Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Information

Estrela Mountain Dog Profile

Other names Cao da Serra da Estrela,Portuguese Shepherd,Serra da Estrela Mountain Dog

Breed Group:     Not Akc Recognized

Weight:     Male: 75-110; Female: 60-90 lbs

Height:     Male: 23-27; Female: 20-24 inches


Color(s):     Yellow, fawn, wolfgray, brindle; white markings, black mask

Life expectancy 9-13 years

Litter size     7-8

Estrela Mountain Dog History

The Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a rustic potent Dog found in the Estrela Mountain regions of Portugal. Like any other ancient breeds, the exact history of these potent dogs is too lost in the mist of time. it had been speculated that this breed was produced from the mastiffs that were brought by the Romans when the Iberian Peninsula was colonized. Some historians believe that ancestors with this breed were the molosser breeds brought for the Iberian Peninsula by the invading Visigoths. As there were no information concerning the earlier existence with this breed the origin of the Estrela Mountain Dog is nevertheless unfamiliar up to this time. What was ascertained will be the actuality that this breed has descended from mastiffs and that this can be certainly one of the oldest breeds of dogs in Portugal. How the dogs evolved can also be unfamiliar however it was speculated that the sheep managers in the Estrela Mountains created utilization of the massive dogs to guard the sheep from wolves and other predators as well as from thieves.

A Estrela Mountain Dog has elegant impressive appears thus the dogs started to be attractive additions for the family. More and more dogs started to be home companions especially when the flocks in the mountain region started to decrease. mainly because these dogs were favored by the aristocracy, the Portuguese people that admired foreign breeds have started to observe the guarding dogs from the Estrela Mountains. The dogs that were once ignored in Dog exhibits started to be recognized as royal dogs. From 1908 to 1919, special Dog exhibits referred to as concursos were held to market the breed. By 1930s, the Estrela Mountain Dog's status in the Dog globe was established. In 1933, the first usual that established the Estrela Mountain Dog was established.




Estrela Mountain Dog Description

There are two coat types: lengthy Coat: Outer coat thick and slightly coarse not having being too harsh. Lying close more than the body, flat or slightly waved, certainly not curly. Undercoat very dense and generally lighter in color compared to outer coat. The neck is short, muscular and nicely established on. A hard, thick tuft of hair below throat. Dewlap undesirable. The forelegs are straight, nicely muscled and with strong, round bone. Moderately sloping shoulders and upper arms. Short pasterns which look almost vertical when viewed from the side.The ears are little in relation to body, thin, triangular, rounded at tips. Moderately high set. Rose ear folding backwards, with internal edge apparent, carried close to skull. Teeth are very strong. Jaw strong with perfect, frequent and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and established square for the jaws. The eye are either deep nor prominent, of medium size, oval in shape with calm and intelligent expression, preferably amber or darker. Black-rimmed eyelids closing well, with rather prominent eyebrows.The head is lengthy and potent with broad, slightly rounded skull. Moderate cease established halfway among nose and slightly defined occiput. Muzzle moderately tapered. Topline of muzzle almost straight, with slightly aquiline nose. A narrow head and pointed muzzle undesirable. big dark nose with well-opened nostrils. Jaws nicely developed. Lips black, tightly closed and not pendulous. Roof of mouth black. The back is preferably short, slightly increased at withers and almost level. Short coupled, broad, nicely muscled loin. Slightly sloping croup. Chest moderately deep and broad. Ribs nicely sprung. Underline very gently rising. The tail is established on slightly low. Reaching for the hock. Forming a distinctive, rigid hook in the tip. nicely furnished and feathered. Carried low. On the proceed may perhaps be carried slightly increased compared to level of the back. The feet are oval with thick, hard pads and tightly closed toes. Abundant hair among pads. Dark, or preferably dark nails. It has moderate angulation. Thighs nicely muscled. Hocks moderately nicely allow down. Rear pasterns are vertical.



Estrela Mountain Dog Temperament

It's important to start instruction and socializing the Estrela from Doghood to nurture its acceptance of various situations. this can be an independent-minded breed which will need perisistent instruction and steady leadership. It has a tendency to bark.

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a formidable opponent for just about any predator- fortunately, it's often known as upon to rise to anyone's life-or-death defense. It is calm but fearless and will not hesitate to react to danger, which makes it an exceptional watchdog. It is intelligent, loyal, and faithful, affectionate to those people it knows but wary of those people it doesn't. It is instinctively protective of any young children in its family. It desires earlier and ongoing socialization to be trustworthy around little pets and other dogs.



Estrela Mountain Dog Care


Estrela Mountain Dog's require frequent brushing with special consideration required throughout heavy seasonal shedding. Bathing ought to be done when necessary. Estrela Mountain Dog's are fairly a healthy breed, although gastric difficulties and hip dysplasia may perhaps occur.



Estrela Mountain Dog Grooming

Brushing is basically all the Estela Mountain Dog needs. The breed has a molting period and more brushing is required. A comb may perhaps function better when the coat is molting.



Estrela Mountain Dog Training

The Estrela Mountain Dog will understand very easily - it is reported that some of these dogs have done very nicely at obedience competitions. These dogs are supple and clever sufficient to do nicely in skills trials. The Estrela Mountain Dog will be outperformed at competitors level by other, faster breeds though. The Estrela Mountain Dog has a tendency to be obstinate and also to make up their own minds. A calm and quiet instruction natural environment should certainly possess a optimistic effect on these dogs.

Note:

1.The breed ought to be socialized earlier to prevent them from becoming overly protective of the family and wary of strangers. They will benefit greatly from obedience instruction and can be excellent in obedience events if the owner works consistently with the dog.


2.The Estrela Mountain Dog desires to really feel that she or he has a job to do to be happy. They need to have exercise and proper time to devote outside so they are able to concentrate on the instruction routine. Routines should certainly consist of mental challenges and actual physical challenges to maintain the Dog engaged in learning.

3.Generally the Estrela Mountain Dog works best when she or he feels that they are working with the owner, not for them. Spending time with the Dog to bond and construct a relationship is key in helping this Dog to grow to be a well-behaved animal.



Estrela Mountain Dog Pictures