Eshtrelskaya Shepherd: breed description and breeding

For many hundreds of years, dogs have been constant companions of man. They not only protect the owner and his territory, but also help to monitor pets, become faithful assistants during the hunt, and also participate in the capture of criminals. The popularity and demand for animals has led to the emergence of a huge number of breeds, which differ in size, color and purpose.

A prominent representative of the undeservedly unclaimed breed is the Estrelsk shepherd.

Eshtrelskaya Shepherd Dog is a Portuguese mountain dog whose roots of origin go back to the times of ancient Greece. This species got its start as a result of crossing the Great Dane and the Roman Moloss. For a long period of time, the villagers of Portugal used animals as smart and responsible assistants and did not distribute the breed and its official recognition.

Only at the beginning of the XIX century, animals began to participate in competitions and take prizes and awards, which could not but interest professional breeders and experienced dog breeders from around the world. However, breeding work was begun only at the beginning of the 20th century. The long hard work of dog handlers allowed us to get a unique breed, which has reached our days. Its description is contained in the developed standard.

The Eshtrelskaya Shepherd is one of the most ancient breeds, which, after a long natural selection, has acquired stamina, good health, good physical shape and a high level of intelligence.

Despite the unique properties and high popularity among the inhabitants of Portugal, animals are not in demand in other countries. The maximum height of male individuals is 75 cm, and their weight can exceed 45 kg. Females are slightly smaller: their height does not exceed 65 cm, and weight does not happen more than 40 kg. The shape of the body resembles a rectangle and has a developed muscular system, as well as a middle neck with a nape and withers.

The skull of dogs is large and has a pronounced occipital zone. The muzzle tapers slightly from the skull to the nose and looks harmonious and attractive, and skin folds are completely absent on its surface. Powerful strong jaws edged painted lip folds. Most pets have a straight nose, but established standards allow for a small hump. Dogs have large teeth and correct scissor jaw closure.

The eyes are medium in size with an oblong incision and dark eyelids. Triangular ears with rounded ends hang down. Animals that do not participate in exhibitions and shows, the owners often stop this part of the body.

The chest area has a rounded shape and flattened ribs. Powerful strong limbs harmoniously combined with the general appearance of the dog. The front legs are parallel, the hind legs are slightly wider and have a pronounced developed muscular system. The thick, massive saber-shaped tail with a twisted tip is covered with long hair.

This breed has a dense woolen cover, which has a thick soft spine. The coat is smooth or wavy, tight to the body, with a light undercoat. Depending on the length of the hair shepherd dogs are of 2 types:

• short-haired
• long-haired

In different parts of the body, the wool differs in length:

• on paws and head - short and dense;
• on the ears - very short, soft and shiny;
• on the tail - long and fluffy.

Animals can have the following types of colors:

• Gray;
• pale yellow;
• gray-yellow.

Mountain dogs are not only physically developed and enduring animals, but also have a strong will and a high level of intelligence. The main character traits of shepherd dogs:

• confidence in your strength;
• calm;
• attentiveness;
• independence;
• having your own opinion;
• attachment to one owner and a very painful parting with him;
• vigilance;
• good-natured and gentle attitude towards all family members;
• developed guard qualities;
• courage;
• quick decision making;
• lack of aggression to other pets;
• independent analysis of any situation;
• devotion;
• distrust of strangers;
• no fear of a stronger rival.

The original purpose of the Estrel breed is to protect a large area of ​​agricultural land and monitor the movement and safety of livestock. When buying a dog It is necessary to take into account these factors, and even in the conditions of city apartments try to load your pet as much as possible. Otherwise, the animal will not only be forced to spend energy within the premises, disturbing order and calm, but may become depressed and despondent.

Owners who invited guests to their house must not allow strangers to the pet, who will perceive them as strangers and may show aggression. The animal must first be introduced to friends and show him its good attitude towards them, and then the dog will be able to understand that the guests do not pose a threat to the owner.

Sheepdogs of Estrelian breed are very intelligent, dedicated, caring animals that can independently make the right decisions. Animals can become reliable assistants to farmers and residents of rural areas. It is better for townspeople to refuse to buy animals or try to create the most comfortable living conditions for them.

Estrelsk breed belongs to the unpretentious species of domestic animals that can live even in the most adverse and difficult conditions. Despite this feature, dog handlers recommend dog breeders to adhere to the basic rules and regulations for the care and maintenance of pets. An active and energetic animal needs free movement around the protected area. Experts do not recommend keeping shepherd dogs on a chain or in aviaries, as well as in small city apartments.

