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FAQs
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What it is the Estrela Mountain Dog ?
Is one of the oldest dog of
Iberian Peninsula created forlivestock and
farm protection. Alassified under the 2º
group of the FCI.
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What is his origin?
His origin- country is Portugal, from the
Estrela Mountain ( the highest of Portugal
Mainland) where he protected the flocks
from wolves, bears...
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Are they close related to any of the other
livestock guardian dogs of Portugal and
Spain ?
Yes, all leave of the same " rock ", but
later each breed evolved separately.
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Is the Estrela the biggest ?
No, for 1 or 2cm, the Rafeiro do Alentejo is
higher
» How popular are they ?
In Portugal he is one of the
most popular breed, being in Top. 10 . The
long hair variety is more popular than the
short one.
» How big are they ?
The males height goes from 66cm to 74cm, and
the females goes from 63 to 69cm. The
weight of the males varies between 42kg to
55kg, and on the female.
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What colours are can they have?
They only have in the
following colours: sable, fawn, brindle and
the yellow always with black mask. Can have
some white markings There are two varieties
of coat : long and the short one.
Independent of the size of the coat, it
should be t strong, dense, remembering hair
goat.
» Which is the
necessity of grooming?
One deep weekly brush will
solve the problem, because the hair is
rough, so it remained untied.
» Do these dogs
droll?
Not, only in very rare cases, because their
lips are thigh.
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Which is the best clime for the Estrela
Mountain Dog ?
These dogs have the capacity
of adapting to any climate. However
cold climates are very good, after all they
love the cold. The two types of coat have
the same resistance to the cold. They also
adapt very well to the hot climates since
that during the hours of bigger heat they
have a place to take shelter . In hot
day they need some shadow
» How should i feed this
dogs ?
These dogs can be weird when talking of
food. When they lived with the shepherd
they share with the him their reduced food.
They like natural food very much (bred, raw
meat), and are capable to hunt its food.
They are dogs that also drink much water. In
these days, if used from young age they get
well with industrial food. Also these dogs,
some times "fast" themselves, not eating for
some days.
» How much exercise needs?
These dogs need moderate
exercise, because the
have great vitality. If you
live in a small house they must have the
chance to take a walk every day . Also they
love to play and run. However, as any big
dog, do not over-exercise your dog before
the 24 month !
» How long
do they live ?
An Estrela Mountain Dog will live between
12 to 16 years .
» Do they have
hereditary illnesses?
It is a very healthful breed,
however can suffer from the hip dysphasia
. They are a healthful breed and very
resistant to illnesses.
» Do they like to
play ??
Yes, with their family they
love to play.. Note that young dogs can
rough in their games , and inadvertently
hurt somebody.
» Are they
agile ?
Very much, it is a dog that
in spite of their size they have great
agility, capable to reach considerable
speeds and to jump quite high.
» Which the
best house for the Estrela Mountain Dog?
They are great as farm
dogs or livestock dogs. Also as city guard
dog/family dogs. It is not a dog for
apartments or a company dogs like a poodle,
They are working dogs.
» Are they good
family dogs ?
Yes, without doubts, since that they have
some space (hard to keep in a flat), they
will be a dog that will love and protect
your family.
» They are
docile with the family?
Without any doubts, they love to play, to
smooch and protect they family
» And what about strangers ?
They are for
nature very distrustful with strangers. If
they are invited, the dog accepted them, but
in general they keeps a certain distance.
If the strangers is a threat they will act
in order to keep their family safe.
» How is their
relations with other family pets?
If
presented since young age, the Estrela will
accept them and protect them, just like
another members. However, with other dogs of
the same sex problems may appear.
» Do
they make much noise?
When they detect something out of the
normal they bark to inform that that is his
territory. Also during their patrols it
they bark
to announce their presence
» Are
they good guarding dogs ?
Without any doubts. They are between the
best ones of the world. When something is
left at his guard, nothing will happens!
They will give without hesitation his life
protecting Its territory, flock or family .
It is extremely aggressive to any threat !
» Are they herding
dogs ?
No ! These dogs do not lead the flocks (as
border-collies), but yes protect them.
» Are they candidates
for high levels of obedience?
In general not, because they are independent
dogs and a little stubborn. They can also be
slow in respond to your commands However
exceptions do exists
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Do they like water?
For amazing that may seems,
they like water. They do enjoy lying in
some water puddle .
» Can i
have more than one Estrela Mountain Dog ?
Yes! These dogs, even dominant, work well
in group
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They are good dogs for
dog sports like RCI or ring?
I would say that no. These dogs will
protected with his life any member of its
family, however to do these sports a dog
must have high levels of obedience, and the
Estrela is not the best.
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Fenced yards ?
A must !!
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,
it will defend and can attack somebody that
pass on that street. These dogs should
never be tied up, they need to interact and
do someting
» Is this a breed for
walks in the park without a leash ??
Not! It is a very independent dog, that may
ignore when you call it. He also may
interpret a man running or a dog like a
threat and attack. The best thing is always
to have the dog on leash.
» Should a first time owner buy a Estrela
Mountain Dog ?
Not, because the Estrela Mountain Dog can be
dominant and difficult to control for a
person who have no experience with dogs
» Where should i buy a
Estrela mountain Dog ?
Always
in a registed Kennel and ask for HD results
and show results
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What is the biggest
danger that this breed faces ?
Being
transformed in one big teddy bear ..
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