Estrela Mountain Dog

A Portuguese guardian with close family ties

In the Serra da Estrela, these dogs accompanied shepherds and their flocks through rugged mountain country. They guarded livestock and later farms too. The breed’s earliest origins cannot be established precisely. Its present name refers to the Portuguese mountain range where it developed.

There are long and short coated varieties. The longer coat has more hair around the neck, legs and tail. A dark mask, small ears folded back and a hooked tip to the tail are characteristic. The international standard gives shoulder heights of 65 to 73 centimetres for males and 62 to 69 centimetres for females, permitting up to two additional centimetres. Weights are 45 to 60 kilograms for males and 35 to 45 kilograms for females.

An Estrela often stays close to its family and quickly notices unfamiliar activity on the property. When visitors arrive, it should have the opportunity to watch from a comfortable distance. A calm greeting is easier to arrange when its bed is away from the entrance. An adult should supervise children with the dog, prevent rough games and allow it to rest.

Day-to-day care

Even a short coated Estrela needs regular brushing. With the longer coat, a comb should also be worked through the hair around the ears, legs and tail. This helps find small knots before they become solid mats. A thorough weekly session is a useful starting point. Seasonal shedding or a walk through dense vegetation may call for more frequent attention.

After rain, the dog should be able to dry through its undercoat. Mats close to the skin need an experienced groomer, as cutting them out can easily injure the skin. Ears, paws and nails should also receive regular checks. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is suitable once the dog is comfortable with the handling.

Size and build

A puppy should first become comfortable with its new family and learn about handling, brief grooming sessions and short walks. New people can be introduced at a little distance rather than everyone immediately reaching for it. Quiet time between experiences helps it relax again.

Watchfulness can increase as an Estrela grows up. Visitor routines, waiting calmly and walking on a lead should therefore be taught early. Large dogs take a long time to grow. Short explorations and play at the puppy’s own pace suit this stage. Repeated high jumps and long forced distances should be avoided.

In later life, outings may become shorter while exploring scents together and familiar exercises remain enjoyable. Difficulty getting up, reduced stamina or a change in gait should be assessed by a vet. An accessible bed and floors with good grip can make an older dog’s daily life easier.

From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