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Featuring August's !RARE! Breed of the Month
the Estrela Mountain Dog

What is an Estrela Mountain Dog?

The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large breed of guard dog bred and utilized for centuries in the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. This dog is renowned in the area for being a guardian to flocks of livestock and to their master’s homesteads. The Estrela also goes by the names of the Cao da Serra da Estrela, the Portuguese Mountain Dog, and the Sierra da Estrela Mountain Dog.

History & Origin

Developed in the mountains of Serra da Estrela, in present day Portugal, the Estrela is one of the oldest breeds in its native country. The earliest verbal records of the breed proclaim that the Estrela’s ancestors were herd-guarding dogs native in the Serra da Estrela. However, due to a lack of written records in Portugal regarding the origin of these ancestors, it is hard to determine if the stock that gave rise to this breed originated from dogs brought by the Romans when they conquered the Iberian Peninsula, or by the Visigoths that overthrew them. Regardless of where their lineage came from, there is no denying that the Estrela Mountain Dog is one of the oldest breeds in its native land.



The earliest prototypes of this breed were not the distinct line we see today since the Estrela developed over hundreds of years via artificial selection. Only the dogs that could best withstand the harsh mountain environment and manage their job effectively were chosen to pass their genes onto future generations. A dog had to possess large size, strength and endurance, as well as a jog-like gait and agility. But perhaps the most important of all, the individual needed to have the ability to think for one’s self in the needs of the flock and be watchful of any foreboding dangers as well as being loyal to its master. The dogs also had to be able to withstand the chilly temperatures of the region and survive off the scant food available. Thus, the adaptability of a thick insulating coat tolerance of a marginal diet were crucial attributes to possess. For the people residing in these mountainous communities, they were successfully able to breed a dog specifically designed for their livelihood and locality and since they were isolated from most other people and non-native dogs, the purity of the breed was able to be entrenched in the bloodlines of these animals.



Alas, with isolation came a few nasty side effects from a distribution standpoint. Because of its native region being cut off from the rest of the country, the Estrela Mountain Dog received little to no attention outside of its place of origin. Not to mention that many shepherds castrated their dogs to prevent them from straying from their flock to mate and the Portuguese people in the early 1900’s preferred foreign breeds over their own developments. So efforts were made from 1908 to 1919 to promote and preserve the Estrela through special shows called ‘concursos’. During this attempt to further promotion of the breed a registry was supposedly developed (though there is a lack of its physical existence) and special livestock working trials were developed. Trials consisted of a shepherd presenting his dog to a large field with many flocks of sheep. Judges observed a given dog’s reactions coming into the field and observe the partnership between shepherd and dog. For instance, when the shepherd ordered to move the flock, which produced a few stragglers in the lot, it was up to the dog to move from his guarding position and round up the runaways, finishing with the assuming leadership position at the head of the flock.



The first recorded breed standard, albeit a tentative one, was published in 1922. A brief description only reflected the functional features naturally found in the best of the breed at that given time. However, there was a mention that having dew claws reflected a “perfect dog” in the eyes of this standard. Other attributes of the breed seen in today’s standard (i.e. hooked tail and turn back (or rosed) ears) were not featured. At last, the first official breed standard was written in 1933 and attempted to specify the Estrela as a distinct breed. This then led to the requirement seen today regarding the hooked tail and strangely double dew claws. All colors were also allowed in that time period but since then slight modifications have been made to this original description. For instance, by 1955, dew claws became optional and the array of colors allowed have been reduced significantly since the standards original publication.

Prior to the ushering of World War II, illiterate farmers and shepherds of the region were the only breeders of Estrela Mountain Dogs. Due to this facet, none followed the breed standard, if they even knew of its existence. Fortunately, by the 1950’s ‘concursos’ were back in fashion and interest in the breed sparked again. Alas, this interest was short lived as the 1970’s brought a sharp decline in the public’s interest, threatening the breed for extinction. Yet, things were about to change. The Portuguese revolution of 1974 became a god-sent to the Estrela and led to changes in both dog shows in Portugal and how people perceived their native breeds. Prior to the revolution, dog shows were viewed to only be a past-time of the wealthy and that any dog worth having was a foreign breed (yet another status symbol of wealth). With the encouragement brought about by the revolution, working people were encouraged to partake in such activities and show the native dogs that they adored. That, and with the revolution crime increased which made the idea of having a guard dog more appealing to many people.



