FAQ

 

The Estrela can live with less space than you think, however they do need a fenced yard. Without a fence they will roam to protect all that is theirs; and if there is no fence they think everything they see is theirs!

  

 They will protect all they survey as theirs. They have been a livestock guardian for hundreds of years. They take their job seriously. Proper socialization is a very important part of being a responsible dog owner.

 

 Even an adult Estrela can learn to live in peace with the family cat.

  

 Kids and the Estrela are made for each other.

 

 

 Yes! Get out and show off your dogs! You might love it and so might they. In the United States you can show your Estrela in the UKC, ARBA, Rarities, and even in the AKC (companion events only) 
 

 

 

 No. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is taller by approximately 2 cm.

 

 In Portugal they are one of the most popular of the native Portuguese breeds, being among the Top 10. The long hair variety is more popular than the short haired one.

 In the 60´s the wolves almost disappeared (today happily, they are coming back), and with the popularity of the German shepherd, many of these dogs were abandoned, almost to extinction. However some people knew the value of the breed and continued to breed and preserve them. Since this crisis, this breed has become one of the most popular of Portugal.

  

 Fawn, Brindle, Wolf-grey and Yellow either self-colored or with white markings. A black mask is very highly desired.

 

 

 One deep brushing weekly is sufficient to maintain an excellent coat on these dogs. The rough hair will not tangle so maintenance is very easy. Mats behind the ears can be common.

  

 Drooling is very rare since the lips are very tight and must remain dry.

 

 These dogs have the capacity to adapt to any climate. However, they are very happy in cold climates. The two types of coat have the same resistance to the cold. They also adapt very well to hot climates if adequate shelter from the heat is available.

 

 These dogs can be picky eaters. When they lived with the shepherd they shared the food that the shepherd ate. They like natural food very much ( raw meat/BARF). They drink lots of water. It can be a challenge to keep weight on an Estrela sometimes. 
 

 These dogs need moderate exercise, because they have great vitality. If you live in a small house they must have the chance to take a walk every day. They love to play.

 

 

 An Estrela Mountain Dog with a healthy ancestry will live between 12 to 16 years.

 

 

 It is a healthy breed, however as all large dogs to they can suffer from Hip and Elbow Dysplasia . They are a hardy breed and are very resistant to illnesses. Ensure your breeder x-rays breeding stock for HD and ED.

 

 Yes, with their family, they love to play. Note that young dogs could be very rough in their games and inadvertently hurt somebody.

  

 Very much so. This is a dog that despite of its size possess great agility, capable to reach considerable speeds and to jump quite high.

  

 There are three responses, and any one is perfectly suitable to the Estrela Mountain Dog. It could be a livestock guardian, a farm or ranch dog, or a family dog. It is not a dog for apartments, it is important to remember they are working dogs.

 

 Yes. Without any doubts. They will adopt and protect your family. They would rather be with their family (pack) than anything else.

  

 Yes. They will play with the children and if given the chance will sleep at your feet, or even your bed!

 

 They are naturally, very distrustful with strangers. If a stranger is invited into their protected area the dog will accept them, but in general it keeps a certain distance. After some time and careful observation the dog my then appear to loose interest in the person but will remain vigilant. It has a special propensity to protect children. If the stranger has bad intentions, or if the dog thinks that they are a danger for his family, the dog may attack. 

 

 They are very good with other family pets if they are introduced while the dog is a puppy or has been gradually introduced and taught to respect the other pet. In those cases the dog will love their company and will protect them. If the other pet is another dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog may be dominant, or at least, it will not be dominated.

 

 

 They are very independent dogs and can be very stubborn. They can also be slow to respond to your commands. However certain dogs have been subjected do the highest levels of obedience, and were surprisingly successful.

  

 Amazing as it may seem, they do like water. On a hot day they will not hesitate to lie down in a puddle.

 

 Yes! These dogs although dominant will establish their own pack hierarchy and live peacefully.

 

 Some Estrela dogs, in Portugal,  work for the Marines and are excellent in their roles.

 Some of these dogs work as hunting dogs for large animals like the wolf, wild boar and deer.

 They have a very high pain tolerance and will not often show any signs of affliction. 

 

 These are livestock guarding dogs and often must confront predators (wolves, bears, stray dogs...), and the ears being a weak appendage and easy target is difficult to heal in an adult. Ears were frequently wounded by predators. The ears were cropped to eliminate this weakness. Cropping was done before 4 months of age. Nowadays dogs with cropped ears are rare.  

 

 Yes! Without the fenced yard the Estrela Mountain Dog, will be able to run away, patrol your garden and the street (public street!), and considering the street as its property.

 

 NO! If it is leashed (and the dog well socialized) it will appreciate the walks.

 

 No. The Estrela Mountain Dog can be dominant and difficult to control for a person who has never owned a large dominant dog.

 

 Check the breeders listing on emdaa.com for links to breeders worldwide. Be sure to ask for HD/ED results!

 

 Socialization is absolutely necessary from about eight weeks old and basic obedience is a must as it helps establish your hierarchy at home, and expected behavior when out.

 

 Being transformed in a big teddy bear.