Estrela Mountain Dog

Breed Description

The Estrela Mountain Dog, also known as the Portuguese Mountain Dog, is one of the oldest breeds of shepherd dogs, originating from the Estrela mountain region in Portugal. The history of this breed dates back to ancient times and has consistently attracted attention for its outstanding working qualities and endurance. They were first used as guardian dogs for flocks in the Serra da Estrela mountains, now known as Portugal. The breed as we know it today was developed in the 1900s. Farmers favored them for their ability to detect and ward off wolves and other large predators.

The history of the Estrela Mountain Dog is closely tied to the harsh conditions of the Portuguese highlands. It is believed that the ancestors of these dogs arrived on the Iberian Peninsula with ancient Celts or Romans, who used them to guard flocks and property. The breed developed in isolation, which helped preserve its unique qualities and appearance.

In the rugged mountains of the Estrela region, these dogs were used to protect sheep and goats from predators such as wolves and bears, as well as to safeguard their owners’ homes and property. Their endurance, strength, and loyalty made them invaluable helpers for shepherds and farmers. Over the centuries, breeders have focused on developing dogs capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and performing heavy physical work.

As an old breed in Portugal, there are several recommendations regarding size. As a purebred guardian dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is expected to be quite tall. Most weigh between 34 and 58.9 kilograms and stand 60.9 – 76.2 centimeters at the shoulder.

Today, the Estrela Mountain Dog has not lost its significance as a herding and guarding dog. In Portugal, this breed is still highly valued for its working abilities. Additionally, Estrela dogs have become popular beyond their homeland, especially among pedigree enthusiasts who appreciate their loyalty and reliability.

Portuguese and international dog clubs actively work to preserve and promote this breed, organizing exhibitions and competitions that showcase the outstanding qualities of Estrela Mountain Dogs. These events also facilitate knowledge exchange among breeders and owners, helping to maintain the health and purity of the breed.The Estrela Mountain Dog is not only a historically significant breed but also a remarkable companion for those who value its working qualities, loyalty, and strength. This majestic representative of herding dogs continues to fulfill its duties, remaining a faithful friend and protector of its owners.The price for a puppy ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, powerful mastiff-type dog with a strong build. Males average between 65-72 cm in height and weigh 40 to 50 kg. Females are usually slightly smaller. They have dense, thick fur that comes in two types: short and long. The color can vary from yellowish-brown to gray, sometimes with black markings.

This breed possesses a lively, calm, and expressive gaze; they are well-proportioned and have a harmonious appearance. They are straightforward, solid, with a quick stride and an impressive demeanor.

There are two types: short-haired and long-hai

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head is long and strong, with a wide, slightly rounded skull. There is a moderate transition between the nose and the slightly defined nape. The neck is short, muscular, and well-set. A stiff, thick tuft of fur under the throat is present. A hanging chin is undesirable.

Морда

The face is moderately pointed. The top line of the muzzle is almost straight, with a slight bump. A narrow head and pointed muzzle are undesirable. The large black nose has well-defined nostrils. The jaws are well developed. The lips are black, tightly closed, and not drooping. The roof of the mouth is black.

Уши

The ears are small, thin, and triangular in shape with rounded tips. The pink ear is slightly bent back, revealing the inner edge pressed against the skull.

Глаза

The eyes are neither deep nor bulging, medium-sized, oval, with a calm and intelligent gaze, preferably amber or dark in color. The eyelids close well with a black rim, and the eyebrows are quite prominent.

Зубы

The teeth are very powerful, the jaw arch is also strong with a perfect scissors bite, where the upper dental arch tightly overlaps the lower one.

Корпус

The body is short, slightly higher at the withers and practically level. A short, large, powerful lumbar region. Slightly sloping hindquarters. The chest is deep and massive, with well-rounded rib arches.

Конечности

Передние конечности мощные, с крепким округлым костяком. Умеренно покатые плечи и предплечья. Короткие пясти, которые кажутся почти вертикальными, если смотреть сбоку. Задняя часть тела с умеренным углом наклона, бедра с хорошей мускулатурой, скакательные суставы умеренно опущены, задние пясти вертикальные. Лапы овальной формы с толстыми, твердыми подушечками и плотно сомкнутыми пальцами. Между подушечками густая шерсть. Когти темные, предпочтительно черные. Походка свободная и легкая, с целенаправленной беговой рысью. Имеет тенденцию к сближению в более быстром темпе, без ослабления. Голова находится на одном уровне с линией верха в движении, не требует наказания.

Хвост

The tail is set a bit lower, reaches the hock, and forms a characteristic stiff hook at the tip. It is well-shaped and covered with feathers, held low. During movement, it may carry slightly above the level of the back.

