Estrela Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Estrela Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonAmerican Mastiff is originated from United States but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. American Mastiff may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Estrela Mountain Dog. American Mastiff may weigh 40 kg / 89 pounds more than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both American Mastiff and Estrela Mountain Dog has same life span. American Mastiff may have less litter size than Estrela Mountain Dog. American Mastiff requires Low Maintenance. But Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
United States
Portugal
Height Male:
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
2 - 8
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
AM Mastiff
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Smooth, shorthair
Short or long - coarse and thick
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american mastiffThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

estrela mountain dogAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

Description

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

Characteristics

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your family.

Health Problems

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

Caring The Pet

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Diet:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Mastiff vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Estrela Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Estrela Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Estrela Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Estrela Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Estrela Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison