Description given on Youtube:
The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog (frequently translated into English as the São Miguel Cattle Dog or Cattle Dog of São Miguel Island, but other names, such as Azores Cattle Dog, may be used) is a dog breed of molosser type originating on São Miguel Island in the Azores, an island chain which is one of the autonomous regions of Portugal. The breed was originally used for working with cattle.
The breed is named for São Miguel Island in the Azores, settled by the Portuguese, beginning in 1439. Another of the Azores, Terceira Island, is known for bullfights and cattle raising; large dogs used on cattle there were brought to São Miguel Island and contributed to the development of the breed.
According to the original breed standard, the existence of the Saint Miguel Cattle Dog has been documented since the early 19th century. A breed standard was developed in the breed’s area of origin and first published in 1984. This standard was recognised internationally in 1995, when the standard was published by the International Cynological Federation. Although described (and formerly used) as a cattle dog, the Saint Miguel Cattle Dog is actually a Molosser, and is so recognised by the International Cynological Federation in Group 2, Section 2, Molossoid breeds (number 340.) Today it is primarily used as a companion.
Traditionally, the tail is docked, although this practice is now illegal in many areas. In addition, the ears were traditionally cropped short. The ears are cropped short and rounded off on top. The reasons for these traditions are unknown but believed to ensure tails and ears cannot be bitten by cattle when herding.
Today, dogs from São Miguel are exported to North America and other areas of the world where they are bred and promoted for the rare breed market. Minor kennel clubs and registries maintained by individual breeders write their own versions of the breed standard, which may vary from the breed standard developed on the island of São Miguel and recognised internationally by the International Cynological Federation. Dogs of the breed may be sold under the original breed name, Saint Miguel Cattle Dog, or any of the many translations and versions of the name.