![Estrela Mountain Dog Dog Breed](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium_440x440/public/2022-07/Estrela-Mountain-Dog.jpg?itok=YD42IpDK)
Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
Easy to train: | 4/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
Energy level: | 3/5 |
Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
Shedding: | 4/5 |
The Estrela dog breed is generally a robust breed but can be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Dilated cardiomyopathy¹ which is a condition where the heart muscle becomes progressively weak and cannot beat properly.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
¹L. Lobo et al, 'Histologic Characterization of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Estrela Mountain Dogs', 2010, Veterinary Pathology
Alert, intelligent and independent, the Estrela Mountain Dog is devoted and loving with their family, but likely to be reserved and potentially suspicious of strangers. Bred to think for themselves and deal with danger alone, the Estrela needs early dog socialisation and habituation to cope with life as a pet. They are keener to work with their owners than some livestock guardian breeds however, and will enjoy training and joining in activities with their family if raised appropriately.