Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison

Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bull Arab - Breed ComparisonBull Arab is originated from Australia but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Both Bull Arab and Estrela Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Both Bull Arab and Estrela Mountain Dog are of same weight. Bull Arab may live 3 years more than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Bull Arab and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Bull Arab requires Low Maintenance. But Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
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Australia
Portugal
Height Male:
63 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
61 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 46 kg
59 - 102 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Australian Pig Dog • Aussie Pig Dog
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
white with black, liver or tan[
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
short, harsh coat double
Short or long - coarse and thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal
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

bull arabIn the 1970’s feral pig hunters wanted a dog that could be aggressive in finding and capturing the pigs. The hunters crossed the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Bull Terrier and the Greyhound to develop the Bull Arab. It is believed that the hybrid is at least 50% Bull Terrier. It is also possible that there is some Doberman, Mastiff, Great Dane and/or Pointer in the hybrid as well.

The job of the Bull Arab is to hunt out the feral pigs, grab one by the ear and hold it until the hunter arrives. They have a strong sense of smell and that is how they find the pigs.

Mike Hodgens, an Australian, developed the hybrid and added some Bloodhound as well to get that ability to smell out the pigs at great distances. They are also capable of catching buffalo and cattle. Some Australians use the breed in cattle or buffalo ranching. They are registered with the DRA or Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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

bull arab puppy - descriptionMike Hodgens succeeded in developing a powerful, well built dog. The Bull Arab has a powerful head and muzzle. He has moderate length drop ears and bright eyes that match the color of his coat. His chest is neither shallow nor deep and his back is straight and strong. Their tails are tapered and pointed yet the base is thick. They are a double-coated dog. They can be white with black, tan or liver, flecked or bicolor.

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

bull arab dog - characteristicsThe Bull Arab is intelligent, calm and loyal. Like Pit Bulls in the U.S., the Bull Arab has a reputation for aggression against both people and animals. There is no data to support these claims. They have been used as therapy dogs and companion animals very successfully. They are great with kids and very affectionate. The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals

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

bull arab puppies - health problemsThis is an extremely healthy hybrid with no inherited issues, but they can possible have the same health issues as any of the parent breeds. This can include accidents while hunting, hip and elbow dysplasia and ear infections.

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

Feeding

bull arab dogs - caringThis is a working dog so he needs to eat the right kind of quality dog food. In order to avoid bloat do not feed large meals but rather feed one to two cups of food two to three times a day.

Health issues

Displaysia – can cause lameness and arthritis

Ear Infections – check and clean regularly

Hunting Accidents – this is the biggest reasons for health problems with the Bull Arab.

Exercise and games

These are working dogs that are inactive when not working. They need a lot of exercise if they are not used for hunting. Agility, Tracking and hunting games, and field trials.

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

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  26. Bull Arab vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bull Arab vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bull Arab vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bull Arab vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bull Arab vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bull Arab vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bull Arab vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bull Arab vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bull Arab vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bull Arab vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Arab vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bull Arab vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bull Arab vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bull Arab vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bull Arab vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bull Arab vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bull Arab vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bull Arab vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bull Arab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bull Arab vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bull Arab vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bull Arab vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bull Arab vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bull Arab vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bull Arab vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison