Estrela Mountain Dog

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Size: Large to Extra-Large
Other Names: Cao da Serra da Estrela, Portuguese Shepherd
Country of Origin: Portugal
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): FSS
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
The Kennel Club (KC): Pastoral
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large livestock guardian with a broad head, dropped ears, and either a short or long thick coat. The tail is long and well feathered, and the expression is calm.

A Portuguese livestock guardian for land: a heavy coat, night barking, and no business as a city apartment dog.

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a Portuguese flock guardian from the Serra da Estrela. It lived with sheep against wolves and thieves. The AKC lists the breed in FSS; the UKC classes it as a Guardian Dog.

Height: Male: 25½–29 inches; Female: 24–27 inches
Weight: Male: 88–110 pounds; Female: 77–99 pounds
Color: Fawn, brindle, or wolf gray, often with a dark mask
Coat: Short or long double coat; the long coat is heavier on the tail and britches
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Litter size: 6–10 puppies

Temperament

This is an independent, territorial guardian. It is typically devoted to its own household and reserved with strangers. It needs space and a role, not a busy suburban sidewalk.

Training

Socialize early and keep the rules quiet and firm. The breed was selected to think for itself on the mountain.

Care and grooming

Brush weekly, more often when the undercoat blows. Grow this large dog slowly.

Shedding

Seasonal and heavy.

Health

As with other giant guardians, hip dysplasia and bloat can occur. Do not exercise hard right after meals.

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