Brief history

Centuries and centuries of history, populated by shepherds of sparse means, sheep and goats, wolves and cattle thieves, long summer journeys to where pastures were most abundant - and, in the twentieth century, the course of the narrative to follow as well, or mainly, in other ways, with properties to keep and a more sedentary life, in the company of families and children with whom to play, and also the discovery of other places in the world, cold or warm. One could thus summarize the journey of the Estrela Mountain Dog through time, from the remote reports about great guardians in the mountains, in the days of the Roman invasions, to the images of joy and affection (but also those of abandonment) that flood social networks.

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Its origins as a livestock guardian dog and with a life of hard work in sometimes harsh geographies shaped and consolidated the functionality and robustness of the breed, which essentially still persists, as does its temperament, often suspicious to strangers but of great docility and connection to their humans and to all the beings with whom they share their life. For this reason, the Estrela, as it is commonly called in English, has become the most popular of the Portuguese dog breeds in their homeland, despite the long-haired variety being much better known and appreciated by most people than the short-haired variety, which, however, is still preferred by shepherds, due to the much easier maintenance resulting from the little need for grooming. ​ Overall healthy, intelligent, with a balanced temperament and great learning capacity despite their independent personality and stubbornness, the Estrela continues to win admirers, in Portugal and other countries, where their courage and the confidence they inspire are increasingly appreciated by families who are looking for a deterrent guard dog who, on the other hand, is gentle, patient and delicate with children and the elderly. ​ To learn more about the breed, read the section