Serra da Estrela Dog Breed

Portugal

The Portuguese Shepherd is nowadays known in all Portugal, but it is considered that the best specimens come from Serra da Estrela. The breed is robust and heavy, and it is considered very valuable both at home and as a guard dog. Its affinity with the mastiff type is obvious (especially regarding the shape of the body), although the head is lighter, the snout is less flat. The eyes are dark amber and the ears are small and triangular and down. The neck is short and thick; the body has a vigorous constitution and the tail is long and saber-shaped. The color must have tones of wolf gray or fawn, uniform colors or multiple colors.

The height at withers is 65 to 72 cm in males and 62 to 68 in females. It is frequent that an adult dog can weigh even 52 kg approximately.

Serra de Aires Dog Breed
Cão de Serra de Aires
In the mountainous region of its native country, this breed is used to guard cattle, pigs and horses. Its body has a rectangular shape, the head is big, wide and round, the eyes are preferably dark. The ears are triangular and hanging, and the tail is long and a little curved. The hair is long, soft and moderately wavy. The breed looks like the Bearded Collie a lot.

The height at withers is 42 to 48 cm in males and 40 to 46 in females. It must weight 12 to 18 kg.