Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders

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Description: A sturdy, mastiff-type dog, conveying an impression of strength and vigor, the Estrela Mountain Dog is not a massively boned bog. The Estrela Mountain Dog should be agile rather than cumbersome. The Estrela Mountain Dog is a sociable animal that enjoys the company of their human family. Extremely loyal to the ones they love.

Other Names: Portuguese Sheepdog, Cão da Serra da Estrela

photo compliments of Slava Pozniakov

Weight: 66 - 110 lbs.

Colors: Fawn - which varies from burnt yellow through reddish gold to a deep red, with or without guard hairs. The fawn should never be so pale as to be a dirty white. Brindle - any of the previous permitted colors with the addition of streaks or smudges of black or brown varying in intensity. Wolf Grey - all black and all white, skewbald and piebald unacceptable. Black muzzle or mask, is highly desirable. White markings on chest, underside, feet or tail are tolerated but undesirable.
Coat: Long Coat: The outer coat is thick and moderately harsh, resembling goat hair, 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 the base of ears to tip, is thick and abundant round the neck and chest forming a ruff, particularly in the male. Thighs, lower hocks and backs of the forearm abundantly feathered, as is the tail. Front of legs, short smooth hair. A woolly or fluffy coat undesirable. Short Coat: Short thick, moderately harsh and straight, calling to mind goat‘s hair, with shorter dense undercoat. Any feathering should be in proportion.

Temperament: Loyal, affectionate to owners, indifferent to others, intelligent and alert, inclined to be stubborn.
With Children: Yes, good companion dog for active families, but tends to bond with one member.
With Pets:

Watch-dog: Good
Guard-dog: Good

Care and Exercise: Easy to groom. Give your Estrela Mountain Dog a good brushing once a week and that should keep his coat in good condition. When molting, use a good slicker brush as he will lose his complete undercoat. More attention is needed when the dog is molting, and a good 'slicker' brush, a wide toothed comb and a good rake will make grooming easier. Exercise as much as you can give him.
Training: Need to train with a firm hand, but does not like to be dominated. He is known to be very stubborn and may be selectively deaf. Patience is the key to training.
Learning Rate: Very intelligent.

Activity: Activity is low key, likes to play and sleep a lot.
Living Environment:

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, gastric problems.

Life Span: 9 - 12 years
Litter Size:

Country of Origin: Portugal
History: The Estrela Mountain Dog comes from the Estrela region of central Portugal where he has been used for guarding and herding livestock. He is thought to have evolved mainly from the Roman Mastiffs. Still rare outside his native homeland. Introduced to Britain in 1974 under the classification of Rare Breeds.

Class: Working
Registries: KC (RB), FCI (Group 2)

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