Estrel Shepherd Dog: breed description and breeding

For many hundreds of years, dogs have been constant companions of humans. They not only protect the owner and his territory, but also help to monitor pets, become loyal assistants during the hunt, and also participate in the capture of criminals. The popularity and relevance of animals has led to the emergence of a huge number of breeds that differ in size, color and purpose.

A prominent representative of the undeservedly unclaimed breed is the Estrell Shepherd.

Estrel Sheepdog is a Portuguese mountain dog whose origin dates back to ancient Greece. This species got its start as a result of crossing the Great Dane and the Roman Moloss. For a long period of time, rural Portuguese people used animals as smart and responsible helpers and did not deal with the distribution of the breed and its official recognition.

Only at the beginning of the XIX century animals began to participate in competitions and take prizes and awards, which could not fail to interest professional breeders and experienced dog breeders from around the world. However, breeding work was only begun at the beginning of the 20th century. The long painstaking work of dog handlers made it possible to obtain a unique breed that has survived to this day.Its description is contained in the developed standard.

Estrel Sheepdog is one of the oldest breeds, which after a long natural selection has gained endurance, good health, good physical shape and high level of intelligence.

Despite the unique properties and high popularity among the inhabitants of Portugal, animals are not in demand in other countries. The maximum height of males is 75 cm, and their weight can exceed 45 kg. Females are slightly smaller: their height does not exceed 65 cm, and their weight does not exceed 40 kg. The body shape resembles a rectangle and has a developed muscular system, as well as the middle neck with a scruff and a withers.

The cranium of dogs is large and has a pronounced occipital area. The muzzle tapers slightly from the skull to the nose and looks harmonious and attractive, and skin folds are completely absent on its surface. Powerful strong jaws are edged with painted lip folds. Most pets have a straight nose, but established standards allow a small hump. Dogs have large teeth and a regular scissor jaw closure.

Eyes of medium size with an oblong incision and dark eyelids. Triangular auricles with rounded ends hang down. Animals that do not participate in exhibitions and shows, the owners often stop this part of the body.

The chest area has a rounded shape and flattened ribs. Powerful strong limbs harmoniously combine with the general appearance of the dog. The front legs are parallel, the hind legs are a little wider and have a pronounced developed muscular system. A thick massive saber-shaped tail with a twisted tip is covered with long hair.

This breed is distinguished by a dense wool coat, which has a thick soft awn. The coat is smooth or wavy, tight to the body, with a light undercoat. There are 2 types of shepherd, depending on the length of the hair:

• Shorthair
• long-haired.

On different parts of the body, the wool differs in length:

• on paws and head - short and dense;
• on the ears - very short, soft and shiny;
• on the tail - long and fluffy.

Animals can have the following types of colors:

• grey;
• pale yellow;
• gray yellow.

Mountain dogs are not only physically developed and hardy animals, but also have a strong will and a high level of intelligence. The main character traits of shepherd dogs:

• self-confidence;
• calm
• attentiveness;
• independence;
• own opinion;
• affection for one owner and a very painful parting with him;
• vigilance;
• good-natured and affectionate attitude to all family members;
• developed watchdog qualities;
• courage;
• quick decision making;
• lack of aggression towards other pets;
• independent analysis of any situation;
• devotion;
• distrustful attitude to strangers;
• lack of fear of a stronger opponent.

The primary purpose of the Estrell breed is to protect a large area of ​​agricultural land and control the movement and preservation of livestock. When buying a dog these factors must be taken into account, and even in urban apartments, try to load the pet as much as possible. Otherwise, the animal will not only be forced to spend energy within the premises, disrupting order and tranquility, but may fall into depression and despondency.

Owners who have invited guests to their house must not allow strangers to the pet, which will perceive them as strangers and may be aggressive. The animal must first be introduced to friends and show him its good attitude towards them, and then the dog will be able to understand that the guests do not pose a threat to the owner.

Estrell shepherd dogs are very intelligent, loyal, caring animals that can independently make the right adequate decisions. Animals can become reliable assistants to farmers and residents of the countryside. Citizens should better refuse to purchase animals or try to create the most comfortable living conditions for them.

The Estrell breed belongs to the unpretentious species of domestic animals that can live even in the most adverse and difficult conditions. Despite this feature, dog handlers recommend that dog breeders adhere to the basic rules and standards for the care and maintenance of pets. An active and energetic animal needs free movement in a protected area. Experts do not recommend keeping a shepherd dog on a chain or in aviaries, as well as in small city apartments.

