Estrela Mountain Dog Breed

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a versatile breed, as evidenced by its recognition in various breed groups in different kennel clubs: Working in the AKC, Mountain Types in the FCI, and the Guardian Dog group in the United Kennel Club. These big dogs were originally developed to be livestock guardians in the mountains of Portugal--and though they're still used for that purpose, they also make loyal family pets for active families, particularly those in rural areas with plenty of space.

A few Estrela Mountain Dog facts: they're very large, averaging 27 inches at the shoulders in height and 100 pounds in weight; they have thick, double-layered coats that come in both short- and long-haired varieties; and they're naturally loyal and have excellent guard dog skills.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning this courageous breed:

If ever there was a breed to be called a "canine bodyguard," the Estrela Mountain Dog is it. These imposing animals are powerful, protective, and highly intelligent--but they're also gentle with family members and very affectionate with kids.

When the breed was first developed in Portugal in the early 1900s, shepherds in mountainous regions held them in high regard for their ability to protect flocks from wolves and other predators. And interestingly, one of the Estrela's physical traits may have given them an advantage in fending off wolves: unlike most dog breeds, an Estrela Mountain Dog can move its head in parallel with its body, giving it a greater range of motion--just like a wolf does. Whatever the case, these dogs were very useful in guarding flocks--a skill they still have. Even so, in many cases they're used as guardians for families and property.

And the Estrela is normally calm and laid-back, and isn't the most energetic of breeds. Though powerful and athletic, these dogs can be a bit lazy, and may need some coaxing to fulfill their daily exercise needs.

Powerful, loving, dignified, protective, and at times stubborn, the Portuguese Estrela Mountain Dog temperament (or Cao Serra da Estrela caracteristicas in Portuguese) is one of friendliness and security. These dogs are affectionate and loyal to their human family members--but they can be suspicious of and defensive around unknown people and animals (especially other dogs), so they'll need obedience training and socialization starting in puppyhood to ensure proper behavior.

These dogs are also very smart, and can learn tasks, tricks, and commands pretty quickly--but they do have an independent streak, so trainers might need a few repetitions while teaching them things. In any case, positive, reward-based training methods (including lots of patience and dog treats!) will work best.

And the Estrela Mountain Dog's watchdog and guarding skills are virtually unmatched. Though they don't bark too much, these dogs are smart and experienced enough to sound a vocal alarm if they perceive an unknown sight or sound--and with their size and strength, they're more than capable of neutralizing most potential threats.

The Estrela Mountain dog is very healthy and hardy overall. One inherited condition the breed may suffer from is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), essentially an often-fatal enlargement of the heart. Owners are advised to ask their breeders if these dogs (and/or their parents) have been screened for DCM--or the owners can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Like other large breeds, Estrelas may also be prone to ailments like hip or elbow dysplasia and gastric torsion (bloat).

Life expectancy for these dogs is 11-15 years.