Estrela Mountain Dog
Breed Description

The Estrela Mountain Dog is known by several names reflecting its Portuguese heritage and geographic origins. Most commonly, it is called Cão da Serra da Estrela in Portuguese, which literally translates to "Dog of the Estrela Mountains." Other recognized names include Portuguese Mountain Dog, Serra da Estrela Dog, and occasionally Estrela Sheepdog, though this last name can cause confusion with the Portuguese Sheepdog, which is a completely different breed. In Portugal, locals often simply refer to them as Serra da Estrela or Estrela for short. The breed is sometimes confused with other Portuguese breeds, but the Estrela Mountain Dog maintains its distinct identity as one of Portugal's most ancient and treasured canine companions.

The Estrela Mountain Dog stands as one of Portugal's most magnificent and ancient breeds, embodying centuries of selective breeding for strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. This impressive molossoid breed presents a commanding presence that immediately communicates both power and nobility. Originally developed in the rugged Estrela Mountains of central Portugal, these dogs were crafted by nature and human selection to withstand harsh mountain conditions while serving as formidable guardians of livestock and property.

At first glance, the Estrela Mountain Dog impresses with its substantial build and dignified bearing. The breed displays remarkable sexual dimorphism, with males typically standing 65-73 centimeters at the shoulder and weighing between 45-60 kilograms, while females measure 62-69 centimeters and weigh 35-45 kilograms. This size difference reflects the breed's working heritage, where larger males often served as primary deterrents to predators while females provided agility and nurturing qualities essential for flock management.

The breed's head is notably large and well-proportioned to the body, presenting a slightly convex skull that speaks to its molossoid heritage. The stop is moderate, creating a balanced profile that exudes intelligence and alertness. Eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and preferably dark, conveying an expression of calm confidence mixed with vigilant awareness. The breed's ears are distinctively triangular and hang close to the head, set at medium height and folding over to create the characteristic "rose ear" appearance that adds to their noble expression.

Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the Estrela Mountain Dog is its magnificent coat, which comes in two distinct varieties: long-haired and short-haired. Both coat types feature a dense, weather-resistant double coat that provided essential protection during long nights in the mountains. The long-haired variety showcases a thick, slightly coarse outer coat that lies close to the body and may be flat or slightly waved, never curly. This outer coat covers a dense undercoat that is typically lighter in color. The short-haired variety maintains the same density and weather resistance but with shorter length throughout, creating a sleeker but equally protective covering.

The breed's tail is perhaps one of its most recognizable features, characteristically thick at the base and tapering to a point, carried low when relaxed but capable of rising with a distinctive hook or curve at the tip when the dog is alert or excited. This "hook tail" has been a defining characteristic of the breed for generations and serves as an important breed identifier.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The American Kennel Club has recognized the Estrela Mountain Dog in its Foundation Stock Service program since 2005. While not yet fully recognized for regular AKC registration, the breed maintains specific standards focusing on its role as a livestock guardian dog. The AKC standard emphasizes the breed's substantial size, with males standing 25.5-28.5 inches and females 24.5-27 inches. The standard calls for a powerful, well-balanced dog with a noble bearing and confident demeanor. Coat colors accepted include fawn, brindle, wolf gray, and yellow, with or without white markings and black shading. The AKC standard specifically mentions the breed's protective nature and independence, noting that these dogs require experienced ownership and early socialization.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI Standard No. 173 provides the most comprehensive and internationally accepted breed standard for the Estrela Mountain Dog. Under FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2.2 (Mountain type), the breed is described as a large, mastiff-type molossoid dog with two coat varieties. The FCI standard specifies that males should measure 65-73 cm and females 62-69 cm, with substantial bone and muscular development throughout. The standard emphasizes the breed's rustic appearance and impressive attitude, requiring a lively, calm, and expressive look with well-proportioned and harmonious appearance. Colors include shades of fawn, wolf gray, and yellow, with or without brindling, white markings, shadings of black throughout the coat, or a dark facial mask. The FCI standard is particularly detailed about the breed's movement, requiring a free, easy gait with good reach and drive.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The United Kennel Club recognized the Estrela Mountain Dog in 1996 and classifies it in the Guardian Dog Group. The UKC standard describes the breed as a large, powerful, athletic dog, strongly muscled with substantial bone. The body should be short-backed with the head in proportion to the size of the dog. The UKC standard particularly emphasizes the breed's working heritage and guardian instincts, noting that the Estrela Mountain Dog should be faithful in protecting what is entrusted to them and formidable to any predator. The standard allows for both coat varieties and specifies that coat colors should include shades of fawn, wolf gray, and yellow, with or without brindling, white markings, shadings of black throughout the coat, or a dark facial mask. The UKC emphasizes that temperament is paramount, requiring dogs to be intelligent but independent, loyal and affectionate to owners but indifferent to others, and calm but fearless.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) recognizes the Estrela Mountain Dog in the Pastoral Group and maintains a standard very similar to the FCI version. The breed is also recognized by Dogs Australia (ANKC) with similar standards. The Estrela Mountain Dog Association of America (EMDAA) maintains the official U.S. breed standard, which closely follows the FCI standard while adapting certain elements for American conditions and breeding practices. The Estrela Mountain Dog Club of the UK also maintains specific breed standards and has developed an illustrated guide to help breeders and judges understand the finer points of breed conformation. All major registry organizations emphasize the breed's dual nature as both a working guardian and family companion, noting that proper temperament testing and socialization are essential for breeding stock.

