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Bred to protect herds, the Estrela mountain dog is an ancient Portuguese dog breed. Today, they're utilized by the Marine and Portuguese police and are valued for their loyalty, alertness, and intelligence. Also known as the Cao da Serra da Estrela, this dog breed isn't ideal for small living spaces but can make a great pet for the right family.

Learn about the characteristics, history, and care needs of the Estrela mountain dog.

Characteristics of the Estrela Mountain Dog

Estrela mountain dogs are large guard dogs that are good at herding flocks. Their thick coats protect them from the outdoor elements and their attitudes are protective of the people they love. They have characteristic hooked tails and double dew claws, can have either a short or long coat, and can be wary of strangers but form strong bonds with their owners.

History of the Estrela Mountain Dog

Ancestral records of the original Estrela mountain dogs are lacking but there is no doubt that this breed is one of the oldest in Portugal. Despite this, the breed didn't have written standards until the early 1920s when the first attempt at developing a breed standard was created. Breed standards evolved over a decade and eventually, the first official breed standard was solidified in 1933. Since then, the breed has continued to act as guardian dogs protecting flocks but are also now used as police dogs in Portugal, too.

Estrela Mountain Dog Care

Estrela mountain dogs are not difficult breeds to care for but like most dogs, they require some specific care requirements. This dog breed is not little nor are they ideal for small spaces or someone who cannot properly train a large dog. Ample land to roam, basic grooming skills, and ample training from a young age are key pieces of caring for this dog breed.

Exercise

You don't have to have a flock of sheep to have an Estrela mountain dog but they do require regular walks, play time, and exercise. This breed was created to work and guard and won't be happy lounging around the house all day. Providing your dog with opportunities to exercise will help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Grooming

This breed has distinctive double dew claws that grow quickly alongside their other nails. This means regular nail trims are a must for this big dog. Regular brushing of the fur and teeth, cleaning of the ears, and the occasional bath is also needed to keep an Estrela mountain dog clean and well-groomed.

Training

The Estrela mountain dog is very loyal and protective, and consistent, positive reinforcement training from puppyhood is important for this smart breed. Regular training sessions will help maintain your dog's status as a polite member of the family as well as provide mental stimulation if they don't spend their days guarding a flock.

Common Health Problems

The Estrela mountain dog is a fairly healthy dog breed but that doesn't mean they aren't susceptible to any health issues, especially those that commonly affect large breeds. Common health problems in this breed that can occur include:

• Periodontal disease
• Ear infections
• Parasites
• Hip Dysplasia
• Heart Disease
  

Diet and Nutrition

Like all dogs, Estrela mountain dogs should eat a nutritionally complete diet formulated for dogs by veterinary nutritionists. This may be a store-bought kibble or a specially crafted diet for your dog's specific life stage. When feeding, measure out the appropriate amount of food based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and caloric content to prevent obesity and other health issues.

If you aren't sure what to feed, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Estrela mountain dogs that are diagnosed with hip dysplasia or heart disease may require special food formulations and supplements to help provide additional support.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Estrela Mountain Dog

This dog breed is rarely seen outside of Portugal, but they can be found if you look hard enough. If you can find a reputable breeder, expect to be put on a waiting list for a puppy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace is a good place to start to locate reputable breeders and the Estrela Mountain Dog Association of America may provide you with opportunities to connect with breeders, owners, handlers, and enthusiasts of the breed.

Expect to pay a few thousand dollars for this type of dog breed if it is from a reputable breeder as you'll be hard-pressed to find one in a rescue or shelter and importing one can be quite difficult and even more costly.

Estrela Mountain Dog Overview

For families that live on land where an Estrela mountain dog is free to roam, this breed can make a great working dog and addition to a farm. With proper training from a young age, they can be well-adjusted while still protecting those they love but they are naturally wary of strangers and can drool a bit.

Pros of the Estrela Mountain Dog

• Loyal to their owners
• Hard working
• Mostly calm demeanor

Cons of the Estrela Mountain Dog

• Requires a lot of space
• Can drool a fair amount
• Doesn't do well with strangers

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in breeds that are similar to the Estrela mountain dog, check out:

• Pyrenean Mastiff
• Anatolian Shepherd
• Central Asian Shepherd