Estrela Mountain Dog
- Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossian breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- Section 2: Molossoid
- Without working trial
Males 65-72 cm Bitches 62-68 cm
Rüden40 - 50 kg Bitches 30-40 kg
- Straight Hairy
- Long-haired
The Cão da Serra da Estrela is a recognized by the FCI Portuguese breed (FCI Group 2, Section 2.2, Standard No. 173).
History
Dogs of this type have been living for a long time in the area of the Serra de Estrela as sheep dogs. The dogs accompany and guard the flock and defend them against wild animals.
Description
The Cão da Serra da Estrela is a large (72 cm, 50 kg) guard dog who defends his area courageously against predators such as the wolf, but also against rustlers. As with all guard dogs he works independently. It is lively in its movements and imposing in appearance. His confident, sometimes threatening behavior towards strangers is worthy of respect; on the other hand he is the shepherd of his master, remarkably docile. The ears are small, triangular and laid back.
The hair is goat hair like, dense, flat or wavy in short or long, dense, often differently colored undercoat, in fawn, wolf gray and yellow possibly with white markings.