The history of the Estrela Mountain Dog stretches back into the mists of time, making it one of the most ancient breeds on the Iberian Peninsula. While the exact origins remain lost to history, evidence suggests that the ancestors of today's Estrela Mountain Dog have inhabited the rugged Estrela Mountains of central Portugal for countless generations, possibly dating back over 2,000 years. These mountains, rising to nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, provided the perfect proving ground for developing a hardy, capable guardian breed.

Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that the breed's ancestors may have arrived in the region with ancient civilizations, possibly including the Romans, Visigoths, or even earlier Celtic settlers. These early dogs were likely of mastiff-type breeding stock, sharing common ancestry with other European guardian breeds. Over centuries of isolation in the remote mountain regions, these dogs developed into a distinct breed perfectly adapted to their harsh environment and specific working requirements.

The breed's development was shaped by the practical needs of Portuguese shepherds who required dogs capable of guarding flocks of sheep and goats in some of Europe's most challenging terrain. During summer months, shepherds would drive their flocks high into the mountains to take advantage of the green pastures that emerged after snowmelt. These dogs needed to be independent decision-makers, capable of working alone for extended periods while protecting valuable livestock from wolves, bears, and human thieves.

The isolation of the Estrela Mountain region meant that the breed remained relatively pure and unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century. Local shepherds jealously guarded their bloodlines, often castrating male dogs to prevent them from wandering off to mate and potentially weakening the gene pool. This practice, while preserving the breed's working qualities, also limited genetic diversity and nearly led to the breed's decline.

Recognition of the breed's value began in the early 1900s when Portuguese dog enthusiasts organized special shows called "concursos" specifically to promote and preserve the Estrela breed. These shows, held from 1908 to 1919, featured working trials where dogs were judged not only on their appearance but also on their ability to manage and protect flocks. These early exhibitions helped establish the breed's reputation beyond its mountain homeland.

The first tentative breed standard was published in 1922, focusing primarily on the functional characteristics that made the breed successful in its working environment. This early standard mentioned the importance of dew claws as a sign of breed purity, though it did not yet include the hooked tail and rose ears that would later become defining characteristics. The official breed standard was established in 1933, which attempted to differentiate the Estrela Mountain Dog as a distinct breed with specific physical requirements.

World War II brought significant challenges to the breed, as food shortages and wartime disruptions made it difficult to maintain large dogs. Many breeding programs were interrupted, and some bloodlines were lost entirely. However, dedicated Portuguese breeders managed to preserve the essential characteristics of the breed through these difficult years.

The post-war period saw renewed interest in preserving Portugal's native breeds, and the annual concursos were reinstated in the 1950s. These events played a crucial role in encouraging local shepherds to maintain the breed standards and continue breeding programs. The competitions also helped standardize the breed's appearance and temperament across different regions of Portugal.

