| Terceira Mastiff | |
| Also Known As: | Fila da Terceira Cão de Fila da Terceira |
| Nickname: | Rabo Torto |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Height: | 55cm (22inches) |
| Coat: | Short and smooth |
| Color: | Fawn or yellow; with a light mask |
| Extinct: | Yes |
The Terceira Mastiff (Portuguese: Cão de Fila da Terceira) is an extinct Portuguese dog landrace, also known as the Rabo Torto (rabo=tail, torto=curled/twisted).[1]
The Terceira Mastiff came from the island of Terceira, located in the Azores, which is the only island where this dog has ever existed and where it was employed as a house guardian. It descended from the Rafeiro do Alentejo.
In the 1960s, there was an attempt to revive the breed with the aid of the Portuguese government.[1] However, there was disagreement between government officials and breeders, which led to the project's failure.[1] After this, the future of the Terceira Mastiff depended solely on local farmers and breed fanciers. By the 1970s, it was already declared extinct.[1]
It is an ancestor to both the Cão Fila de São Miguel and the Fila Brasileiro. This breed is different from the Barbado da Terceira.
The Terceira Mastiff is a medium-sized molosser that represents the Fila or Dogo type and resembles the Cão Fila de São Miguel. One of its most remarkable features is an innately short, corkscrew-like tail.[1] Its nose can be either black, brown, or even pink. The colour of the short, smooth coat can be either fawn or yellow, always with a light mask.[1] Red, black and brindle individuals are usually considered to be impure. The height is approximately 55cm (22inches).[1]