Estrela Mountain Dog vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

Estrela Mountain Dog vs Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonChihuahua is originated from Mexico but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Chihuahua may grow 49 cm / 19 inches shorter than Estrela Mountain Dog. Chihuahua may weigh 46 kg / 101 pounds lesser than Estrela Mountain Dog. Chihuahua may live 8 years more than Estrela Mountain Dog. Chihuahua may have less litter size than Estrela Mountain Dog. Chihuahua requires Low Maintenance. But Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
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Mexico
Portugal
Height Male:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 20 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
2 - 8
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
None
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
Fawn, white and black, tan
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Short- and long haired
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, Social, Sweet
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:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

chihuahuaQuite a bit of the Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, and there are different versions about its origins.

While historians speculate, most will agree that the tiny dog hails from Mexico. The UK Kennel Club considers the smooth- and long coat Chihuahuas as 2 distinct breeds.It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua became a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.

Chihuahua is actually the name of a state in Mexico, and it is amazing that Chihuahua specimens were found way back in the 1800's already. Today the Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed in several countries.

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

chihuahua puppy - descriptionThe small Chihuahua stands at about 15 – 23 cm and he weighs about 1,5 – 4kg.

You’ll notice that he shivers when he is excited or when he is cold or frightened. Some people buy him a jersey to don on cooler days. With this tiny toy dog, you get a short- and a long coated Chihuahua.

This is the smallest dog breed and his coat is available in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, white and black. It is the dog’s round apple-shaped head which is a distinctive feature. He has erect ears and huge fruit-bat type eyes.

Temperament:

The Chihuahua is such an alert, fun-loving, feisty little dog, and though he may appear to be an ideal pet for children, he actually isn’t. He is too dainty and frail, and a child, during play, could accidentally crush him.

It’s a pity though because he just loves being around his human family. He is also a highly strung dog, and given the chance, he’ll nip and even bite during games. It is why socialization and training are considered important for the Chihuahua.

Just like with children, how you raise and treat your Chihuahua will determine how he turns out. He is such a sweet little dog that training and socialization can remove these unwanted characteristics. He is very intelligent and responds well to training.

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

chihuahua dog - characteristicsSmall and feisty, the Chihuahua’s personality isn’t set in stone, and the tiny dog can be either shy and timid or he can be social, confident and jaunty.

They're always loyal and affectionate to their human owners, but they don’t get on too well with- and are wary of small children who aren’t disciplined and who could hurt them.

With his big eyes and big ears together with his comical antics, they can be a source of entertainment for their human owners. He is easy to train too and even though he is small, he doesn’t think he is, and he is willing to use his big personality to make you a loving, loyal and devoted 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

chihuahua puppies - health problemsThe Chihuahua doesn't have any particular health issues, more so when you get him from a reputable breeder. With good care he can reach 20 years of age.

Hypoglycemia:

Known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is easily treatable, but if it isn’t caught early it can be fatal.Hypoglycemia makes a dog lethargic and he’ll shiver and could go into a coma. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation or bloat is when the stomach twists, it becomes enlarged and blood supply is cut off to the stomach. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Dental Disease:

Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, so you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up, gum disease, loss of teeth and other diseases.

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

Diet:

chihuahua dogs - caringAlways make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua as this will keep him in tip-top health. A healthy Chihuahua can live to be 20 years of age. Speak to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of food to feed your tiny pet.

Giving him some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken for instance will be a welcome treat for him. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Exercise:

The Chihuahua may well be the smallest toy sized dog breed, but don’t be mistaken – he has plenty of energy and is constantly prancing around. He is more than capable of living in a small apartment, but even so he needs to be taken outside every now and then for a game or a walk.

Be careful with your small pet though, as too much exercise can lead to elbow- and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:

The Chihuahua is a moderate shedder with Spring being their heavier shedding period. Because of his small size, you won’t be bothered by too much hair. The short haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain and with a rubber brush, you can brush him gently twice a week.

You’ll also need to clip his nails and if you can’t manage this your vet can also help you.

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