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The Estrela Mountain Dog is agile, sturdy, and hardy. This
mastiff-type
breed possesses strength, power, and is extremely vigilant. The
earliest of the Estrela ancestors were herd-guarding dogs in the
Serra da Estrela, in what is now Portugal. Since there are no
written records, it is not known for sure whether the ancestors
which contributed to this breed were brought by the Romans when they
colonized the Iberian Peninsula, or later by the invading Visigoths.
Regardless, there is no disagreement that the Estrela is one of the
oldest breeds in Portugal. To this day, the Estrela Mountain Dog
remains true to its guardian heritage. It is still a working dog,
guarding flocks in its native Portugal and elsewhere. The Portuguese
use it as a police dog. It is also an ideal family pet because of
its alertness, loyalty, intelligence, and its instinct to nurture
young, all features it needed in its earliest days. The Estrela
Mountain Dog has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since
2004.
General Appearance
The Estrela Mountain Dog has several distinctive physical characteristics including rosed ears, a black mask and a hook at the end of the tail. The
Estrela Mountain Dog comes in two coat types. Both types should have
coat resembling the texture of goat hair. The long coat has a thick,
slightly coarse outer coat that lies close over the body and may be
flat or slightly waved, but never curly. The undercoat is very dense
and normally lighter in color than the outer coat. The hair on the
front sides of the legs and the head is short and smooth. Hair on
the ears diminishes in length from the base of the ears to the tips.
The hair on the neck, the buttocks, the tail, and the back side of
the legs is longer resulting in a ruff at the neck, breeches on the
buttocks and backs of the legs, and feathering on the tail. On the
short hair variety the outer coat is short, thick, and slightly
coarse, with a shorter dense undercoat. Any feathering should be in
proportion. Colors include fawn, brindle, and wolf grey. A black
muzzle or mask highly desirable. White markings on chest, underside,
feet or tail are tolerated but undesirable. The tail is set on
slightly low and should reach the hock, forming a distinctive, rigid
hook at the tip. The tail is well furnished, feathered, and carried
low. The feet are oval with thick, hard pads and tightly closed
toes, with abundant hair between pads. It has moderate angulations.
The Estrela Mountain Dog's thighs are well muscled. The back is
preferably short, slightly higher at withers and almost level. The
head of the Estrela Mountain Dog is long and powerful with broad,
slightly rounded skull. The muzzle is moderately tapered. Estrela
Mountain Dog's jaws are well developed. Both the lips and the roof
of the mouth on the Estrela Mountain Dog are black. The eyes are
either deep nor prominent, of medium size, oval in shape with calm
and intelligent expression, preferably amber or darker. The ears are
small in relation to the body of the Estrela Mountain Dog ,and are
thin, triangular in shape, and rounded at the tips.
Temperament
The Estrela Mountain Dog breed is independent, intelligent,
affectionate, and loyal. They form close deep attachments to their
family and do not do well if re-homed. The Estrela Mountain Dog does
well with children and other pets they have been raised with. They
are loyal and affectionate to owners, aloof to others. Intelligent
and alert, the Estrela Mountain Dog is
self-willed yet trainable. Estrela's are Portuguese and were breed
to fight off wolves to protect sheep. They are very defensive of
their territory. He should be well socialized, preferably when young
with both dogs and people, especially with children, as the breed
tends to be naturally wary of strangers. The Estrela Mountain Dog
will not hesitate to protect their family, home, and territory. The
Estrela is able to be a fierce guardian and protector, yet so
versatile and gentle that he will often clean up newborn lambs or
kids, stimulating them and getting them moving while the mother is
preoccupied with birthing. The Estrela Mountain Dog has a tendency
to be stubborn, willful, and dominant. An alert, faithful, and
loving breed, they make excellent guard dogs and companions.
Grooming
Estrela Mountain Dog's require regular brushing with special
attention needed during heavy seasonal shedding. Bathing should be
done when necessary.
Health Problems and Life Expectancy
Estrela Mountain Dog's are relatively a healthy
breed, although gastric problems and hip dysplasia may occur.
The Estrela Mountain Dog has a
life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Activity Level
The Estrela Mountain Dog breed is not recommended for apartment
living. They are prone to wandering and barking. The Estrela
Mountain Dog does best with a large securely fenced yard or rural
setting with a job to do. Because its thick coat protects it so
well, it can happily cope with living out-doors provided it has
proper shelter.
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