Estrela Mountain Dog

Also called Cão da Serra da Estrela

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Portugal, the Serra da Estrela mountains.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male40 to 60 kg1 3

Weight, female30 to 45 kg1 3

Height, male65 to 73 cm1 3

Height, female62 to 69 cm1 3

Lifespanup to 10 years4

Sizegiant

FCI gives 45-60 kg for males and 35-45 kg for females; UKC gives 88-110 lb (about 40-50 kg) and 66-88 lb (about 30-40 kg).

The Royal Kennel Club lists under 10 years.

intensely loyal

calm but fearless guardian

hardy mountain worker

1 4 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

long or short double coat

A powerful mountain dog with a thick, somewhat goat-hair-like outer coat over a fine undercoat, either long (straight or slightly wavy) or short. Folded-back ears and a tail with a hook at the tip are breed hallmarks.1 4 3

Coloursfawnyellowgreywolf greybrindle1 4 3

Personality what they are like

Calm, alert and independent-minded, the Estrela is gentle and loyal with its own family and handler but naturally aloof with strangers. It takes guarding its flock, home and people seriously and reacts quickly when it senses danger.1 3 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week; the coat sheds.4

Home where they are happiest

A working livestock guardian at heart that suits homes with space and a secure territory to watch over.4 3

Company who they like around

Strongly bonded to its owner; reserved with unfamiliar people.3 4

The story where it all began

One of the oldest breeds of the Iberian Peninsula, it guarded shepherds' flocks on high summer pastures and protected farmhouses in winter. Portuguese interest in native breeds grew in the 1930s and the first standard was written in 1933.3 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In the 21st century Estrela dogs have been placed with flocks to protect them from Iberian wolves, which are themselves protected.2
2
Its tail ends in a natural hook often compared to a scimitar.3
3
The breed comes in two coat varieties, long and short.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed takes its name from the Serra da Estrela, a mountain range in central Portugal, where it was developed as a flock guard.3

Name ideas for your new friend

EstrelaSerraLoboMontanhaGuardaPedroBrisaNevoaRochaSombraTrovãoVento

A day in the life told by an Estrela Mountain Dog

I wake to the sun warming the stone wall, my flock already stirring. I stretch and pad over to check the ewes; all safe. The farmer brings hay, and I watch the lane for anything unusual. A stranger’s car slows, I give a low, steady bark. He moves on. After lunch, I follow the children to the stream, keeping them close. When a hawk circles, I stand tall between them and the sky. Evening comes, and I curl by the gate, one eye open, one ear tilted. My mountains hum with peace.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 173, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, Mountain type; standard dated 30.03.2009. Long-haired and short-haired varieties.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Pastoral group.4
UKC: Guardian Dog Group; recognised in 1996.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Estrela Mountain Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Estrela Mountain Dog tip

Estrela Mountain Dogs can be prone to weight gain, so limit treats to 10% of daily calories and choose single-ingredient options like carrot sticks or blueberries. Because this breed is predisposed to bloat, feed from a slow-feeder bowl and avoid exercise right after meals.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Estrela Mountain Dog, and at what times?

Feed adult Estrela Mountain Dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help their digestion, and you can follow the food label's guidance and your vet's advice for amounts.4 5 Pet Wiki plan

What should an Estrela Mountain Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw bones; always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.4 6 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe an Estrela Mountain Dog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Estrela Mountain Dog need brushing?

Brush your Estrela Mountain Dog more than once a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Their thick double coat needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent mats.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Estrela Mountain Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Estrela Mountain Dog need?

Your Estrela Mountain Dog needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, including walks and play. They are a working breed that enjoys having a secure space to watch over.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Estrela Mountain Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Estrela Mountain Dog live?

Estrela Mountain Dogs typically live up to about 10 years. Senior years often start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.4 Pet Wiki plan

Is an Estrela Mountain Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are gentle and loyal with their own family and children, but naturally aloof with strangers. They can be good with other pets if raised together, but their guarding instinct means early socialization is important.1 3 4

Can an Estrela Mountain Dog be left alone?

This breed bonds strongly with its owner and may not do well left alone for long periods. They are independent but prefer company, so consider your schedule and provide enrichment if you must leave them.3 4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.