Estrela Mountain Dogs are in the working group called Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) and referred to as Cão da Serra da Estrela in their native home of Portugal which translates to “Dogs of the Mountain of the Star”. Estrelas are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in Portugal. Bred for hundreds of years as protectors of flocks and families, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, powerful, but gentle breed. Unlike herding breeds, LGDs do not herd or move their charges around. An LGDs job is to carefully watch their flock to make sure they are safe from predators. Much of their time is spent sitting, watching the herd with occasional spurts of energy to investigate potential dangers.
In the early 1900’s, the increased popularity in dogs shows led to a decline in the population of Estrelas. Farmers and breeders turned to non-Portuguese breeds for their status symbol, often castrating their working dogs to prevent breeding. By the 1970’s, the Estrela Mountain Dog had become nearly extinct. The first Estrelas to leave Portugal were imported to the U.S. in 1972. The breed is well versed as a guardian dog, but also has found outlets as patrol dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
Thank you so much Cindy Martishius and Ponta da Pinta for your work in preserving this breed.
Learn About Estrela Mountain Dogs
Estrela Mountain Dogs are in the working group called Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) and referred to as Cão da Serra da Estrela in their native home of Portugal which translates to “Dogs of the Mountain of the Star”. Estrelas are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in Portugal. Bred for hundreds of years as protectors of flocks and families, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, powerful, but gentle breed. Unlike herding breeds, LGDs do not herd or move their charges around. An LGDs job is to carefully watch their flock to make sure they are safe from predators. Much of their time is spent sitting, watching the herd with occasional spurts of energy to investigate potential dangers.
In the early 1900’s, the increased popularity in dogs shows led to a decline in the population of Estrelas. Farmers and breeders turned to non-Portuguese breeds for their status symbol, often castrating their working dogs to prevent breeding. By the 1970’s, the Estrela Mountain Dog had become nearly extinct. The first Estrelas to leave Portugal were imported to the U.S. in 1972. The breed is well versed as a guardian dog, but also has found outlets as patrol dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
Thank you so much Cindy Martishius and Ponta da Pinta for your work in preserving this breed.
Foundation Estrela Mountain Dogs
Estrela Mountain Dogs for Sale
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