Estrela Mountain Dog
Also called Cão da Serra da Estrela and Portuguese Shepherd Dog
- Great with kids
- Needs space
The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large breed of dog that originated in Portugal. It is a powerful and athletic breed, with a thick, double coat. Its head is large and round, with small, erect ears. Its legs are strong and muscular, and its tail is usually docked. The Estrela Mountain Dog is an intelligent and loyal breed, and it makes an excellent family pet. It is an active breed, and it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It is loyal and affectionate, and it enjoys spending time with its family.
- Weight
- 77–132 lb (35–60 kg)
- Height at the shoulder
- 24–28 in (62–72 cm)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- About 60 minutes a day
- Coat
- Medium, Double
- Origin
- Serra da Estrela mountain range, Portugal (ancient/indigenous, centuries old)
Traits
Family and friends
- Children: Good with children
- Other dogs: OK with other dogs
- Strangers: Reserved with strangers
Home and activity
- Energy: Moderately active
- Apartment living: Needs space
- Barking: Barks sometimes
- Training: Fairly easy to train
Care
- Grooming: Regular brushing
- Shedding: Sheds moderately
- Drooling: Drools a little
Temperament
Affectionate
Calm
Independent
Loyal
Protective
Watchful
Coat colours
Brindle, fawn, wolf grey and yellow
Males and females
| Measure | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 99–132 lb (45–60 kg) | 77–99 lb (35–45 kg) |
| Height | 26–28 in (65–72 cm) | 24–27 in (62–68 cm) |
Recognized by
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)
Caring for an Estrela Mountain Dog
Find pet services near you that suit this breed.
Breeds of a similar size
All giant breeds
Giant
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:99–220 lb (45–100 kg)
- Life span:15–20 years
Giant
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:99–198 lb (45–90 kg)
- Life span:12–14 years
Giant
Perro de Presa Canario
Foundation Stock Service
- Weight:77–126 lb (35–57 kg)
- Life span:10–12 years
Sources
- FCI-Standard N° 173: Cão da Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Dog) (opens in a new tab)
- Estrela Mountain Dog | Breed Standards | The Kennel Club (opens in a new tab)
- Breed Standards : Estrela Mountain Dog | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab)
- Estrela Mountain Dog - Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)
Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).