The earliest ancestors of the Estrela breed served as diligent herd guardians in the Serra da Estrela region located in present-day Portugal. Due to the absence of written records, it remains uncertain whether these ancestors were brought by the Romans during their colonization of the Iberian Peninsula or later by the invading Visigoths. Nonetheless, there is consensus that the Estrela is among the oldest breeds in Portugal.
In its initial stages, the Estrela was not the distinct breed we recognize today. It evolved over several centuries, as shepherds selectively bred dogs that possessed the necessary traits to thrive in the challenging mountainous environment and fulfill their duties. These traits included a large size, strength, endurance, agility and a deep chest, the capability to tolerate a limited diet, well-structured legs, a powerful jaw, a neck tuft, an effortless and steady gait, a thick coat and a watchful, cautious, yet loyal temperament.
Life remained relatively unchanged for the people and dogs of the region well into the 20th century. The geographic isolation of the area resulted in the breed's limited recognition beyond its boundaries until the early 1900s when it began to gain some attention, albeit being mostly ignored in early dog shows. The Portuguese tended to value foreign breeds more than their own and shepherds often neutered their dogs to prevent them from leaving their flocks to mate. These factors negatively impacted the Estrela breed.
From 1908 to 1919, special shows known as "concursos" were organized to promote and safeguard the Estrela Mountain Dog breed within the region. These shows included specific working trials for livestock guardians. During the trials, a dog and its owner would enter a large field with numerous flocks of sheep. Judges observed the dog's behavior upon entering the field and when the shepherd was instructed to move the flock, causing stragglers. The dog was expected to leave its guarding position gather the stragglers, and then assume a leadership role at the front of the flock. Records of attempts at registry during this period have not survived.
In 1922, the first unofficial breed standard was published as a tentative record describing the functional features found in the best dogs of that era. It briefly mentioned dew claws as indicators of an ideal dog but omitted references to the hooked tail and turned-back ears, which were later incorporated into the official breed standard. The first official standard was established in 1933 aiming to distinguish the Estrela as a distinct breed. This led to the inclusion of hooked tails and double dew claws as requirements with all colors being permissible.
Before World War II, the primary breeders of Estrela dogs were still the shepherds and farmers of the region. Being mostly illiterate, they did not make efforts to adhere to the official breed standard assuming they were even aware of its existence. However, interest in the breed resurfaced in the early 1950s leading to the revival of annual concursos. The objective was to generate interest among Serra residents and encourage compliance with the official standard. During this period, the long-haired variety of Estrela dogs was more commonly seen in shows, although show dogs represented only a small portion of the overall Estrela population in Portugal. Many working dogs, then and now have short hair.
Even today, the Estrela Mountain Dog remains true to its ancestral heritage as a devoted guardian. It continues to serve as a working dog safeguarding flocks both in its native Portugal and elsewhere. Additionally, it is utilized as a police dog in Portugal. Within the home, it makes an ideal family pet due to its vigilance, loyalty, intelligence and natural nurturing instincts—qualities that were crucial in its earliest days.
FRIENDLINESS
LIVELINESS
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
ADAPTATION CAPACITY