANSMONTANO CATTLE DOG

SHORT HISTORICAL SUMMARY The origin of this breed is connected to the history of the Iberian Mastiffs and its evolution is linked to the migration route of the herds towards new pasturages across the Iberian Peninsula. In ancient times this breed established itself in the highlands of the north of Portugal, specifically in Trás-os-Montes, hence its name. This dog is a shepherd companion with the specific task of guarding the flocks against the attack of wolves, always prolific in the area. In this mountainous region, of steep pasturages of difficult access by road, these dogs adapted themselves to the landscape, to the rough climate and to the breeds of sheep and goats which graze in these hills, adjusting themselves to the hardy conditions and to the specific tasks they were required to perform. GENERAL APPEARANCE Mastiff dog of great size, very strong and rustic, it stands out due to its impressive size, proud carriage and soft, steady look. The body outline is square with long legs of strong bone and naturally straight pasterns. The tuck up is evident and the rear angulations are moderate. In this breed there is an evident dimorphism, and the males reach greater size and bulk than the females. TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIOUR In spite of its size and appearance this breed has a sound, docile, although quite reserved, temperament. It shows caution without being aggressive, always calm and serene. He is an exceptional watch dog when guarding the herds against the attack of wolves, very active and permanently attentive in its task. Males live together with other males without conflict, imposing the hierarchy of dominance when living in the company of females. Shepherds favour males and it is a common sight to see them in larger numbers than females when shepherding herds, which is usually done by a pack of several dogs. When they are faced with the contact of strangers, and once they overcome the initial reserve, these dogs allow themselves to be handled without causing problems and are extremely sensitive to human attention and kindness. IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS The profile is convex and the body is square tending to be shorter than the height at withers. The relationship between length and height is almost equal. HEAD The head is large and massive but not too voluminous in proportion to the size of the body. The profile is convex with upper planes of skull and muzzle which are almost parallel and only slightly divergent. The muzzle, which is slightly shorter than the skull, is broad with convergent sides and in profile it ends bluntly. Jaws are strong and well developed. Skull The skull is moderately wide and slightly doomed, tending to being flat. The stop seen from the side is moderate, but seen from the front it is noticeable due to the well arched eyebrows. Nose The nose is oval in shape and large, with wide nostrils preferably black or dark. Muzzle The muzzle is conical in shape. Seen in profile the nasal bridge is straight. The length of the muzzle is almost 1.1 in proportion to the length of the skull Lips Well joined, not too thick, just slightly rounded in shape and moderately pendulous, with apparent commissure and a wide mouth. The membranes are well pigmented in black. Jaws Well developed and well muscled, with strong maxillary bones. Scissors bite. Eyes Not too large and almond shaped, with a serene look and honey to dark brown in colour. They are placed semi frontally and are slightly slanted. Eye rims are deeply pigmented in black. Ears The ears are of medium size, triangular in shape, slightly longer than wider, with a medium to high setting (above the line of the eyes), fleshy and round tipped. They are quite mobile, and are usually carried pendent, but can be also be drawn back and folded vertically. When the dog is standing to attention they raise and fold towards the front. Neck The neck is of medium size, sraight, strong and well muscled. The dewlap is apparent but not overdone. The skin of the neck is quite loose. Shoulders Well set at the base of the neck with long scapula and medium angulation (110º) BODY The body is strong but not too heavy, with straight top line, well muscled. The height at withers is equal to the length of the body. The underline is ascendant from the chest towards the belly, whith evident tuck up. Back Short, straight, wide and well muscled. Chest Large but not too broad, well developped with well sprung ribs moderately arched. The torax cage is voluminous but not barrel shaped. Chest reaches elbows but does not descend beyond. Croup Medium size croup, moderately wide and inclined Tail The tail is thick and of medium length, well covered with hair, set neither high nor low. It does not fall beyond the hock joint. When in repose it curves sabre wise but can also present a curve in the extremity. In movement it is carried high and rounded and it can even roll over the top line. FOREQUARTERS Seen from the front they are strong, long, straight and paralel. Forelegs Long and vertical with cylindrical bone. Arm Strong, long and well developped. Elbows Well set against the chest, never turned out Carp With strong articulation Pasterns Straight and almost vertical Front feet Strong, large and round, with well closed together, arched toes. Pads are thick, large and resistant. HINDQUARTERS Strong and well muscled, seen from the rear they are paralel. The rear angulation is moderate. Thighs Long and well muscled Legs Long and muscular Hocks Very high large and strong. Metatarsus In proportion to the size of the legs, with single or double dewclaws. Feet Oval or even rounded in shape with strong, close together, toes and thick pads. MOVEMENT In spite of its size and bulk this is a light footed dog, with an energetic and well cadenced movement, far reaching in front and rear. SKIN The skin is rather thick in texture, loose around the neck area where it forms a single dewlap, as well as at the withers. The skin is much finer on the hed than on the body. COAT The coat is thick , plentiful and of medium lenght. It is rather flat and dense with evident undercoat. On the head, ears, muzzle and legs the coat is shorter and finer in texture. COLOURS The more common coat colours are white with black, yellow, fawn or wolf spots. These colours can be solid or brindled. Coats can be flecked or speckled as well as tricolour with tan markings on cheeks and eyebrows. A half mask ,diluted black in colour, is commonly found on yellow, wolf and fawn coated dogs. White markings on the head are a common occurrence. Solid colours with total lack of white are not as desirable as marked coats. Solid white or black coats are to be excluded. SIZE Males. 74cm to 84 cm Females: 66cm to 76 cm WEIGHT Males: 55 to 65 kilos Females: 45 to 60 Kilos FAULTS Any departure from the foiregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in direct proportion to its degree. - yellow eyes - drooping eyelids - excessive or double dewlap - weak or excessively inclined pasterns - excessive lenght of body - tail with hooked tip - long, pointed muzzle SERIOUS FAULTS - heavy and excessively large and wide head - converging upper planes of skull and muzzle - lack of pigmentation on the eye rims - short muzzle - domed skull - round and big eyes - low set ears excessiveky small and fine in texture - wide chest reaching below the elbow - barrel shaped chest - flat feet - coat lacking in density or too short on body - no undercoat DISQUALIFICATIONS Undershot or overshot jaws Solid white or solid black colour Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum Any animal presenting signs of physical or temperamental anomalies must be disqualified. Translated 25/10/04 Carla Molinari/CPC