Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

35-60 kg

Height

60-76 cm

Lifespan

11-15 years

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About the Estrela Mountain Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you are looking for information on the Estrela Mountain dog breed, you have certainly come to the right place. We will reveal everything you need to know about this large breed, including common health concerns, training methods, how often to play dog sports, whether apartment living is suitable and much more.

Known as herd guarding dogs, this large breed is not only an exceptional guardian of livestock but is also known for its love of family and children. However, as is the case with any dog, you need to make sure this breed is the right fit for you.

What is the history & origin of the Estrela Mountain Dog?

As you may have gathered, the Estrela Mountain dog hails from the Estrela Mountains in Portugal. It is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in this region, if not the oldest.

At the time, they were bred and kept for guarding goats and sheep in this part of North Portugal. There is a bit of uncertainty about the origins of this dog when compared with other dogs.

They have quite a lot of similarities with other large dog breeds, such as the Maremma and Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

They can work on summits 2,000 feet higher than sea level or on the parched summer lowlands. Built strongly, it is suspected that there is some mastiff influencer in their background.

In the 1900s, the standard for this breed was created. Shepherds in Portugal relied on their ability to locate predators, such as large wolves, and scare them off. These pups are intelligent and brave, which is why they are the ideal guardian herding dog.

Farmers and shepherds were the chief breeders of Estrela Mountain dogs before World War II. Nevertheless, heightened interest in the breed came around during the 1950s. Special yearly shows known as ‘concursos’ were held to motivate the people of Serra da Estrela to adhere to official breed standards.

What is an Estrela Mountain Dog breed?

Estrela Mountain dogs make exceptional guard dogs, not only for livestock but also for their owner and land. Some breed features include a hook to the tip of the tail and neatly folded back ears.

These purebred dogs go by several different names, such as Cao da Serra da Estrela and Portuguese Shepherd.

The main colours of this dog breed include grey, yellow, and fawn. They can have white markings, brindling, or shading. The colours can mix but they will usually be solid.

These beautiful, large dogs do live primarily in their homeland of Portugal, yet it is possible to get such an Estrela Mountain dog from a responsible breeder in Australia.

Who is an Estrela Mountain Dog best for?

As Estrela Mountain dog puppies are quite big, they are better suited to large homes, particularly those that have a big outside area for the dog to roam. We would not recommend this dog breed if you live in an apartment.

They are protective and loyal, which makes them perfect if you want a friendly companion who will guard your family and property, alerting you to any possible dangers.

As the Estrela Mountain dog is a large purebred, it can easily handle the play of overly excited kids. However, as is the case with all dogs, make sure you supervise playtime.

Estrela Mountain Dog Grooming & Shedding

Estrela Mountain dogs can have either a short coat or long coats, yet neither coat types are considered hypoallergenic. You will need to brush your dog’s coat at least once per week for grooming.

This breed is considered a moderate shedder. It is a natural process of their hair growth cycle. Frequent brushing is needed to lower the quantity of hair that sheds.

In terms of bathing your Estrela Mountain dog, you should do this every six to eight weeks. Not only is this beneficial from a cleanliness point of view, but you can look for fleas, bumps, scratches, or other irregularities. When the hair is wet and flat against your dog’s body, details like this should be easier to spot.

Do Estrela Mountain Dogs bark a lot?

As an excellent guard dog, it probably does not come as a surprise to learn that an Estrela Mountain dog can have a tendency to bark if it feels like something is not quite right outside of the home. They will have no problem alerting you if they notice a sign of trouble.

They may herd, play-bite, chew, or nip people. This is common during puppyhood and is not aggressive behaviour.

What is the average weight & height of an Estrela Mountain Dog?

The Estrela Mountain Dog typically weighs between 35 kg and 60 kg and stands around 60 cm to 76 cm tall at the shoulder. This breed is known for its impressive size and strong, protective temperament.

Are Estrela Mountain Dogs easy to train?

A confident and strong owner is required for an Estrela Mountain dog, as this dog breed is highly intelligent but also has a dominant personality. You will need to socialise and train your dog early to ensure that he or she will get along with dogs.

These dogs are relatively easy to train, especially since they want to please their owner. They are also incredibly intelligent, displayed by their ability to understand and memorise new commands in 15 – 25 repetitions. They are best as guardians and watchdogs, and they have a natural instinct to protect small children and family members.

It should be noted that Estrela Mountain Dogs can be more sensitive when compared with other dog breeds. Because of this, soft punishment impacts them emotionally. They do not cope well with frequent guest visits, a noisy household, or an irregular daily routine, so do keep this in mind when deciding whether or not this rare breed is right for you.

How do Estrela Mountain Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a very family-oriented and protective dog. These are large dogs who like to be around their family, and they are natural guardians.

As they have a calm temperament, they are happy to stay indoors and cuddle. They are brave and can defend against predators bigger than themselves, yet they are not very agile.

Does the Estrela Mountain Dog have any common health issues?

As is the case with any dog, the Estrela Mountain dog does have a few common health conditions that you need to be mindful of. They are generally predisposed to the same conditions that the majority of big herding dogs tend to face.

Some of the more common health problems found in this breed are as follows:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These genetic conditions can lead to joint pain and mobility issues.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to serious complications.

Although a generally healthy breed, it is always important to make sure you keep up regular health checks with your vet so you can act on any issues early.

What is the lifespan of an Estrela Mountain Dog?

According to the American Kennel Club this dog can live 11 – 15 years.

How much does an Estrela Mountain Dog need to be fed?

Estrela Mountain dogs are prone to gaining weight, and they have medium levels of energy. It is, therefore, imperative that your dog gets a walk lasting between 30 and 60 minutes every day with a few active, good play sessions and shorter walks mixed in for good measure.

Healthy dogs will eat different quantities of dog food depending on their size and age. You can speak with your vet for advice if you’re unsure.

How much can you expect to pay for an Estrela Mountain Dog in Australia?

On average, an Estrela Mountain dog will cost approximately $1,000 when you purchase from a reputable breeder. There are a number of different factors that can influence how much you pay, from the experience of the breeder to your location in Australia.

Estrela Mountain Dog FAQs

Are Estrela Mountain dogs aggressive?

Estrela Mountain dogs are incredibly loving, affectionate, and loyal toward their owners, yet they are uncomfortable around strangers. Therefore, while they are not aggressive breeds, they can act so toward anyone they view as an intruder or a threat, be this a human or animal.

Are Estrela Mountain dogs ideal for first-time dog owners?

We would not recommend this breed of dog for an inexperienced owner. These dogs are independent and have a typical mountain dog personality.

This dominant personality means that lots of training and socialisation by a strong and confident owner are required to ensure a well-rounded and obedient companion. This can often be a bit too much to handle for a first-time dog owner.

Are Estrela Mountain dogs hypoallergenic?

No, Estrela Mountain dogs are not hypoallergenic. They can have either short or long coats, yet neither of their coarse outer coat type is hypoallergenic.