INTRODUCTION

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a purebred dog from the Estrela Mountains in Portugal. Brave, protective and loyal, these puppies have some of the best qualities of most of today’s dog breeds. These big, beautiful dogs live mainly in their country of origin, Portugal, but you can still find them in local shelters and breed-specific rescues. Remember to adopt. These adorable puppies are quite large and are suited to larger homes, preferably with yards for walking. They may not adapt well to flat living. They are loyal and protective, making them ideal for homes of all sizes. If you want a loving companion to watch over your home and family and alert you to any potential dangers, this beautiful dog may be the one for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

The main colours of the Estrela Mountain Dog are fawn, yellow and grey. They may have white markings, shading, or brindling. The Estrela Mountain Dog may have a long or short coat. Neither type of coat is hypoallergenic. Because the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large breed dog, it can easily handle the play of over-excited children. Like all dogs, playtime should be supervised.They are very intelligent, but need a strong, confident owner to train and socialise them early so they can get along with other dogs.The Estrela Mountain Dog is not naturally fond of other animals and may prefer to be the solitary pet in the home. However, many Estrela Mountain Dogs do get along well with other dogs and cats, so it all depends on training, socialisation and luck of the draw.Estrela Mountain Dogs are prone to weight gain and have average energy levels. Make sure your dog has at least one good half-hour to hour-long walk a day with some good active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.

HISTORY

The Estrela Mountain Dog is called Cao da Serra da Estrela in Portuguese and were herd guarding dogs in the Serra da Estrela, which is now Portugal. Although its exact origins are unknown, it is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the Serra da Estrela region.It took almost a hundred years of breeding the best herd guarding dogs to produce what is today’s Estrela Mountain Dog.In the early 20th century, the Estrela Mountain Dog breed standard was developed. The shepherds of Portugal depended on its ability to identify and repel wolves and other large predators. Shepherds and farmers were the main breeders of Estrela Mountain Dogs before World War II. However, interest in the breed increased again in the 1950s. Special annual shows, called competitions, were re-established to encourage the inhabitants of the Serra da Estrela to adhere to the official breed standards.