International recognition began in the 1970s when the first Estrela Mountain Dogs were exported to the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of the breed's global expansion. The United States received its first documented imports in 1972 and 1973, though it wasn't until 1998 that fully papered dogs were brought to America with proper registration documents.

Today, the Estrela Mountain Dog remains true to its working heritage while adapting to modern roles as both working guardians and family companions. The breed continues to serve as livestock guardians in Portugal and increasingly in other countries where predator pressure requires reliable protection dogs. Modern breeding programs focus on maintaining the breed's essential working characteristics while ensuring genetic diversity and health testing to preserve this ancient breed for future generations.

The Estrela Mountain Dog was purpose-bred for the demanding role of livestock guardian, a function that shaped every aspect of the breed's physical and mental characteristics. Unlike herding dogs that move livestock, guardian dogs like the Estrela remain with the flock, living among the animals they protect and making independent decisions about potential threats. This fundamental difference in working style created a breed with unique traits perfectly suited to their protective mission.

As a livestock guardian, the Estrela Mountain Dog's primary function involves threat assessment and deterrence. These dogs patrol their territory continuously, using their keen senses to detect potential predators or intruders long before they pose an immediate danger. Their imposing size and confident demeanor often serve as sufficient deterrent to wolves, bears, and human thieves who might otherwise target vulnerable livestock. When deterrence fails, these dogs are fully capable of engaging in physical confrontation to protect their charges.

The breed's working methodology centers on three key principles: deterrence, detection, and defense. Deterrence comes from their commanding presence and strategic positioning within the flock. Their deep, resonant bark serves as both an early warning system and a psychological deterrent to potential threats. Detection involves constant vigilance and the ability to distinguish between normal environmental sounds and genuine threats. Defense, when necessary, requires courage, strength, and tactical intelligence to effectively counter predators while minimizing risk to the livestock.

In their traditional mountain environment, Estrela Mountain Dogs work in challenging conditions that would overwhelm many other breeds. They must navigate steep, rocky terrain while monitoring dispersed flocks across vast areas. Weather conditions range from scorching summer heat in the lowlands to bitter cold and snow at high elevations. These dogs learned to conserve energy during peaceful periods while remaining instantly alert to any signs of danger.

The breed's intelligence manifests in their ability to make complex decisions without human guidance. A working Estrela Mountain Dog must assess whether approaching hikers pose a threat, determine if a strange sound indicates danger, and decide how aggressively to respond to various situations. This decision-making capability requires a breed with both intelligence and emotional stability under pressure.

Modern applications of the Estrela Mountain Dog's guardian instincts extend beyond traditional livestock protection. These dogs excel at property protection, where their territorial nature and natural suspicion of strangers create an effective security presence. Their calm confidence allows them to assess situations without overreacting, while their imposing appearance often prevents confrontations from escalating to physical intervention.

In agricultural settings, Estrela Mountain Dogs continue to serve their original function protecting sheep, goats, cattle, and other livestock from predators. As wildlife populations recover in many regions and large predators return to areas where they had been absent, the value of reliable livestock guardian dogs has increased significantly. These dogs provide a non-lethal method of predator control that allows coexistence between wildlife conservation and agricultural interests.

The breed has also found success in specialized roles such as estate guardians for large properties, where their patrol instincts and territorial nature make them ideal for protecting expansive areas. Some Estrela Mountain Dogs serve in search and rescue operations, where their strength, endurance, and intelligence prove valuable in mountainous terrain. Their calm temperament and natural protective instincts have also made them suitable therapy dogs in certain controlled environments.

Training for guardian work begins early, with puppies being introduced to livestock during their critical socialization period. Young dogs learn to bond with the animals they will protect, developing the strong attachment that motivates their protective behavior. This early exposure creates dogs that view livestock not as prey to be chased, but as family members to be defended. The process requires careful management to ensure proper bonding while maintaining the dog's natural protective instincts.

Understanding the Estrela Mountain Dog's function is essential for anyone considering this breed as a companion. These dogs retain strong guardian instincts even when not actively working with livestock. They naturally patrol their territory, assess strangers, and make protective decisions based on their centuries of selective breeding. This inherent drive requires proper management and training to ensure it manifests appropriately in modern domestic settings.

