Eshterlian Shepherd Dog or Portuguese Mountain Shepherd Dog: breed description

Shepherd dogs are known to many. But not everyone is familiar with the specimen, which will be described in the article below. This wonderful dog is very popular in Portugal. The name of the country was reflected in the name of the breed. It is a Portuguese mountain (eshtrel) shepherd. Outside its homeland, it is extremely rare. In dogs of this kind, the blood of Spanish mastiffs flows. I would like to note that the expression of the eyes of these dogs is extremely lively and intelligent. For several centuries the Estrelian Shepherd has been one of the best people's helpers.

From the history of the breed

The breed on the Iberian Peninsula is considered the oldest. These dogs are descendants of Asian molosses. They belong to the group of mastiffs. In a word, they have a rich pedigree. The main ancestors - Asian mastiffs, Spanish mastiffs, as well as Roman molosses.

Sheepdogs were bred in Portugal during the Middle Ages. Originally they were used to transport cargo, protect people and livestock from predators. Called these dogs Portuguese shepherds. Over time, due to natural selection, the inborn qualities of dogs improved significantly. Sheepdogs turned into magnificent watchmen.

This happened, of course, thanks to the work of the breeders. They worked hard, reviving the view. The breed could simply disappear forever from the face of the earth, if they did not make efforts and efforts. Recently, its representatives have appeared at exhibitions. For the kennel society, the Estrelian Shepherd remained unknown for quite some time. About her learned almost in the twentieth century. In 1934, the standard of the breed was named Estrelskaya Shepherd.

Description of breed: appearance of its representatives

This dog is harmoniously composed. Her body is strong, dry, stretched, although the dog looks compact enough. The height at the withers in the females is on the average 65 cm, and the males - 68. How much does a representative of this breed weigh? The body weight of a bitch varies from thirty to forty kilograms, a male dog - from forty to fifty. The head of these animals is wide enough, powerful, large and strong. The ears are hanging. If desired, they are allowed to stop them. Although if left in their natural form, then such dogs will be valued higher.

The neck is straight, thick, but short. Muzzle not pointed. Its length to the lobe of the nose gradually and slightly narrows. The lips of the representatives of the breed are large, tightly closed, clearly delineated. Teeth are planted tightly, firmly closed. They are white and strong.

The Portuguese Mountain Shepherd has barely marked eyebrows. The eyes of the representatives of the breed are medium in size, horizontally planted. Their shape is oval. The eyelids are close to them. What color is the eye of the Eschtlerian Shepherd? As a rule, it is dark amber. The paws of these dogs are proportional, the fingers are thick. Between the phalanxes and pads there is an abundant woolen covering. On the hind legs can be double or single profitable fingers.

Coat in dogs rough, hard, thick, slightly wavy or smooth. The tail of the breed is long, not docked, thick, in the form of a curved saber. At the end, he wraps himself in a hook.

On the tail, wool forms a suspension, and on the legs - piles. Sometimes the scalp around the neck forms a thick collar. And what is the undercoat of the breed? Short, but thick. At the roots, thin hairs are intertwined with coarser ones. This breed has two kinds. The first one is short-haired. Unfortunately, it practically has already disappeared. The second one is long-haired. As for color, it can be tiger, fawn, gray and wolf. For members of this species, the characters are free, easy to move. The average life expectancy is thirteen years.

The nature of the Eschtrelian Shepherds: what is the nature of these magnificent dogs?

Representatives of the breed are bold, very energetic animals. They have a sense of dignity. These dogs quickly react to various stimuli. From such dogs beautiful guards are obtained due to their subtle scent. Such dogs are obedient, peaceful and flexible. Representatives of the breed are deeply attached to children. To outsiders, these dogs are cautious, sometimes even hostile.

The Estrelian Shepherd is very devoted to its masters. Such a dog excellently manifests itself as a guard. His reaction is simply imperturbable - having seen some danger threatening the owner, the animal will immediately give a proper rebuff to the attacker. Due to the fact that dogs are independent, there may be difficulties in upbringing. Sheepdogs like this very much, they can even leave home. Education requires a "firm hand".

Care of the breed

How to care for such a dog? Long-haired Estrelian Shepherd needs regular combing. Particular attention to this process should be given during the seasonal moult.

Such dogs can and should be periodically bathed. It is necessary to use for this purpose special means intended for dogs with long hair. Feed the dog can be both natural products, and ready-made feeds of good quality.

Training of the representatives of the breed

Very clever, but stubborn is the Estrelian Shepherd. Puppies are well trained, training should be done gently, but persistently. A dog of this breed must, from the very first days, understand who is in charge in this house. She must feel that the owner will cope with it. Otherwise, it can show its strong-willed and independent character.

The representative of the breed needs to be developed comprehensively. Such a dog requires early socialization. In the process of training the owner must show patience, perseverance. It is also necessary to praise and encourage the Esthtilian Shepherd dog for the proper performance of the teams. And remember: this dog is not room. This is a strong, powerful beast, which is quite difficult to manage.

Activity of breed representatives

Absolutely not suitable for this dog urban conditions. The Estrelian Shepherd needs daily work. She needs a territory, which she will protect. The site where the dog lives and serves is to be reliably protected. This is necessary in order to ensure the safety of surrounding people. An animal will not allow strangers to cross its land.

Diseases

Representatives of this breed are quite strong health. These dogs sometimes have stomach problems. Therefore, special attention should be given to a balanced diet. Another disease, which affects the representatives of this breed, is dysplasia of the pelvic joint. Regular examinations at the veterinarian will not be superfluous.

Estrelskaya Shepherd Dog: price

How much can I buy a puppy for? The price depends on many factors. For example, from the pedigree, titles of parents, location.

Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly how much the Esther's Shepherd is worth. The price for one dog is an average of thirty thousand. Although you can find puppies as expensive, and cheaper. It is best to buy a dog in the nurseries.

A small conclusion

If you like shepherds' dogs, then this shepherd will always interest you. The dog has a lot of positive qualities. But it suits people with a strong character, since it is not very easy to manage them. Therefore, before deciding on the purchase of such a beautiful animal, think carefully about whether you can cope with it.