Estrela Mountain Dog
埃什特雷拉山犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Estrela Mountain Dog developed in the Serra da Estrela of central Portugal, following the herds from the foothills to summits around 2,000 m, and is considered one of the most ancient breeds of the Iberian Peninsula. It is a large mastiff-type molossoid in long-haired and short-haired varieties, rustic and substantial, with a strong, very abundant, slightly coarse goat-like coat over a fine, entangled undercoat; males stand 65–73 cm and weigh 45–60 kg, females 62–69 cm and 35–45 kg. The FCI standard describes the inseparable companion of the shepherd and a faithful flock guardian that bravely protects against predators and thieves — a wonderful farm and house guard, distrustful towards strangers and typically docile to its master.
Facts
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Height | 62–73cm |
| Weight | 35–60kg |
| Breed group | FCI: 2 |
| Role | Guardian |
| Coat | Double coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
The breed standards this profile is built from don't list breed-specific health screening. Ask a vet which checks suit the dog in front of you.
Behaviour
Faithful flock guardian; wary of strangers, docile to its master
The FCI standard's Behaviour / Temperament section reads in full: "Inseparable companion of the shepherd and faithful flock guardian, bravely protecting it against predators and thieves. Wonderful farm and house guard, distrustful towards strangers and typically docile to its master." Its stated utilization is livestock guarding dog, watch dog and companion dog, and also draught work.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
FCI nomenclature — Cão da Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Dog) (standard no. 173, group 2)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Cão da Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Dog) — FCI standard no. 173 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]FCI-Standard No. 173 — Cão da Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Dog), 04.11.2008 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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