Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Guide

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 dogs.

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.

Who are Estrela Mountain Dog dogs 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. 

How much grooming does a Estrela Mountain Dog need?

Estrela Mountain dogs can have either short coats or long coats, yet neither coat type is 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 Dog bark much?

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. 

Do Estrela Mountain Dog bite?

There is a very low chance of an Estrela Mountain dog biting someone. Some of the reasons why this may happen include being provoked, herding instinct, excitement, pain, or protection. 

Should your dog bite someone, it is imperative to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. Figuring out the ‘why’ can help to make sure it does not happen again. 

It is important to note that these dogs have a very strong bite. A bite from an Estrela Mountain dog could be highly dangerous, with their PSI being greater than 400. This is why it is critical to train these dogs to be around others safely. 

What is the temperament & personality of a Estrela Mountain Dog?

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. 

What is the weight & size of a Estrela Mountain Dog?

Weight: 35 to 60 kg

Height: 60 to 76 cm

How much training does a Estrela Mountain Dog need?

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. 

What are some of the most common health issues for a Estrela Mountain Dog?

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

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy 

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 a Estrela Mountain Dog?

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

How much should you feed a Estrela Mountain Dog?

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.

What is the price of a 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.