Шерсть

Шерсть у этой породы собак бывает двух типов: 1. Длинная шерсть: Наружный покров густой и слегка грубоватый, но не излишне жесткий. Он плотно прилегает к телу, может быть плоским или слегка волнистым, но никогда не курчавым. Подшерсток очень густой и обычно светлее внешнего покрова. На голове шерсть короткая и гладкая, уменьшающаяся в длине от основания ушей до кончиков. На шее и груди шерсть густая и обильная, формируя ерш, особенно у самцов. Предплечья, бедра, задняя часть пястей и хвост обильно покрыты перьями. На передних лапах шерсть короткая и гладкая. Пушистая шерсть не желательна. 2. Короткая шерсть: Наружный покров густой и слегка грубоватый, но не излишне жесткий, с более мелким и плотным подшерстком. Вся шерсть должна быть пропорциональной по длине. Эти особенности шерсти характеризуют эштрельскую пастушью собаку и помогают ей адаптироваться к различным климатическим условиям, сохраняя при этом эстетическую привлекательность и функциональность.

Окрас

Признанными окрасами этой породы собак являются: 1. Палевый: Оттенки варьируются от жжено-желтого до красновато-золотистого и темно-красного. Шерсть может иметь остевые волосы или быть без них. Палевый окрас никогда не должен быть настолько бледным, чтобы стать грязно-белым. 2. Тигровый окрас: Любой из вышеупомянутых разрешенных оттенков с добавлением полос или пятен черного или коричневого цвета различной интенсивности. 3. Серый волк: Смесь серой и черной шерсти, с остевыми волосами или без них, создающая уникальный серо-черный оттенок. Намордник или маска черного цвета крайне желательны. Белые отметины на груди, нижней стороне, лапах или хвосте допустимы, но нежелательны.

Character

Estrela Mountain Dogs possess many traits that make them excellent companions and reliable guardians. One of the key characteristics of the Estrela Mountain Dog is its confidence. These dogs exhibit independence, which is especially important for their primary role-guarding livestock with minimal human oversight. They are capable of making independent decisions, making them valuable in the work of shepherds. However, this same trait requires owners to be persistent and consistent in training to maintain control over the pet.

In everyday life, Estrela Mountain Dogs demonstrate calmness and balance. They are not prone to excessive excitability and can remain composed in various situations. This trait is particularly valuable in family life, where stability and predictability of the dog’s behavior are important for creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The Estrela Shepherd Dog is an animal with a strong character, outstanding guarding qualities, and loyalty. Owners of these dogs find not only reliable guardians in them but also faithful friends whose love and loyalty remain unwavering throughout their lives.

Care and Maintenance

Estrela Mountain Dogs are active and energetic dogs that require regular physical activity. Daily long walks, running, play, and training are essential parts of their routine. It’s important to give them the opportunity to express their natural herding instincts, which will help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Participating in dog sports like agility or obedience can be a great choice for an Estrela. These activities not only promote the dog’s physical development but also enhance their mental abilities and strengthen their bond with their owner.

A balanced diet is crucial for the health of an Estrela. Their diet should be enriched with proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to ensure comprehensive nutrition. The choice between dry food, canned food, or natural feeding depends on the owner’s preferences and the unique needs of each dog. It’s important to consult a veterinarian to determine the optimal diet. Monitoring food quantities is also necessary to avoid overeating and obesity.

Estrela dogs have two types of coats: short and long. Both types require regular grooming. Short-haired dogs need to be brushed once a week, while long-haired ones should be brushed two to three times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Annual shedding requires more frequent brushing. Estrela dogs should be bathed as needed, using shampoos suitable for their coat type.

The Estrela has a dense outer coat with a texture similar to goat hair, available in both long and short varieties. In addition to regular grooming, occasional baths are necessary to keep them clean and looking their best.

Caring for pets can be an excellent way to bond with your companion. Their tough, fast-growing nails should be trimmed daily with a nail clipper or grinder to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. To prevent wax and debris buildup that can lead to infections, their ears should be regularly cleaned.

Estrela breed dogs experience moderate shedding. This is part of the regular hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of shed hair. Primarily, shedding is determined by their fitness level and breed type. However, they shed heavily twice a year and need daily brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Before using a rain cover, it’s helpful to use grooming rakes to remove tangles and mats.Regular dental care helps prevent oral diseases. Daily brushing or using special chew toys and treats can help maintain dental hygiene. Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to avoid infections and wax buildup. Nails should be trimmed as needed, usually once a month, to prevent excessive growth and paw deformation.Caring for an Estrela requires attention, patience, and responsibility. In response to care and attention, the Estrela opens up to its owner with boundless love and devotion.

TITLE: Training and Education

Estrela Mountain Dogs are working dogs that have been used for centuries to guard herds and territories. Their natural independence and decision-making ability make them excellent guard dogs, but this requires a special approach during training. They possess high intelligence but can show stubbornness if they do not see the point in the commands.

One of the most crucial aspects of raising an Estrela Shepherd is early socialization, which should begin in the puppy’s first months. It is important to expose the dog to different people, animals, sounds, and environments. This will help develop its confidence and avoid shyness or aggression in the future. Attending puppy classes aids in the development of social skills.

Training should start with basic commands: “sit,” “lie down,” “come,” “stand,” and “heel.” These commands form the foundation for more complex exercises and help establish discipline. Training should be carried out using positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, and toys. Estrela Shepherds learn quickly when the training process is turned into an engaging game.

