What makes the Estrela Mountain Dog Unique?
Estrela Mountain Dogs are known for being an intelligent and independent, they are also playful, and extremely loyal to their owners. The Estrela has tendency to bark and protect its territory fiercely, and will typically only obey a strong-willed person.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 65 to 72 cm (25.5 to 28.5 inches) Females – 62 to 68 cm (24.5 to 27 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 29.9 to 49.8 kg (66 to 110 pounds) Females – 27.2 to 47.6 kg (65 to 105 pounds) |
| Origin: | Portugal |
| Life Span: | 10 – 12 Years |
| Colour: | Wolf gray, Yellow, White, Black, Blue, |
| Litter Size: | up to 8 puppies |
Is the Estrela Mountain Dog Right For You?
Though Estrela Mountain Dogs are aloof to others, they are extremely loyal and affectionate to their owners. They are intelligent, independent and alert. Self-willed yet trainable. They are calm but they protect their territory fiercely, making them an exceptional guard dog. They should be well socialized, for they tend to be wary of strangers, though they are very friendly with those they know. They can get along well with other pets. However it will take some time for them to get accustomed to others. In order to successfully keep an Estrela Mountain Dog, the family must achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Affectionate
- Independent
- Intelligent
- Loyal
Characteristics
Learn About the Estrela Mountain Dog
Description
General Description
Estrela Mountain Dog has two types of coat: Long and short. Their coat is thick and slightly coarse without being too harsh. Lying close over the body, flat or slightly waved, never curly. Undercoat very dense and normally lighter in color than the outer coat. Short and smooth hair on head diminishing in length from base of ears to tip. Thick and abundant around the neck and chest forming a ruff, particularly in the male. Forearms, thighs, rear pasterns and tail abundantly feathered. Short, smooth hair on front of legs. The fawn should never be so pale as to be a dirty white. The tail is set slightly low, reaching to the hock And forming a distinctive, rigid hook at the tip. Well-furnished and feathered, carried low. The feet are oval with thick, hard pads and tightly closed toes. The back is preferably short, slightly higher at withers and almost level.
Though Estrela Mountain Dogs are aloof to others, they are extremely loyal and affectionate to their owners. They are intelligent, independent and alert. Self-willed yet trainable. They are calm but they protect their territory fiercely, making them an exceptional guard dog. They should be well socialized, for they tend to be wary of strangers, though they are very friendly with those they know. They can get along well with other pets. However it will take some time for them to get accustomed to others. In order to successfully keep an Estrela Mountain Dog, the family must achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack.
Size
These dogs measure between 65 to 72 cm (25.5 to 28.5 inches) tall and weighs 29.9 to 49.8 kg (66 to 110 pounds) for males. 62 to 68 cm (24.5 to 27 inches) tall and weighs 27.2 to 47.6 kg (65 to 105 pounds) for females.
Coat
Their coat is thick and slightly coarse without being too harsh. Lying close over the body, flat or slightly waved, never curly. Undercoat very dense and normally lighter in color than the outer coat. Short and smooth hair on head diminishing in length from base of ears to tip. Thick and abundant around the neck and chest forming a ruff, particularly in the male. Forearms, thighs, rear pasterns and tail abundantly feathered. Short, smooth hair on front of legs.
Short History of the Estrela Mountain Dog
As is the case with most Portuguese breeds, the ancestry of the Estrela Mountain Dog is shrouded in mystery. This dog was developed centuries before written records were kept of dog breeding, and in any case the breed was owned almost exclusively by poor farmers in one of the remotest regions of Western Europe. All that is known for sure is that the Estrela Mountain Dog is one of the oldest breeds native to the Iberian Peninsula, that it has likely been present in its homeland since at least the end of the Roman Empire, and that it has always been found primarily in the Estrela Mountains of central Portugal.
Temperament
Though Estrela Mountain Dogs are aloof to others, they are extremely loyal and affectionate to their owners. They are intelligent, independent and alert. Self-willed yet trainable. They are calm but they protect their territory fiercely, making them an exceptional guard dog. They should be well socialized, for they tend to be wary of strangers, though they are very friendly with those they know. They can get along well with other pets. However it will take some time for them to get accustomed to others. In order to successfully keep an Estrela Mountain Dog, the family must achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack.
Caring for Your Estrela Mountain Dog
General Health
Estrela Mountain Dog is a strong, hardy and healthy dog breed. There is no so much study about them having health problems. However, just like any other large dogs, it has a tendency to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia.
Care
The Estrela’s rough hair will not tangle easily, though it may mat behind the ears. Typically the coat requires just one deep brushing every week.
Due to its nature, the Estrela will tend to roam far if not placed in a large, fenced yard. Nevertheless, it can flourish in a smaller area as long as it is taken out to exercise frequently.
Grooming & Bathing
The Estrela Mountain Dog only requires small amount of grooming. Their coat should be thoroughly brushed at least twice a week.
Exercise & Training
Estrela Mountain Dog needs a lot of exercise, since they are guarding dogs. They need a daily, long walk. They must be suited in a family where there is a big space or surroundings for them to freely run in an open area safely.
Estrela Mountain Dog Picture Gallery