It is generally better for residents of megacities to abandon this breed or keep it in rural premises, where a moving and loudly barking dog will not hurt anyone. The presence of daily walks in the open space - the guarantee of health and strong physical shape of the pet. In summer, the shepherd should be able to hide in a shady place or hide from the heat in a cool room.

Dogs need in daily combing of long wool, and during the change of coat this procedure should be carried out at least 2 times a day. Frequent scratching will allow the animal to quickly get rid of old wool and prevent the formation of tangles. Every 3 months, the pet must be bathed with special shampoos and conditioners. This will prevent unpleasant odors and parasites.

Experts recommend regularly examine the ears, eyes, mouth and nasal passages. If pus or mucus appears, you should seek help from a veterinarian, and if there is contamination, they should be carefully removed with cotton swabs or discs. To prevent the formation of tartar and the formation of proper bite, experts recommend periodically giving large bones and special chewing toys to pets. Special nippers will help to correct the claw length in a timely manner.

Prevent the development of dangerous diseases and strengthen the immunity of animals will help regular visits to veterinary clinics, timely vaccinations, as well as treatment from parasites and worms. Non-observance of the rules of hygiene and sanitary standards can provoke the development of the following diseases:

• disruption of the musculoskeletal system;
• dermatitis and skin rashes;
• diseases of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems;
• violation of the digestive tract.

In order for an animal to have the opportunity to fully grow and develop, as well as to maintain a high level of physical and intellectual activity for a long time, it must be provided with a complete diet. Animal menu should contain elevated levels of proteins and carbohydrates. Owners can choose their own power system. Pet can be fed both ready-made feeds and natural products.

If the owner opted for ready-made formulations, then only high-quality products that contain the minimum amount of dyes, stabilizers and nutritional supplements and will be able to prevent the formation of stones and sand in the kidneys and urinary organs should be purchased.

Before making your own menu for your pet It is necessary to consult with experts who will help to balance the diet as much as possible. Due to the fact that the shepherd is a predatory animal, half of its daily diet should consist of fresh high-quality meat and offal. The remaining products on the menu are vegetables and cereals. Meat products should be fresh or slightly boiled, it is better to boil the cereals in water or meat broth. Boiled or fresh vegetables before serving should be cut into small pieces.

No more than 2 times a week you can pamper your pet with eggs, fish, kefir and cottage cheese. As vitamin supplements, you can use fish oil, bone meal, flaxseed and olive oil. To maximize the supply of a pet that uses natural products with vitamins and trace elements, experts recommend using special vitamin complexes.

It is strictly forbidden to give the shepherd the following products:

• sweet pastry;
• fried, salted and smoked food;
• chocolate;
• pasta;
• sugar;
• fat meat;
• grapes;
• citrus;
• whole milk;
• tomatoes;
• potatoes;
• mayonnaise and sauces;
• seasonings;
• canned food;
• chips;
• semi-finished products;
• sausage and sausages;
• fast food;
• food from the table of the owners;
• vitamins for people.

The diet of an adult dog should consist of 2 meals. Sheepdog should have constant access to clean fresh water. It is essential that food and water containers are always clean and free from leftover food.

Due to high intelligence, quick response and the desire to make decisions independently, the animal needs early training, which will give the opportunity to direct the behavior in the right direction.

On the first day of the puppy's stay in the house, he needs to show his place and begin the process of dog training. If the owner does not devote time for upbringing, then within a few months the animal will completely get out of control and become uncontrollable. Owners of an obstinate wayward dog must understand that the process of training will take not only a lot of time, but will also require a lot of strength, patience and perseverance. Training should be regular and not stop for a single day.

To maintain a good physical form, the dog constantly needs to invent strength exercises, which may consist of jumping and running. Sheepdogs react positively and enjoy performing complex exercises that contain both physical and intellectual loads. After properly executed commands or good behavior The pet must receive a favorite delicacy as a praise.

A clever and self-sufficient animal does not tolerate rudeness, insults and the use of physical force. Incorrect attitudes of the owners can provoke pet aggression and a complete loss of control over it. In case of lack of experience in training or lack of time and desire, experts recommend seeking help from professional dog trainers who will train the pet with all the necessary commands and correct its behavior. Experts can not only curb the temper of the dog, but also prepare it for work in the following areas:

• shepherd;
• territory guard;
• bodyguard;
• detective;
• hunter;
• border guard

About what are the features of the breed of Estrelsk shepherd, see the following video.