There is no written record of the Estrela being distributed outside of its native country before 1972. Come that year, the United Kingdom was the first country to establish the breed outside of Portugal. As for its status in the US, it had been known that pairs were imported to the US in 1972 and 1973 but it wasn’t until 1998 that the first papers Estrela came to the United States. Today, the Estrela can be found in many countries throughout the world and is gaining recognition in various kennel clubs. The American Kennel Club (or AKC) currently has the breed in its Foundation Stock Service (or FSS) but has classified it as a future member of the Working Group. When it will be accepted into the AKC’s roster is yet to be determined. Despite its lack of recognition with the AKC, the Estrela is represented in other kennel clubs such as the UKC (United Kennel Club), the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC).



To this day, the Estrela Mountain Dog has not wavered in its original creation. Sticking to its guardian heritage, it is still utilized as a working dog doing what it does best in its native Portugal and elsewhere around the world. However, the Estrela has also carved a niche as being a beloved family pet thanks to its alertness, intelligence, loyalty, and an innate instinct to look out for the younger members of its family unit.

Appearance & Structure

The Estrela Mountain Dog comes in two coat varieties; both of which resemble the texture of goat hair. The longhaired variety requires a thick, mildly course outer coat that lies close over the frame of the animal and can either be flat or slightly wavy, but never curly. The undercoat is to be very dense and often lighter in color in contrast to the outer coat. Hair located on the front sides of the legs and head are to be smooth and short while hair on the ears diminishes in length from the base of the ears and to the tips. Hair on the neck, buttocks, tail, and backsides of the legs are longer which creates a ruff at the neck, breeches on the buttocks and back of the legs, and a feathery tail. Male Estrelas are to have a “lion’s mane” with the ruff at the neck being more dramatic in physicality than their female counterparts.



As for the short coated variety, the specifications are much fewer than the longhaired variety. The outer coat is without a doubt short, but also must be thick and slightly course as well as possessing a shorter dense undercoat. Any feathering should be in proportion to the body. In both coat varieties, representations of the Estrela Mountain Dog must possess uncropped, small, triangular rose shaped ears. Its thick tail should hang down when at rest and possess a natural “hook” resembling a scimitar. A dog’s eyes must be oval, medium size, and set level. Color desired would be a dark amber and the eye rims are to be tight and preferably black to complement its black mask.



Mature males should be at the desired height of 26 to 29 inches (65-72 cm.) while their female counterparts are to be between 24 to 27 inches in height 962-69 cm.). In good working conditions, males can tip the scales between 88 and up to 110 pounds (33.9-50 kg.) and females of the same caliber can weigh between 66 and 88 pounds (29.9-39.9).



As for color, fawn, wolf grey, and yellow are all acceptable base colors. In addition, a dog can enter with or without brindling and possess marking or shadings of black throughout the coat. All colors must have a dark facial mask though, preferably black. Any blue coloration is highly undesirable in the show ring.

Temperament

Due to its necessity to protect and guard its designated flocks, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a formidable opponent for any would be predator that crosses its path. Fortunately, though it is seldom ever called for such work. It is a calm but fearless dog that will not hesitate to react to danger which makes is an exceptional watchdog and guard dog. Intelligent, loyal, and swearing undying devotion and fathfullness to those it knows are ideal and superb qualities of the breed.



However, it must be noted that around those it is not familiar with; the Estrela is known to be wary and is instinctively protective of any young children in the family. Early and constant socialization are a must in order to have the Estrela successfully cohabitate with other dogs and any other pets and to nurture its open-mindedness of various situations. Due to its strong independent spirit, this is a dog that requires a strong leadership role in its master and persistent training to make it the ideal companion. Definitely not a breed for the weak of heart, but with the right owner, the Estrela Mountain Dog makes an impeccably treasured member of its family.