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Estrela mountain dog

The Estrela Mountain Dog is Portugal's oldest breed, a livestock guardian from the Serra da Estrela mountains, where it has protected flocks from wolves for centuries.

It comes in long and short coats, usually fawn or brindle with a dark mask.

It stands 62 to 72 centimetres, weighs 35 to 60 kilograms and lives ten to fourteen years. It is a guardian breed: loyal and gentle with its own household, deeply suspicious of outsiders, independent and slow to mature. It is less extreme than some of the eastern guardians but it is still a large, territorial dog that requires an owner who understands the type.

Origin
Serra da Estrela, Portugal; the country's oldest breed
Size
62–72 cm; 35–60 kg
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Long or short, fawn or brindle with a dark mask
Temperament
Loyal guardian; suspicious of strangers, independent
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat

Related: Bavarian mountain scent hound · Bernese mountain dog · Entlebucher mountain dog · Greater Swiss mountain dog

2 estrela mountain dog photos, newest first

  • Heather, a estrela mountain dog

    Heather

    Heather was promoted to film director frustrated with a toy clapperboard; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Heather, a estrela mountain dog

    Heather

    Heather would like it noted that they was here first.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a estrela mountain dog

Socialise heavily from the earliest weeks. A guardian that has not learned who belongs treats every visitor as a threat, and at sixty kilograms that is a serious problem.

Fencing needs to be secure, and visitors managed rather than assumed.

They bark, particularly at night, which is the job.

They mature slowly — around three years — and puppies need slow growth on a large-breed diet.

Deep chest means bloat risk; learn the signs. Ask for hip and elbow scores. The long coat needs brushing twice a week; both coats moult heavily.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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