The behavioral characteristics of the Estrela Mountain Dog reflect centuries of selective breeding for independent decision-making and protective capability. These dogs exhibit a complex personality that combines fierce loyalty to their family with natural suspicion of strangers, creating a breed that requires understanding and proper management to thrive in modern environments. Their behavior patterns are deeply rooted in their working heritage and cannot be easily modified through training alone.

At the core of the Estrela Mountain Dog's personality lies an unshakeable loyalty to their family unit. This loyalty manifests as a deep emotional bond that extends beyond simple obedience to genuine devotion. These dogs form hierarchical relationships within their family, often showing particular attachment to one primary person while maintaining protective feelings toward all family members. This selective bonding behavior stems from their working background, where they needed to distinguish between the shepherd they served and potential threats to the flock.

Independence represents another fundamental aspect of Estrela Mountain Dog behavior. These dogs were bred to make life-or-death decisions without human input, creating a breed that thinks for itself rather than constantly seeking guidance. This independence can be challenging for owners accustomed to more biddable breeds, as Estrela Mountain Dogs may choose to ignore commands they consider unnecessary or inappropriate. However, this same independence makes them excellent guardians capable of protecting their territory even when their owners are absent.

The breed's protective instincts manifest in various ways throughout their daily behavior. Estrela Mountain Dogs naturally patrol their territory, establishing regular routes and checking perimeters at different times of day. They position themselves strategically to observe potential approach routes and often choose elevated locations that provide good vantage points. This territorial behavior is instinctive and begins to emerge in young puppies, though it becomes more pronounced as dogs mature.

Interaction with strangers reveals the breed's natural caution and assessment capabilities. Estrela Mountain Dogs typically maintain distance from unfamiliar people, observing and evaluating before deciding how to respond. They may bark to announce a stranger's presence but usually avoid aggressive displays unless they perceive a genuine threat. This measured response reflects their working heritage, where unnecessary aggression could interfere with their protective duties or create problems with legitimate visitors to the property.

Social behavior within the family group demonstrates the breed's capacity for gentle interaction despite their guardian nature. Estrela Mountain Dogs often display remarkable patience with children, seeming to understand their vulnerability and need for protection. They may follow children around the property, positioning themselves between youngsters and potential hazards. However, their size and strength require supervision during play, as these dogs may not realize their own power when interacting with small children.

The breed's intelligence manifests in their ability to learn routines, recognize patterns, and adapt their behavior to different situations. They quickly learn family schedules and often anticipate daily activities, positioning themselves appropriately throughout the day. This intelligence also makes them excellent problem-solvers, capable of finding ways to escape inadequate fencing or reach desired locations despite obstacles.

Activity patterns in Estrela Mountain Dogs tend to follow natural rhythms that reflect their working heritage. These dogs are often most active during dawn and dusk hours when predators traditionally posed the greatest threat to livestock. They may seem relatively quiet during midday but become increasingly alert as evening approaches. Many owners report that their dogs patrol more actively at night, reflecting generations of selective breeding for nocturnal vigilance.

Communication behaviors include a range of vocalizations and body language cues that served important functions in their working environment. Their bark varies significantly depending on the situation, from quiet "alert" barks that announce minor disturbances to deep, intimidating warning barks used to deter serious threats. They also employ body language effectively, using posture and positioning to communicate confidence, dominance, or concern depending on the circumstances.

Stress responses in Estrela Mountain Dogs often involve increased vigilance and territorial patrolling rather than destructive behaviors common in other breeds. When anxious or uncomfortable, these dogs may become hypervigilant, constantly scanning for threats and reacting to minor disturbances. Understanding these stress signals helps owners address problems before they escalate into more serious behavioral issues.

The breed's natural prey drive is typically low to moderate, as their primary function involved protecting rather than hunting livestock. However, they may chase small animals that enter their territory, viewing them as potential threats rather than prey. This behavior requires management in urban environments where cats, small dogs, or wildlife might trigger their protective responses inappropriately.

Training responses reflect the breed's independent nature and high intelligence. Estrela Mountain Dogs learn quickly but may choose not to comply with commands they consider pointless or inappropriate. They respond best to training that respects their intelligence and provides logical reasons for compliance. Harsh or punitive training methods often prove counterproductive, as these dogs may become defensive or shut down emotionally when pressured excessively.

