The Portuguese Mountain Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Portuguese Mountain Dog, also called the Serra da Estrela Dog or Cão da Serra da Estrela, is among the oldest breeds of the Iberian Peninsula. It originated in the Serra da Estrela, a vast mountainous region of Portugal, where shepherds long selected it to protect herds and farms. Its strength also earned it use as a draft dog. The breed was definitively recognized by the FCI on 23 June 1955.

The Portuguese Mountain Dog is a large dog of the molossoid and mastiff type, robust, rustic and well proportioned, a little longer than tall. Its head is powerful and long, the body is solidly built with a broad chest and a well-muscled back. The breed exists in a long-haired or short-haired variety, with an abundant, dense coat, of harsh texture, associated with a fine and tight undercoat. The accepted coat colors are yellow, fawn, gray, wolf-gray or brindle, often with a dark mask.

The Portuguese Mountain Dog is a calm, self-assured and naturally protective dog. Very attached to its owner and its family, it is docile with its own while remaining wary of strangers. Its guarding instinct is very pronounced, which makes it an excellent protector of livestock as well as property.

This dog needs space, freedom of movement and a stable environment to thrive. A house with a large fenced garden suits it much better than an apartment. Its daily activity is mainly based on one to two walks and a few games, without seeking overly intense efforts in order to preserve its large-dog joints.

His training must be put in place early with firmness, consistency and calm. The Portuguese Mountain Dog understands well what is expected of him, but his assertive temperament requires a clear framework. Brutal methods must be avoided in favor of positive reinforcement and serious socialization, especially when faced with strangers.

The purchase price of this breed varies depending on the origin of the line, the reputation of the kennel, the tests carried out on the breeding dogs and compliance with the standard. A consistent budget must also include the long-term upkeep of a large dog.

The Portuguese Mountain Dog is overall a hardy and robust breed when it benefits from an appropriate lifestyle, a quality diet and regular veterinary follow-up. Its large size nevertheless requires particular vigilance regarding the musculoskeletal system and weight management.

The Portuguese Mountain Dog needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its large size. Its diet can be based on good-quality kibble or on a properly formulated home-prepared ration, with particular attention paid to energy balance.

This breed is closely linked to the Serra da Estrela, the highest point of mainland Portugal. It exists in two coat varieties, long and short, which remains quite rare among large livestock guardian dogs. Historically, it did not only guard the herds, it was also used for pulling thanks to its strength.