ABOUT THE ESTRELA
The Cão da Serra da Estrela or, as its known in the UK, Estrela Mountain Dog ("Estrela" or "EMD"), is an ancient Livestock Guardian ("LGD") from the Estrela Mountains in Portugal, thought to have been around since at least the time of the Romans. Because of the secular nature of their geographical origin, they have, fortunately, remained very much unchanged over the years, retaining a strong instinct for the job they do and not transformed or invented by man to fit a certain aesthetic pattern. Whilst often confused with the Leonberger, they are two very different breeds and a true Estrela should not look like a Leonberger.
The Estrela does not herd livestock: their job is to guard the flock against potential threats. As a result, they have a natural aloofness and distrust of strangers (be they human, canine or otherwise). However, they are not overtly aggressive: a well-socialised and balanced Estrela will accept whomever you invite into your home. They are also not fighting dogs: they are very efficient and have an instinctive technique to deal with a threat in such a way as to minimise the risk of injury to themselves. Because of their original purpose which required them to be left alone with the flock for perhaps a week or more, they are exceedingly intelligent, inquisitive and independent-minded. As adolescents, they can be quite boisterous, with selective hearing. They therefore require a family who is able to understand and cater for all of these traits and anyone who is used to the obedient nature of many other breeds, may find it something of a shock.
However, the Estrela is versatile and will just as happily guard the family home in place of livestock. In many ways, they are the perfect family dog, adoring children and being very tolerant with them. They form very strong bonds with their family (their "flock") – for this reason, they do not re-home well.
Despite their size, they are very agile, enabling them to scale the mountainous terrain of their homeland; because of this and their investigative/guarding nature, they require a very secure garden. They are said to be able to “turn on a sixpence” which, when in play, is impressive to see. They also eat very little for their size (comparable to a Labrador) and do not need hours of exercise daily: a 40-minute walk is sufficient for them, although they can do much more as adults if it's offered. An Estrela's favourite game is a very rough form of wrestling, which can be too boisterous for other dogs, although many will adapt and temper their play for smaller or more delicate dogs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more about the breed.
The Estrela does not herd livestock: their job is to guard the flock against potential threats. As a result, they have a natural aloofness and distrust of strangers (be they human, canine or otherwise). However, they are not overtly aggressive: a well-socialised and balanced Estrela will accept whomever you invite into your home. They are also not fighting dogs: they are very efficient and have an instinctive technique to deal with a threat in such a way as to minimise the risk of injury to themselves. Because of their original purpose which required them to be left alone with the flock for perhaps a week or more, they are exceedingly intelligent, inquisitive and independent-minded. As adolescents, they can be quite boisterous, with selective hearing. They therefore require a family who is able to understand and cater for all of these traits and anyone who is used to the obedient nature of many other breeds, may find it something of a shock.
However, the Estrela is versatile and will just as happily guard the family home in place of livestock. In many ways, they are the perfect family dog, adoring children and being very tolerant with them. They form very strong bonds with their family (their "flock") – for this reason, they do not re-home well.
Despite their size, they are very agile, enabling them to scale the mountainous terrain of their homeland; because of this and their investigative/guarding nature, they require a very secure garden. They are said to be able to “turn on a sixpence” which, when in play, is impressive to see. They also eat very little for their size (comparable to a Labrador) and do not need hours of exercise daily: a 40-minute walk is sufficient for them, although they can do much more as adults if it's offered. An Estrela's favourite game is a very rough form of wrestling, which can be too boisterous for other dogs, although many will adapt and temper their play for smaller or more delicate dogs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more about the breed.
Books on the Estrela:
The Estrela Mountain Dog and its Background
Roger F Pye (in English)
The Estrela Mountain Dog; A flock-guardian
Jorge R Mora (in English)
O Cão da Serra da Estrela/The Estrela Mountain Dog
Jeronimo Augusto (dual language, Portuguese and English)
Roger F Pye (in English)
The Estrela Mountain Dog; A flock-guardian
Jorge R Mora (in English)
O Cão da Serra da Estrela/The Estrela Mountain Dog
Jeronimo Augusto (dual language, Portuguese and English)
