Estrela Mountain Dog Health Database
When we began researching dog breeding and genetics in order to make plans to breed, one fundamental message which came through was the need to have the full genetic background of all dogs in order to make the best decision possible.
However, there was no database for the Estrela Mountain Dog for us to use and we found it hard to get the information we needed, so we decided that we would create such a database and we are currently working on the same with others who have very kindly volunteered their time and expertise to help us with this project. Whilst it won't be fully beneficial for a number of years, as it will take a lot of time to compile all the information and it will be necessary to have at least a couple of generations of dogs in the database to rely upon, the fact is that we have to start somewhere.
We were astonished to discover that not all breeders are willing to contribute to such a database, being reluctant to disclose information about dogs they own or have bred. However there is no doubt in our minds that this information can only benefit the Estrela, particularly the health of the breed, as it will assist breeders who breed technically (i.e. scientifically), rather than empirically (i.e. depending upon experience or observation alone). The result of this should be improved health and longevity of the dogs, as well as type/conformation to the breed standard, and we are delighted to say that many breeders and owners have been very supportive, both in the UK and internationally (including Portugal), for which we are grateful.
If you are an owner or breeder and would like to contribute to the discussions about the database, you can request to join the Facebook group by clicking here. If you would like to contribute your Estrelas' (past and present) information to the database, or would simply like to know more about it, please contact us.
However, there was no database for the Estrela Mountain Dog for us to use and we found it hard to get the information we needed, so we decided that we would create such a database and we are currently working on the same with others who have very kindly volunteered their time and expertise to help us with this project. Whilst it won't be fully beneficial for a number of years, as it will take a lot of time to compile all the information and it will be necessary to have at least a couple of generations of dogs in the database to rely upon, the fact is that we have to start somewhere.
We were astonished to discover that not all breeders are willing to contribute to such a database, being reluctant to disclose information about dogs they own or have bred. However there is no doubt in our minds that this information can only benefit the Estrela, particularly the health of the breed, as it will assist breeders who breed technically (i.e. scientifically), rather than empirically (i.e. depending upon experience or observation alone). The result of this should be improved health and longevity of the dogs, as well as type/conformation to the breed standard, and we are delighted to say that many breeders and owners have been very supportive, both in the UK and internationally (including Portugal), for which we are grateful.
If you are an owner or breeder and would like to contribute to the discussions about the database, you can request to join the Facebook group by clicking here. If you would like to contribute your Estrelas' (past and present) information to the database, or would simply like to know more about it, please contact us.
