Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Profile

Head: Mesaticephalic skull type and always in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is fairly clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles, with the skin being well-fitted but pliant. Wrinkles and loose skin, especially around the eyes, is incorrect on the head. The head is somewhat long, forming a somewhat elongated wedge. It should never appear heavy or light. The topskull is somewhat arched, both in profile and from the front. The head is well-padded with powerful muscles in the cheeks and temporal area. The superciliary arches are slightly developed, with a developed median furrow. The occipital protuberance is not pronounced. The occiput is fairly developed but well concealed by the coat.

Eyes: Medium to medium-small in size. They are oval to almond in shape, ranging from amber (preferred) to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The brows are somewhat defined. There should be no sign of looseness around the eyes. Exposed whites, haw, or pink membranes are incorrect and should be faulted. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Somewhat small in size, neither high nor low on the skull, but set just above the level of the eyes. The ears are fairly broad at the base, hanging, and rose-eared with somewhat rounded tips. There is sufficient lift at the base. The inner edge and tips are visible and lie away from the head.

Muzzle: The muzzle is fairly long, strong, full, deep, and broad at the base but tapering toward the tip. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight but with a very slight convex arch (Roman nose) toward the nose. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipey or weak. The muzzle should never appear pointed.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for a good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is relatively clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or overly pendulous dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Substantial, deep, broad, and of good length, with moderately strong and solid bone substance and powerful muscle throughout. Powerful yet elegant, never heavy, cloddy, racy, or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually downward or below the level of the topline, never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail is of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be gently curved, curved toward the end, or with a shepherd’s crook at the end.

Movement: Movement is powerful yet athletic, energetic, efficient, effortless, and tireless. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Estrela Mountain Dog breed is an impressive dog with a serious and devoted nature, fierce loyalty, and extraordinary strength to back up its imposing presence. Although docile and calm with their family, they will not hesitate to protect their family or property from any perceived harm. Like other large and giant breeds, they bond instinctively to children. Being an excellent guardian of property and person, they will remain leery of anyone deemed an outsider. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.