nouvelles - 12/12/2003 Cão de Gado Transmontano - Portugal
par António ArraisIn the day 13 of December of 2003, the Portuguese Kennel Club, invited several entities and associates to appear in Estoril area council building to introduce them their new “project” to a new and Portuguese only breed, the “Cão de Gado Transmontano”.
This dog that will probably be the 9 th Portuguese breed, is characterized by a working dog in the driving and guarding of herds, becoming fast the chosen to uphold these functions, due to its physical attributes and its big size, attributes necessary to confront the only natural predator of thee herds that exist in this region of the country, the Wolf.
The presence of these dogs in the herds (with the help of a special program of free distribution of dogs, in place since the beginning of 1994 ) diminished greatly the wolf attacks, which calmed the conflicts between population and this wild animal, making easier the work to preserve the specie in danger of extinction.
This example only reaffirms that it is possible to several different species to live together, without arm to their existences, the so much talked about Biodiversity.
We are very pleased that a dog breed becomes the bond and help to preserve a century wide punished animal. Lets say that if the DOG was born from the WOLF it was time the DOG return, and what better way than to help to fight to ensure that his ancestor stays ALIVE.
Hurray for the Portuguese Kennel Club and the Montesinho National Park for such a noble attitude/task.
