Estrela Mountain Dog

Estrela Mountain Dogs are named after Portugal’s rugged Estrela Mountains. Their history dates back to their role as guardians of sheep and goats in the mountains. Though their exact origins are uncertain, they likely descended from Mastiff-type dogs brought by ancient civilizations to the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, these Portuguese Mountain Dogs developed into a distinct breed valued for their loyalty and protective instincts. There was a decline in their working roles and were introduced to the United States in the 1970s, where they gradually gained popularity as cherished companions admired for their strength and devotion.

To be the ultimate Estrela owner, you need to love being outdoors and be a pro at long walks and dog training. These pups are all about security and prefer a low-visitor household. Get ready for some serious grooming and make sure your household is suited for a big, heavy dog that often doesn’t know its size—small children and frail adults are not ideal.

These majestic furballs are all about those long, steady walks and have stamina for days. Give them an hour or two of exercise daily, mixing it up with some training sessions, doggy games, and brain-teasing puzzles!, and they’ll be very happy with exhausted brains.

Estrela Mountain Dogs are big and fluffy, requiring extra space for extensive grooming, shedding, and mud cleanup. Your home should have plenty of ground-floor space because these pups aren't big fans of stairs, especially when they're young. When it comes to outdoor playtime, a secure fenced yard is a must.

The Estrela Mountain Dog sports two coat types: long and short. Both have a dense undercoat and a thick, slightly coarse topcoat. Shorter hair graces the head and legs, while longer feathering adorns the tail and back legs. Long-haired Estrelas flaunt a majestic mane, especially the males. Aim for twice-weekly grooming sessions, paying extra attention to longer hair that’s prone to tangling.

For an Estrela Mountain Dog, it's all about that expert TLC! Early socialization and training are key because these pups are natural decision-makers, bred to sniff out threats solo. Your first task as an owner? Preventing any mishaps with consistent management and early training. Stick to positive reinforcement methods to build a rock-solid bond and keep them eager to please.

These giant guardians are very devoted to their families, and they get along well with children if raised with them. This is a large, playful, and potentially clumsy breed as a puppy, easily capable of knocking small children over. As an adult, they require a lot of exercise and training and may view strangers with suspicion. This may not suit families with young children, frail older adults, or frequent visitors. Older teens who are interested in training and working dogs may find the Estrela dog an excellent companion.

The cost of an Estrela Mountain Dog from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.