Cão da Serra da Estrela

The majestic Cão da Serra da Estrela: a faithful companion from the Portuguese mountains

Historical roots: a look into the past

The Cão da Serra da Estrela originates from the mountainous region of the same name in Portugal. This breed was originally bred as a herding and guard dog to protect livestock from predators and thieves. The robust nature and impressive size of the dogs made them perfect protectors in the harsh mountain regions. They have accompanied shepherds for centuries and are an integral part of Portuguese culture and tradition.

Who is the Cão da Serra da Estrela suitable for?

The Estrela dog is ideal for people who have plenty of space and time to look after a large, active dog. It is not necessarily suitable for city life, unless you have a large garden and can give it plenty of exercise. Families with children will benefit from the friendly and protective nature of this breed, however smaller children should never be left unsupervised with such a large dog. This dog is also an ideal companion for active people who enjoy hiking or spending a lot of time outdoors.

Character: Loyal and gentle

The Cão da Serra da Estrela is known for its loyalty and protective instinct. It is a loyal family dog that protects its home and loved ones. Despite his size and strength, he is gentle and patient, especially with children. He can be suspicious of strangers at first, but with the right socialization he will become friendlier towards them too.

Appearance: An eye-catcher

This dog breed is large and impressive, with a dense, weatherproof coat that comes in a variety of colors such as fawn, gray, and wolf gray. The dogs have strong muscles and a strong bone structure, which gives them an imposing appearance. Males can reach a shoulder height of 65 to 73 cm and females around 62 to 69 cm. Their weight varies between 30 and 50 kg.

Grooming: More than just brushing

The coat of the Cão da Serra da Estrela requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it healthy. The dog should be brushed thoroughly at least once a week. More frequent brushing is required during the spring and fall shedding seasons. The ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Regular dental care and claw care are also important.

Health: Robust but vigilant

The Cão da Serra da Estrela is generally a healthy breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia can occur. Regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet help to maintain the health of these dogs. Their life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years.

Exercise: plenty of exercise required

This breed needs a lot of exercise and loves to spend time outdoors. A large garden or regular, long walks are a must. The Estrela dog is ideal for sporting activities such as hiking, running and even swimming. He has a strong urge to work and enjoys tasks that challenge him both physically and mentally.

Training: Consistency and patience

The Cão da Serra da Estrela is intelligent and eager to learn, but he can also have a mind of his own. Consistent but loving training is the key. Early socialization and obedience training are important to ensure the dog is well behaved and balanced. Reward-based training works best, as these dogs can be sensitive to harsh treatment.

Behavior and interactions: Family friendly and social

The Estrela dog is very family-friendly and gets along well with children. He is patient and gentle, which makes him an ideal family dog. It also generally gets along well with other animals, especially if it is accustomed to them from an early age. However, his protective instinct makes him a vigilant guardian who defends his territory and his family.

Recognition by the FCI

The Cão da Serra da Estrela is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 2 (Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds). This recognition underlines the importance and standard of this breed.