Estrela Mountain Dog Did You Know?

• The Estrela Mountain Dog has been assigned the Working Group designation.
• The Estrela Mountain Dog has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 2004.
• The Estrela Mountain Dog or Cão da Serra da Estrela as he is called in his native Portugal is named for the Estrela Mountains and is believed to be the oldest breed in the region.
• The Estrela is not only an excellent livestock guardian but is known for his love of children and family.
• The breed has several distinctive physical characteristics including rosed ears, a black mask and a hook at the end of the tail.
• The Estrela has a thick outer coat that resembles the texture of goat hair and comes in a longhair and a shorthair variety.
• The breed is used by the Marine and Portuguese Police.
• The Estrela is able to be a fierce guardian and protector, yet so versatile and gentle that he will often clean up newborn lambs or kids, stimulating them and getting them moving while the mother is preoccupied with birthing.
• Estrela Mountain Dogs can be used to pull small carts.