Family:
Breed Group:
Origin: Portugal
Date of Origin: Ancient breed
Originally used for: Herd-guarding
Used today: Herd guard dog, companion
Other Name(s): Serra da Estrela Mountain Dog, Portuguese Sheepdog, Cão da Serra da Estrela
History of the Breed: One of the oldest breeds of dog found in the Iberian Peninsular. The breed was developed over time to protect
livestock from large predators. It is thought that the bloodline can be traced to the Roman Mastiff dog brought to the area by the Romans.
These dogs were bred to sit on the mountain side extremely alert with excellent hearing, and excellent sight, watching for anything out of
the ordinary. These dogs often had to fight large predators to protect the livestock and this required strength, endurance, as well as a keen
intelligence. A loyal and constant companion to the shepherd.
General Appearance: A large dog, with a long and broad slightly rounded skull. The jaws are strong and have a scissor bite. The eyes
are medium sized, oval and amber or darker in color. The ears should be high set, small in size, thin, triangular in shape and round at the
tips and carried falling backwards against the head. The neck is short and thick with a thick tuft of hair under the throat. The chest is
deep and well sprung. The front legs are straight and muscular. The feet should be compact, thick with lots of hair between the toes.
The tail is long and slightly curved at the end carried slightly above the back. The coat is either long or short and lies close to the body and
may be flat or slightly wavy. The undercoat is dense and of a lighter color than the outer coat. The hair is short on the head
and on the front of the legs. These dogs have a thick abundance of hair around the neck and chest forming a ruff, which is more obvious in the
males than females. The back of the legs and the tail are heavily feathered. In the short coat the outer coat is short, thick, harsh and straight.
The undercoat should be shorter and dense. The colors are fawn, brindle and wolf grey.
Height & Weight:
Height 24.5 - 28.5 inches
Weight 66-110 pounds.
Coat: Two coat types:
Long Coat: The outer coat is thick and moderately harsh, lying close over the body and is flat or slightly waved. The undercoat is very
dense and typically lighter in color than the outer coat. The head has short smooth hair, the neck and the chest have thick abundant hair
forming a ruff.
Short Coat: Short thick, moderately harsh and straight, with an even shorter dense undercoat.
Color: Three colors:
Fawn - A yellow tone through to a dark mahogany, (with or without guard hairs)
Brindle- A base color of fawn with the addition of black or brown streaks or smudges
Wolf Gray- A mixture of gray and black hairs intermingled. (With or without black guard hairs)
In all the colors a black mask is highly desirable
Grooming needs: Low, a weekly brushing is all that is needed
Temperament of Breed: Excellent large breed family dog, affectionate to owners, indifferent to others and can be stubborn.
Friendly with children: Yes, this breed loves children
Friendly with other dogs: Yes
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: Moderate
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
2006 AKC Ranking: Not Ranked
First Registered by the AKC: Not Registered
Registries: FCI, UKC, KC
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Estrela Mountain Dog Association of America
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