Estrela Mountain Dog
Description:
A sturdy, mastiff-type dog, conveying an impression of strength and vigor. He is
not a massively boned bog and he should be agile rather than cumbersome. The
Estrela Mountain Dog is a sociable animal that enjoys the company of his human
family who he is supremely loyal to.
Other Names: Portuguese Sheepdog, Cão da Serra da Estrela
Height: 25
- 29 inches
Weight: 66 -
Colors: Fawn
- which varies from
burnt yellow through reddish gold to a deep red, with or without guard hairs.
The fawn should never be so pale as to be a dirty white. Brindle - any of the
previous permitted colors with the addition of streaks or smudges of black or
brown varying in intensity. Wolf Grey - all black and all white, skewbald and
piebald unacceptable. Black muzzle or mask, is highly desirable. White markings
on chest, underside, feet or tail are tolerated but 0undesirable.
Coat: Long Coat: The outer coat is
thick and moderately harsh, resembling goat hair, lying close over the body,
flat or slightly waved, never curly. Undercoat very dense and normally lighter
in color than the outer coat. Short and smooth hair on head, diminishing in
length from the base of ears to tip, is thick and abundant round the neck and
chest forming a ruff, particularly in the male. Thighs, lower hocks and backs of
the forearm abundantly feathered, as is the tail. Front of legs, short smooth
hair. A woolly or fluffy coat undesirable.
Short Coat: Short thick, moderately harsh and straight, calling to mind goat‘s
hair, with shorter dense undercoat. Any feathering should be in proportion.
Temperament: Loyal,
affectionate to owners, indifferent to others, intelligent and alert, inclined
to be stubborn.
With Children: Yes, good companion dog for
active families, but tends to bond with one member.
With Pets:
Watch-dog: Good
Guard-dog: Good
Care and Exercise:
Easy to groom. Give him a good brush
once a week and that should keep his coat in good condition. When molting,
use a good slicker brush as he will lose his complete undercoat. More attention
is needed when the dog is molting, and a good 'slicker' brush, a wide toothed
comb and a good rake will make grooming easier. Exercise as much as you can give
him.
Training: Need to train with a firm hand, but does not like to
be dominated. He is known to be very stubborn and may be selectively deaf.
Patience is the key to training.
Learning Rate: Very
intelligent
Activity: Activity
is low key, likes to play and sleep a lot.
Living Environment:
Health Issues: Hip
dysplasia, gastric problems.
Life Span: 9
- 12 years
Litter Size:
Country of Origin:
Portugal
History: The Estrela Mountain Dog
comes from the Estrela region of central Portugal where he has been used for
guarding and herding livestock. He is thought to have evolved mainly from the
Roman Mastiffs. Still rare outside his native homeland. Introduced to Britain in
1974 under the classification of Rare Breeds.
Class: Working
Registries: KC (RB), FCI (Group 2)
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