Estrela Mountain Dog: Breed Characteristics and Care

The Estrela mountain dog, also known as the Cao da Serra da is an ancient Portuguese herding dog bred to herd and protect livestock. Today, Estrela mountain dogs are often utilized by the Marine and Portuguese police and are valued for their loyalty, alertness, and intelligence.

Learn about the characteristics, history, and care needs of the Estrela mountain dog.

Breed Overview

Group: Working

Height: 24.5 to 29 inches

Weight: 77 to 132 pounds

Coat: Thick with long or short hair

Coat Colors: Fawn, yellow, wolfgray, or brindle

Life Span: 10 to 14 years

Temperament: Affectionate, protective, smart

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin Country: Portugal

Characteristics of the Estrela Mountain Dog

Estrela mountain dogs are large guard dogs that are good at herding flocks. Their thick coats protect them from the outdoor elements. They are known for their characteristic hooked tails and double dew claws and can sport either a long or short coat. Estrela mountain dogs may be wary of strangers but form strong bonds with their family.

History of the Estrela Mountain Dog

Ancestral records of the original Estrela mountain dogs are lacking but there is no doubt that this breed is one of the oldest in Portugal. Despite this, the breed didn't have written standards until the early 1920s when the first attempt at developing a breed standard was created.

Breed standards evolved over a decade and eventually, the first official breed standard was solidified in 1933. Since then, the breed has continued to act as guardian dogs protecting flocks but are also now used as police dogs in Portugal, too.

Estrela Mountain Dog Care

Estrela mountain dogs are not difficult to care for, but like most dogs, they require some specific care requirements. This dog breed is not little nor are they ideal for small spaces or someone who cannot properly train a large dog. Ample land to roam, basic grooming skills, and ample training from a young age are key pieces of caring for this dog breed.

Exercise

You don't have to have a flock of sheep to have an Estrela mountain dog but they do require regular walks, playtime, and exercise.

This breed was created to work and guard, so they won't be happy lounging around the house all day. Providing your dog with opportunities to exercise will help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Grooming

This breed has distinctive double dew claws that grow quickly alongside their other nails. This means regular nail trims are a must for this big dog.

Regular brushing of the fur and teeth, cleaning of the ears, and the occasional bath is also needed to keep an Estrela mountain dog clean and well-groomed.

Training

The Estrela mountain dog is very loyal and protective, and consistent, positive reinforcement training from puppyhood is important for this smart breed.

Regular training sessions will help maintain your dog's status as a polite member of the family as well as provide mental stimulation if they don't spend their days guarding a flock.

Common Health Problems

The Estrela mountain dog is a fairly healthy dog breed but that doesn't mean they aren't susceptible to any health issues, especially those that commonly affect large breeds. Common health problems in this breed that can occur include:

• Periodontal disease: This is gum disease, and it starts with gingivitis. It can lead to the loss of soft tissue and bone around the teeth, and that could lead to infections and tooth loss.

• Ear infections: These infections can be caused by fungi and bacteria, and can go deep into the ear. Symptoms include ear discharge, inflamed ear, head tilt, scratching at the ears, and more.  

• Parasites: Dog can be infected with a variety of external and internal parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and worms. Work with a vet to get your dog the right treatment to eliminate parasites and prevent new infections.

• Hip dysplasia1: This orthopedic problem affects the hips. It is common in large dog breeds, and can cause symptoms like limping, unusual gait, muscle loss in rear limbs, and exercise intolerance.

• Heart disease2: There are different forms of heart disease that can affect dogs, and this breed is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart to become thin and stretched.

Diet and Nutrition

Like all dogs, Estrela mountain dogs should eat a nutritionally complete diet formulated for dogs by veterinary nutritionists. This may be a store-bought kibble or a specially crafted diet for your dog's specific life stage.

When feeding, measure out the appropriate amount of food based on your dog's weight, age, activity, and caloric needs to prevent obesity and other health issues.

If you aren't sure what to feed, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Estrela mountain dogs that are diagnosed with hip dysplasia or heart disease may require special food formulations and supplements to help provide additional support.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Estrela Mountain Dog

This Estrela mountain dog is rarely seen outside of Portugal, but they can be found if you look hard enough. If you can find a reputable breeder, expect to be put on a waiting list for a puppy.

Expect to pay a few thousand dollars for this dog from a reputable breeder, as you'll be hard-pressed to find one in a rescue or shelter and importing one can be quite difficult and even more costly.

Good places to start your search for an Estrela mountain dog include:

• The American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace

• Estrela Mountain Dog Association of America

Estrela Mountain Dog Overview

For families that live on land where an Estrela mountain dog is free to roam, this breed can make a great working dog and addition to a farm. With proper training from a young age, they can be well-adjusted while still protecting those they love, but they are naturally wary of strangers and can drool a bit.

Pros of the Estrela Mountain Dog

• Loyal to family

• Hardworking

• Mostly calm demeanor

Cons of the Estrela Mountain Dog

• Requires a lot of space

• Can drool a fair amount

• Doesn't do well with strangers

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in breeds that are similar to the Estrela mountain dog, check out:

• Pyrenean Mastiff

• Anatolian Shepherd

• Central Asian Shepherd

There are also many more dog breeds to check out to find your match.