At a glance the quick version
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.
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.143
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.134
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.43
Company who they like around
Strongly bonded to its owner; reserved with unfamiliar people.34
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 1933.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Estrela Mountain Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.45 Furry Diary 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.46 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.134
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.34
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 173, Cão da Serra da Estrela fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia, Estrela Mountain Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, wolf-guarding fact
- UKC Estrela Mountain Dog standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, history, size, temperament, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club, Estrela Mountain Dog royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan band, colours, traits
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.