Overview
The Terceira Mastiff was a medium-sized molosser that lived only on Terceira island in the Azores, where it guarded homes and farms.
It is gone today, but its bloodline lives on through related Fila breeds.
History
The dog descended from the Rafeiro do Alentejo and stayed confined to Terceira, where it worked as a house guardian. In the 1960s the Portuguese government supported an effort to revive it, but disagreements between officials and breeders ended the project.
By the 1970s it was declared extinct. It contributed to the Cão Fila de São Miguel and the Fila Brasileiro, and is separate from the Barbado da Terceira.
Appearance
A medium-sized Fila-type molosser standing about 55 cm tall, resembling the São Miguel Cattle Dog. Its most striking feature was a naturally short, corkscrew-like tail.
The coat was short and smooth, fawn or yellow with a light mask. Red, black and brindle dogs were considered impure. The nose could be black, brown or pink.
Temperament
As a house and property guardian, it was most likely alert, protective and wary of strangers, like other Fila-type dogs.
Care and exercise
The breed no longer exists, so there are no care needs today. Its short smooth coat would have needed little grooming.
