Portuguese mountain dog

Other names: Serra da Estrela dog, Cão da Serra da Estrela

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Hair type	Long
Origin	Portugal
Template	Big
Head shape	Long

Weight and size
Sex	Weight	Cut
Female	From 35 kg to 45 kg	From 62 cm to 69 cm
Male	From 45 kg to 60 kg	From 65 cm to 73 cm

History of the breed

the   Portuguese mountain dog   corresponds to one of the oldest dog breeds of the Iberian Peninsula. It owes its name to the Serra da Estrela, a vast mountainous region hosting the homonymous mountain range and which includes the highest point of mainland Portugal (1,993 meters).

Traditionally bred by local shepherds for the protection of their flocks and farms, the Portuguese Mountain Dog   was also used as a draft dog due to its strength. It was then introduced to other countries, especially from the second half of the last century. The breed of the Portuguese Mountain Dog   was definitively recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) on June 23, 1955. Its official FCI standard in force was published on November 4, 2008.

Physical features

Behavior and character

Behavior with others

the   Portuguese mountain dog   is naturally suspicious of strangers. Towards his master, he shows both great attachment and remarkable docility. Qualities which, combined with its physical characteristics, make it an excellent protection dog for herds, but also the properties of shepherds. the   Portuguese mountain dog   is also a great companion for the whole family.

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Education

the   Portuguese mountain dog   is a rather obedient dog, but needs to be taken in hand firmly enough not to let it gain the upper hand. His education excludes any form of brutality , but must, on the contrary, be based on the principles of positive reinforcement.

Living conditions

By virtue of his size and his shepherd dog heritage, the   Portuguese mountain dog   needs to evolve in an environment offering him a lot of space and freedom . A house with a large fenced garden is the ideal living environment for him, whether in the city or in the countryside. He usually sleeps outside, in a shelter which however protects him from the wind and the sun.

Health

the   Portuguese mountain dog   is a rustic and robust dog, which does not fear much health side as long as one takes good care of it. It is quite resistant to cold and bad weather thanks to its double and thick coat. As with most large dogs, the risk of hip dysplasia cannot be ruled out.

To protect you from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends a Portuguese Mountain Dog dog insurance .

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Life expectancy

Maintenance and hygiene

the   Portuguese mountain dog   is fairly simple to maintain. It only requires regular brushing , but its maintenance must be more frequent during the moulting period when it can lose a lot of hair .

It is recommended to brush the dog on a weekly basis . During the moult, which occurs twice a year, the use of the card several times a week makes it possible to get rid of the dead hairs.

Price and budget

No name is currently proposed. Use our tool to find the name of your Portuguese Mountain Dog!

Food

With a good diet , the Portuguese Mountain Dog can live up to 13 years. Its diet consists of human food such as meat, grains, starches and fresh vegetables. It can also be made only from good quality kibble to ensure robust health.

Physical activity

the   Portuguese mountain dog   needs one or two daily walks with a few games. Excessively sustained activities should be avoided so as not to put excessive strain on your joints, which may be weakened by their weight.

Others

We talk on the forum

Which dog for long hikes in the mountains?

Message from Cyril Marito

Running long distance in the mountains with your dog

Message from Kkaa Teeqzy

Sells Pyrenean mountain bitch, very cuddly. 500. Eur

Guest message

bam the dog now bam the dog’s revenge

Message from angeacorne

Amazing – a dog saves another dog

Message from Joo

Do you have a question about the Portuguese Mountain Dog?
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