Cão da Serra da Estrela
Temperament:
The Cão da Serra da Estrela is an old Portuguese dog breed, especially bred for herding large flocks. In addition, the faithful four-legged friend can also be a wonderful family dog in experienced hands.
Characteristics
The males are usually larger and heavier than the females and can weigh up to 50 kg with a height at withers of 72 cm. The large dog has a compact stature, but is well proportioned.
The relatively small ears are triangular and set backwards.
De Cão Da Serra Da Estrela is bred with long and short coats, but the long-haired variety has prevailed. Both variants have a dense undercoat and above it a likewise dense, but goat-like topcoat.
The color of the coat ranges from dun to gray to yellow. A distinctive feature of this breed is a dark shading of the face. -Similar to a mask.
As his job demands, the Cão Da Serra Da Estrela is very watchful and has a fundamental distrust of strangers. However, he is loyal to his master and is very concerned about his welfare.
As a herding dog, he is used to working independently and this is evident in the rest of his behavior.
These characteristics also make it a popular guard or family dog. Nevertheless, a certain amount of experience is required when keeping this dog.
This is mainly due to its pronounced urge to move, which makes it ideal for keeping in rural areas
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Cão Da Serra Da Estrela often inherits a predisposition to hip dysplasia. The right attitude and nutrition in the first months of life can help a lot to prevent an outbreak. Therefore, a balanced diet, adapted to the age of the dog, is absolutely necessary.
Puppies should eat a high-energy diet for the first few weeks, but without being overly stressed. After that, a lower protein diet is preferred to prevent premature growth. Once the dog is fully grown, the energy intake through the diet should increase again and be adjusted to the dog's needs.
Cão Da Serra Da Estrela Care
Grooming this breed usually turns out to be surprisingly easy. Even the long-haired dogs do not require daily brushing and are happy to settle for one grooming session per week. In addition, the coat is naturally dirt-repellent.
During the coat change, however, the Cão Da Serra Da Estrela sheds very heavily and should therefore be brushed through properly every day.
Suitable accessories
For dog sports, this breed is not suitable, despite their joy of movement. They are by far too headstrong for that.
What the Cão Da Serra Da Estrela needs above all is enough space to make forays. -Often he does this even without company
Origin & History
The Cão Da Serra Da Estrela is considered the oldest breed in the Iberian Peninsula. For a long time they have lived as shepherd dogs in the area of the Serra de Estrela. They defend the herds against attackers, such as wolves or even thieves. Nowadays, however, stray dogs are the biggest danger for the herds in the mountains. Not infrequently, the Cão Da Serra Da Estrela is also left alone with the herds.
Even outside Portugal can be found lovers of this breed. So there are breeders in England, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Czech Republic, the Netherlands and the USA.
