Estrela Mountain Dog

The Estrela Mountain Dog was developed in the Estrela Mountains. Throughout the centuries, his history has become muddied and it is unknown when he came into existence. He is considered to be one of the most ancient breeds of the Iberian Peninsula. The Estrela Mountain Dog lived mainly at the foot of the Estrela Mountains and would travel to the summit in the summer when the herds migrated to the green pastures found at the summit. Historians believe that the Estrela Mountain Dog was already in existence when the Romans invaded Portugal. It is believed that the Romans brought several Estrela Mountain Dogs back to Rome from the Iberian Peninsula to introduce to their flocks of sheep and cattle. He became a trusted companion of the shepherds and followed the flocks into mountain regions to protect them against thieves and wolves. These early mountain dogs are somewhat different than the Estrela Mountain Dogs of today. Now, there is a set breed standard that breeders try to adhere to and produce more uniform offspring. When the breed was first developed, there was no set breed standard and shepherds chose their dogs based on their ability to protect the flock, not looks or how well the dog conformed to a standard. The Estrela Mountain Dog became accepted into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service in 2004. This means that the Estrela Mountain Dog could now be registered with the AKC under the FSS. In 2008 the AKC began allowing the Estrela Mountain Dog to compete in companion events that are sanctioned by the AKC. He has been assigned to the working group for AKC events.