The Estrela Mountain Dog's integration into family life represents a unique dynamic that differs significantly from typical companion breeds. These dogs view their human family as their "flock," extending the same protective instincts and loyalty that their ancestors showed toward livestock. Understanding how these powerful guardian dogs interact within family structures is essential for creating successful long-term relationships and ensuring appropriate behavior management.

Within the family hierarchy, Estrela Mountain Dogs naturally establish relationships based on respect and clearly defined roles rather than simple dominance or submission. They often identify one family member as their primary handler or "lead shepherd," typically the person who provides most of their training, feeding, and daily care. However, their protective instincts extend equally to all family members, creating a complex social structure where the dog serves as guardian while acknowledging human leadership.

The breed's relationship with children deserves special attention due to their natural protective instincts and substantial size. Estrela Mountain Dogs typically display remarkable gentleness with children they consider part of their family, often positioning themselves nearby during play and seeming to understand the vulnerability of young humans. They may follow children around the property, creating an invisible safety perimeter and intervening if they perceive any potential danger. However, their protective nature can sometimes manifest as overprotectiveness, requiring careful management to ensure children can interact normally with friends and visitors.

Socialization with visiting children requires particular care, as Estrela Mountain Dogs may not extend the same gentle treatment to unfamiliar youngsters. They might view visiting children as potential threats to "their" children, especially during rough play or loud interactions. Proper introduction protocols and supervised interactions help these dogs learn to distinguish between normal childhood behavior and genuine threats requiring intervention.

Adult family members typically find that Estrela Mountain Dogs respect clear, consistent leadership while maintaining their independent decision-making capabilities. These dogs respond well to family members who provide calm, confident guidance without resorting to harsh corrections or intimidation. They seem to appreciate family members who respect their intelligence and include them in family activities while understanding their need for mental stimulation and purposeful work.

The breed's interaction with elderly family members often showcases their intuitive understanding of vulnerability and need for protection. Many Estrela Mountain Dogs naturally moderate their behavior around frail or elderly family members, moving more carefully and positioning themselves to provide stability and support. Their calm presence can be particularly comforting to elderly individuals while their protective instincts provide an additional layer of security.

Multi-dog households present both opportunities and challenges when including an Estrela Mountain Dog. These dogs generally coexist well with other dogs they consider part of their family pack, especially when raised together from puppyhood. However, their guardian nature means they may be territorial toward strange dogs entering their property. Introduction of new dogs requires careful management and gradual integration to prevent territorial conflicts.

The breed's relationship with other pets varies depending on early socialization and individual temperament. Estrela Mountain Dogs raised with cats, small animals, or livestock typically learn to protect rather than prey upon them. However, their size and natural guardian instincts mean they may chase or corner small pets they don't recognize as family members. Early socialization with various animal species helps establish appropriate behavioral boundaries.

Daily family routines often revolve around the Estrela Mountain Dog's natural activity patterns and guardian instincts. These dogs appreciate predictable schedules that allow them to anticipate family movements and position themselves appropriately for protective duties. They often station themselves near entryways during arrival times, patrol the property during family outdoor activities, and maintain vigilance during evening hours when predators traditionally posed the greatest threat.

Exercise and activity within the family context should incorporate the breed's need for both physical exertion and mental stimulation. Family hikes, outdoor exploration, and supervised free-running time in secure areas satisfy their physical requirements while providing opportunities for natural patrol behaviors. Mental stimulation through training sessions, puzzle toys, and novel experiences helps prevent boredom-related behavioral problems.

The breed's response to family stress or conflict often involves increased vigilance and protective positioning. Estrela Mountain Dogs may become more alert during family arguments or emotional upheaval, sometimes positioning themselves between arguing family members as if trying to defuse tension. Their sensitivity to family dynamics makes them excellent emotional barometers but also means they can be affected by ongoing household stress.

Visitor management requires ongoing training and family cooperation to ensure appropriate behavior. Estrela Mountain Dogs need clear protocols for greeting guests, with family members taking active roles in introduction processes and supervision. Their natural suspicion of strangers means they require consistent positive experiences with visitors to prevent development of excessive territorial behavior.

