Live Life Team
An ancient breed from the Estrela Mountains (in Portugal), this dog developed from breeds brought to Portugal by the Romans and Visigoths. Its prime purpose was to guard livestock, which is still its main role in Portugal. Until the 1970s, it was unknown outside this area. The Estrela is a large, broad-chested dog, hardy, and agile with powerful muscles. It has extreme endurance and stamina as well as a loyal and gentle temperament.
Until the 1900s, the dog remained little changed. Because there were few other breeds in the isolated mountain areas with which to crossbreed, its ancestry remained pure. Also, shepherds would castrate dogs after mating to ensure they did not wander.
Once it was discovered outside of Estrela, the breed’s popularity was encouraged with local shows and working trials, but it still remained very much a farm dog. The first breed standard was established in 1932, introducing previously unknown features, such as a hooked tail, “rosed” ears, and longer coat. This led to the development of two distinct strains: the short-haired farm breed and the longer-haired show dog.
The Estrela was almost extinct in the 1970s. However, the Portuguese revolution led to a renewed demand for large guard dogs as well as an interest in dog shows by the working classes (prior to this, they were seen as a rich person’s pastime). This, plus the exporting of the dog abroad, secured its future. In Portugal, today, the Estrela is used both as a working dog and a companion with the shorter coat length predominating.