Estrela Shepherds respond better to positive reinforcement than to punishment. This means that for every correctly executed command or desired behavior, the dog should receive a reward. Treats, toys, or simply words of praise help reinforce the positive behavior. Punishments can lead to distrust and decreased motivation, so it is important to avoid negative training methods.

Sometimes, Estrela Shepherds may exhibit behavioral issues such as barking, digging, or aggression. It is important to identify and correct such behavioral problems in a timely manner. Understanding the reasons for such behavior is essential; for example, barking may be due to boredom or lack of physical activity, while aggression may stem from fear or insufficient socialization. When addressing these issues, it is important to maintain patience and consistency.

After mastering the basic commands, one can move on to more complex exercises and tricks. Estrela Shepherds enjoy mental stimulation, so they will be interested in learning new things. Commands like “fetch,” “bring,” “search,” and various tricks like turns or jumps over obstacles help develop their intelligence and keep them engaged in learning.Estrela Shepherds are working dogs that value having tasks in their daily routine. Incorporating various tasks related to guarding or searching helps satisfy their natural instincts and prevent boredom. To harness their herding instincts, one can organize special activities or games that simulate herding.Early socialization, basic commands, positive reinforcement, and consistent training will help develop excellent working qualities in the dog and make it a wonderful companion. Owners of Estrela Shepherds who invest time and effort in training their pets are rewarded with loyal, intelligent, and reliable friends.Tricks, socialization, training, agility, obedience, behavioral therapy, and much more with the Estrela dog. This is an intelligent breed that responds well to instructions from a competent and assertive trainer. Ho

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy of the Estrela Mountain Dog breed is a responsible and important decision that requires careful consideration and knowledge of several nuances. This breed is renowned for its exceptional guarding qualities, loyalty, and endurance, making it essential to select a healthy and promising puppy that can become a true friend and reliable helper.

Before starting the selection process, it is crucial to study the characteristics of the Estrela Mountain Dog in detail. Familiarize yourself with its history, temperament, working abilities, and care requirements. Understanding the breed’s specifics will help you make an informed decision and prepare for the care of your puppy.

One of the key steps in choosing a puppy is finding a reliable and responsible breeder. Reach out to specialized clubs and associations focused on breeding Estrela dogs. A good breeder will provide complete information about the puppies’ lineage, show the parents, and answer all your questions. Responsible breeders take care of their dogs’ health, conduct necessary veterinary examinations, and ensure proper socialization of the puppies.

When selecting a puppy, it’s important to conduct an examination, paying attention to its overall condition. A healthy puppy should display playfulness, curiosity, and activity. The coat should be shiny and clean, without signs of bald patches or parasites. The eyes should be clear, free of discharge, and the ears should be odorless and clean. It’s important to check the skin for wounds and infections, as well as examine the bite and state of the puppy’s teeth.

A responsible breeder should provide all necessary documents for the puppy, including a pedigree and a veterinary passport with records of vaccinations and parasite treatments. The pedigree will help you learn about the puppy’s lineage and potential hereditary diseases. It’s essential to confirm that the puppy has received all necessary veterinary procedures according to its age.

The Estrela Mountain Dog requires proper socialization from an early age. Puppies raised in home environments adapt better to family life and interactions with people. Pay attention to the puppy’s behavior in the presence of other animals and people: it should show interest, not fear, and refrain from aggression. Playing with other animals and social interactions contribute to the development of a friendly and confident character in the puppy.Choosing the puppy’s gender is a personal preference that depends on your expectations and living conditions. Males tend to be larger and may be more independent, while females are often more obedient and affectionate. However, it’s important to consider the individual characteristics of each puppy. Observe the puppies to understand which one aligns with your lifestyle and requirements.The optimal age for acquiring an Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is 8-12 weeks. At this stage, puppies are developed enough to leave their mother and littermates but have not yet lost the ability to adapt quickly to a new environment and owners. A puppy at this age should have received its basic vaccinations and undergone initial socialization.Tips for Choo

Health and Diseases

The Estrela Mountain Dog is known for its endurance and excellent health. However, it is prone to a number of specific ailments. Understanding these health specifics helps owners ensure their pets lead long and healthy lives.

Estrela Mountain Dogs have a sturdy build and strong immunity, making them resistant to most diseases. On average, they live 12-14 years.

Although the breed is considered healthy, Estrela dogs can be susceptible to hereditary diseases. Some of the most common include:

– Hip dysplasia: improper joint development leading to pain and arthritis.

– Elbow dysplasia: abnormal development of the elbow joint causing lameness and mobility issues.

– Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): a hereditary eye disease that progresses to blindness.In addition to hereditary conditions, Estrela mountain dogs are also prone to infectious and parasitic diseases. Regular vaccinations and preventive measures help protect them from illnesses such as distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and heartworm.Ensuring the health of an Estrela Mountain Dog includes regular veterinary visits, strict dietary management, maintaining physical activity, and hygiene practices. These measures help preserve their vitality and confidence in the future, ensuring an active and happy life filled with joy and loyalty to their owners.