Group: Flock Guard

Weight: 66 - 1101b

Height: Male 25½ - 28½ inches, female 24½ - 27 inches



History

The precise history of the Estrela Mountain Dog is not entirely known - but it is believed that they descended from the Roman Molossus dog. These large dogs were swiftly branded by the travelling shepherds as perfect flock guardian dogs. Because the routes for the sheep were forming patterns, these dogs were factually raised on the passage routes from the summer pastures to the warmer valleys in the winter months. Seeing that the locations of the herds were not always easy to reach, these dogs were fairly isolated. After some time, land owners were made aware of the versatility of these dogs and they started to keep them as companion and watchdogs. Even today, the Estrela Mountain Dog is used as a working dog in Portugal.

Characteristics

The Estrela Mountain Dog is very attentive, and can also make a lot of noise when necessary. They have sober habits, they are very clever and they are also very composed. This breed can however also be very obstinate, but they will show lots of affection toward their owners. These dogs will however not easily accept a different trainer or owner later on in its life.

Temperament

The Estrela Mountain dog is very reliable and loving towards its owners, but they can be a bit wary toward strangers. This breed is very clever and watchful - but they can be stubborn at times. These dogs train fairly easy though. The Estrela Mountain dogs have been developed to fight wolves and protect the sheep.

Care

The Estrela Mountain Dog with the long coat will need to be groomed more often than the short haired variety. The Estrela Mountain dog with the short coat is less prone to tangles, but still has to be brushed twice during the week in order to keep the coat in a good condition. Seeing that the Estrela Mountain Dog has a protective oil layer on the coat, they should not be bathed too often - only when it is really necessary.

Training

The Estrela Mountain Dog will learn very easily - it is reported that some of these dogs have done very well at obedience competitions. These dogs are supple and clever enough to do well in skills trials. The Estrela Mountain dog will be outperformed at competition level by other, faster breeds though. The Estrela Mountain dog has a tendency to be obstinate and to make up their own minds. A calm and quiet training environment should have a positive effect on these dogs.

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