It is generally better for residents of megacities to abandon this breed or keep it in suburban areas, where a moving and loud barking dog will not hurt anyone. The presence of daily walks in the open space is the key to health and good physical shape of the pet. In the summer, the shepherd should be able to take shelter in a shaded place or hide from the heat in a cool room.

Dogs need in daily combing long hair, and during the change of coat, this procedure should be carried out at least 2 times a day. Frequent combing will allow the animal to quickly get rid of old hair and prevent the formation of tangles. Every 3 months, the pet should be bathed with special shampoos and conditioners. This will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor and parasites.

Experts recommend Regularly examine your ears, eyes, mouth, and nasal passages. If pus or mucus appears, you should contact your veterinarian for help, and if there is any contamination, carefully remove them with cotton swabs or discs. To prevent the formation of tartar and the formation of the correct bite, experts recommend periodically giving pets large bones and special chewing toys. Special nippers will help to timely correct the length of the claws.

Regular visits to veterinary clinics, timely vaccinations, as well as treatment against parasites and worms will help prevent the development of dangerous diseases and strengthen the immunity of animals. Failure to comply with hygiene and sanitary standards can trigger the development of the following diseases:

• violation of the musculoskeletal system;
• dermatitis and skin rashes;
• diseases of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems;
• disruption of the digestive tract.

In order for the animal to be able to fully grow and develop, and also to maintain a high level of physical and intellectual activity for a long time, it must be provided with a complete diet. The menu of the animal should contain an increased level of protein and carbohydrates. Owners can choose their own power system. A pet can be fed with already prepared feeds, as well as natural products.

If the owner opted for ready-made formulations, then you need to purchase only high-quality products that contain a minimum amount of dyes, stabilizers and food additives and can prevent the formation of stones and sand in the kidneys and in the organs of urination.

Before making a menu for your pet yourself it is necessary to consult with specialists who will help to balance the diet as much as possible. Due to the fact that the shepherd is a predatory animal, half of its daily diet should consist of fresh, quality meat and offal. Other products on the menu are vegetables and cereals. Meat products should be fresh or slightly boiled, it is better to cook cereals in water or meat broth. Before serving, boiled or fresh vegetables should be cut into small pieces.

Not more than 2 times a week, a pet can be pampered with eggs, fish, kefir and cottage cheese. As vitamin supplements, you can use fish oil, bone meal, linseed and olive oil. To maximize the supply of a pet that uses natural products with vitamins and minerals, experts recommend the use of special vitamin complexes.

It is strictly forbidden to give the following products to the shepherd:

• sweet confectionery;
• fried, salted and smoked food;
• chocolate;
• pasta;
• sugar;
• fat meat;
• grapes;
• citrus;
• whole milk;
• Tomatoes
• potatoes;
• mayonnaise and sauces;
• seasonings;
• canned food;
• chips;
• semi-finished products;
• sausage and sausages;
• instant products;
• food from the hosts table;
• vitamins for people.

The diet of an adult dog should consist of 2 meals a day. The shepherd must have constant access to clean fresh water. Food and water containers must always be clean and free from residues of missing food.

Due to its high intelligence, quick reaction and desire to make decisions independently, the animal needs early training, which will make it possible to direct the line of behavior in the right direction.

On the first day the puppy is in the house, he needs to show his place and begin the process of training. If the owner does not devote time to raising, then in a few months the animal will completely get out of control and become uncontrollable. Owners of a stubborn wayward dog should understand that the training process will not only take a lot of time, but also require a lot of strength, patience and perseverance. Training should be regular and should not be suspended for a single day.

To maintain good physical shape, the dog constantly needs to come up with strength exercises, which can consist of jumping and running. Shepherd dogs respond positively and enjoy performing complex exercises that contain both physical and intellectual stress. After correctly executed commands or good behavior the pet must receive a favorite treat as praise.

A smart and self-sufficient animal categorically does not tolerate rudeness, insults and the use of physical force. An incorrect attitude of the owners can provoke aggression of the pet and a complete loss of control over it. In the absence of training experience or lack of time and desire, experts recommend seeking the help of professional dog handlers who will train the pet in all the necessary commands and adjust its behavior. Specialists can not only curb the dog’s temper, but also prepare it for work in the following areas:

• shepherd;
• territory guard;
• bodyguard;
• detective;
• hunter;
• border guard.

For more details on the breed of the Estrelian Shepherd Dog, see the next video.