Vikhan Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal but Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan. Both Estrela Mountain Dog and Vikhan Sheepdog are having almost same height. Both Estrela Mountain Dog and Vikhan Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Estrela Mountain Dog may live 4 years more than Vikhan Sheepdog. Both Estrela Mountain Dog and Vikhan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Vikhan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
undefined
Portugal
Pakistan
Height Male:
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
6 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Colors Available:
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
fawn, black , brown
Coat:
Short or long - coarse and thick
long and shaggy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

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.

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

Description

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.

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

Characteristics

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.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

Health Problems

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.

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

Caring The Pet

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.

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Comparison with other breeds

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