Successful family integration ultimately depends on matching the breed's natural characteristics with appropriate family structure and lifestyle. Families with experience handling large, independent breeds, adequate space for territorial patrolling, and commitment to ongoing training and socialization typically find Estrela Mountain Dogs to be incredibly rewarding companions. However, families seeking a highly biddable pet or those without experience managing guardian breeds may find the relationship challenging without proper preparation and ongoing support.

The Estrela Mountain Dog generally enjoys robust health typical of breeds developed through centuries of natural selection for working ability rather than appearance alone. However, like all large breeds, they face certain health challenges that potential owners should understand and responsible breeders should screen for diligently. The breed's relatively small gene pool and geographic isolation during development has contributed to some hereditary health concerns that require ongoing management through genetic testing and selective breeding practices.

Hip dysplasia represents the most significant orthopedic concern in the Estrela Mountain Dog breed, with research indicating that approximately 66% of dogs show some degree of hip abnormality when evaluated using FCI grading standards. This high prevalence reflects both genetic predisposition and the challenges of maintaining healthy joint development in rapidly growing large dogs. Progressive research by Dr. Mário Ginja and other veterinary specialists has advanced understanding of hip dysplasia genetics in the breed and improved breeding selection criteria.

The condition ranges from mild joint laxity that causes no clinical symptoms to severe dysplasia resulting in pain, lameness, and early onset arthritis. Interestingly, research has shown that approximately 80% of dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia on radiographs live normal, pain-free lives without clinical symptoms. This disconnect between radiographic findings and clinical symptoms emphasizes the importance of considering both health testing results and functional evaluation when making breeding decisions.

Early detection methods such as PennHIP testing, which can be performed as early as 16 weeks of age, allow breeders to identify predisposition to hip problems before skeletal maturity. This early screening enables implementation of management strategies that may reduce the severity of dysplasia, including controlled exercise, appropriate nutrition, and joint supplements during the critical growth period.

Elbow dysplasia occurs with lower frequency than hip dysplasia but can cause significant functional impairment when present. This condition involves malformation of the elbow joint components and often leads to lameness and arthritis. Regular screening using radiographic evaluation helps identify affected dogs and guides breeding decisions to reduce incidence in future generations.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been identified as a concern in some lines of Estrela Mountain Dogs, though prevalence appears lower than in some other large breeds. This heart condition involves enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, potentially leading to decreased pumping efficiency and heart failure. Annual cardiac screening by certified veterinary cardiologists helps identify early signs of heart disease and allows for appropriate management when necessary.

The breed's dense double coat and large size make them susceptible to certain skin conditions, particularly in hot, humid climates. Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) can develop rapidly, especially during shedding seasons when loose undercoat creates moisture retention near the skin. Regular grooming and attention to coat cleanliness help prevent these painful skin irritations.

Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) poses a life-threatening emergency risk for all large, deep-chested breeds including the Estrela Mountain Dog. This condition involves rapid gas accumulation in the stomach followed by potential stomach rotation that cuts off blood supply and requires immediate surgical intervention. Prevention strategies include feeding multiple smaller meals rather than one large meal, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, and using elevated feeding stations to improve eating posture.

Eye problems occur occasionally in the breed, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and entropion (inward rolling of eyelids). Annual ophthalmologic examinations by certified veterinary ophthalmologists help identify these conditions early and guide treatment decisions. Most eye problems have genetic components, making health testing and selective breeding essential for reducing incidence.

Cruciate ligament injuries occur with concerning frequency in the breed, possibly related to their large size, activity level, and genetic predisposition to joint laxity. These injuries often require surgical repair and extended rehabilitation periods. Maintaining appropriate body weight and fitness levels helps reduce injury risk, though some dogs may be predisposed regardless of conditioning.

If you're looking to adopt an Estrela Mountain Dog, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Estrela Mountain Dogs waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting. The Estrela Mountain Dog is a rare breed, so rescue opportunities may be limited. Consider also searching for livestock guardian dog rescues or large breed rescues that may occasionally have Estrela Mountain Dogs available.