ESTRELA MOUNTAIN DOG
Also known as: Estrela, EMD
HISTORY BRIEF: The Estrela Mountain Dog takes its name from the Serra da Estrela, a mountain range in mid Portugal. Because of its remote location, it is impossible to determine the origin of the breed, but it is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of the Iberian Peninsula. In the summer, shepherds moved the sheep up to the high mountain pastures where the Estrela Mountain Dog guarded the flocks. In the winter, when sheep were moved to the foot of the mountains, these same dogs guarded the shepherd’s households and occasionally served as draft animals. During the 1930s, Portugal underwent a revival of interest in their native breeds, and produced the first breed standard for the Estrela in 1933. The earliest dog as recorded by the American breed club was brought into the United States in 1998, although it is known that some were imported several years earlier.
DESCRIPTION: The Estrela comes in two coat varieties and coat colors include shades of fawn, wolf gray and yellow, with or without brindling, white markings, shadings of black throughout the coat or a dark facial mask. Estrelas have uncropped, small, triangular rose ears. The thick tail hangs down when at rest and should have a natural “hook” resembling a scimitar. Females: weight 66-88 pounds; height 24.5-26.5 inches. Males: weight 88-110 pounds; height 25.5-28.5 inches. WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: The Estrela Mountain Dogs are less reactive than some other LGD breeds and can form stronger bonds with humans. They enjoy interaction which means Estrela are probably not suited to remote LGD work and would do better in smaller farms or a more interactive working situation. Most Estrela today are family companions who are protective against strange people and dogs, however, if you can find a breeder of working Estrela Mountain Dogs, they make wonderful livestock guardian dogs. |
HEALTH: Estrela Mountain Dog are subject to certain genetic and hereditary diseases and should be screened for these conditions before breeding. Please click the links below to learn more.
Estrela Mountain Dogs are also subject to:
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More information:
The Estrela Mountain Dog AKC
The Estrela Mountain Dog AKC