Page 51 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

WORKING DOGS

Karst Estrela

Shepherd Dog Mountain Dog

HEIGHT 21–25in (54–63cm) HEIGHT 24–28in (62–72cm) Wolf-gray or Black brindle
WEIGHT 55–93lb (25–42kg) WEIGHT 77–132lb (35–60kg) Underside and extremities may have
LIFE SPAN 11–12 years LIFE SPAN Over 10 years white markings.

Formerly known as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog, this dog was A livestock guardian from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal, this
separated from another breed of the same name and renamed fearless, rugged dog was bred to protect flocks against predators
the Karst, or Istrian, Shepherd Dog in the 1960s. Used for such as wolves. The Estrela Mountain Dog is a loyal and friendly
herding and guarding in the alpine Karst region of but strong-willed companion that needs consistent and patient
Slovenia, this excellent working dog can make obedience training. There are long-coated and short-coated
a good companion with careful training varieties of the breed.
Black hairs intermingle
and early socialization. with fawn hairs
Hair on neck forms Fawn
ruff and mane
Long head
with broad,
Head as wide Iron-gray rounded skull
as it is long
Dark face mask
Flat, long coat
Long,
bushy tail Lighter
gray
markings Thick ruff
Thick, slightly around
wavy topcoat neck and
Dark streak LONG- chest
on front of COATED
limbs

Portuguese Castro

Watchdog Laboreiro Dog

HEIGHT 25–29in (64–74cm) Wolf-gray Black HEIGHT 21–25in (55–64cm) Wolf-gray
WEIGHT 77–132lb (35–60kg) Coat may be brindled; white coats have WEIGHT 55–88lb (25–40kg)
LIFE SPAN 12 years colored patches. LIFE SPAN 12–13 years May have a small white spot on chest.

Possibly descended from the powerful mastiffs brought into Named after its home village in the mountains of northern
Europe from Asia by nomadic herders, this breed is also known Portugal, this dog, sometimes known as the Portuguese Cattle Dog,
as the Rafeiro de Alentejo, named after the Alentejo region was bred to work as a livestock-guardian. Its distinctive alarm bark
of Portugal. Traditionally used for guarding, the starts low and ends high-pitched. This dog
Triangular, drop ears
Portuguese Watchdog is vigilant and suspicious develops a strong bond with family
of strangers. Formidable in size and strength, members but may be hostile Short, very thick,
coarse-textured coat
though not aggressive, this dog is unsuitable to strangers.
for novice handlers.
Black
lips Tail long-haired
Straight,
Triangular, dense coat Almond- on underside,
drop ears shaped eyes usually carried low
Tail slightly
curved at tip
Broad chest
Mountain
Fawn brindle
with white
markings

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