Estrela Mountain Dog

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The Estrela Mountain Dog gets his name from the mountain range of the same name in the central part of Portugal where he originates .He is likely to be descended from Mastiff type dogs taken to the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans. The Estrela Mountain Dogs is a member of the mainland Europe group of herding guard dogs and was used to protect the herds of sheep and goats. British herding breeds developed differently as they were not required to guard flocks and herds from large predators like wolves and bears.

The importance of the Estrela Mountain Dog to the farmers meant that their guarding abilities were highly valued.  They were required to protect the herds against wolves they needed to be powerful and courageous and were often equipped with vicious spiked collars to protect them against attacking wolves.  The Estrela Mountains are fairly inaccessible and this helped keep the breed pure; they became known outside the mountains when they caught the eye of the aristocracy and were used to adorn mansions from where they made their way into the pet-owning world.

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a big dog, up to 30" at the withers, and of great substance.  The Breed Standard demands "A sturdy, well built dog of mastiff type, conveying an impression of strength and vigour", and in common with other guarding breeds needs an owner who can dominate him.  As a mountain dog he is an impressive jumper which needs to be considered when dog-proofing the garden; he also has a loud bark which he is not afraid to use.

The Estrela coat can be either smooth or long, and in the long-coated variety the male develops a heavy mane; colours are either fawn, in all shades, brindle or wolf grey.  He is reputed to be excellent with children and is quite trainable, though he is a very substantial dog so adequate space is needed to keep him.

Click here to read the Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Standard.

Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders

	Sturtmoor Estrela Mountain Dogs Contact Marcia Dovey on 07989 950901 or email Location, Gwent, South Wales
Asterel

Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Clubs

ESTRELA MOUNTAIN DOG ASSOC Sec. Mrs Dovey. Tel No: 01495 200727

Estrela Mountain Dog Rescue and Rehoming

Contact the Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

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