Shetland Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Shetland Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonShetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Shetland Sheepdog may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Estrela Mountain Dog. Shetland Sheepdog may weigh 38 kg / 83 pounds lesser than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

shetland sheepdog - historyThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

estrela mountain dog - historyAlso 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Portugal
Height Male:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Sheltie
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Long and thick
Short or long - coarse and thick
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

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

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

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

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

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

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

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. Shetland Sheepdog vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Shetland Sheepdog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shetland Sheepdog vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Shetland Sheepdog vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Shetland Sheepdog vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Shetland Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Shetland Sheepdog vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Shetland Sheepdog vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Shetland Sheepdog vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Shetland Sheepdog vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Shetland Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Shetland Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Shetland Sheepdog vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Shetland Sheepdog vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  30. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  31. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  32. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds