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The origin of the Cão da Serra da Estrela, is not totally know. Like the other Mollosser breeds the Serra has its main origin in the old Molossers of Central Asia. In the time of the invasion of the Visigoths it was introduced in the Iberian Peninsula many different large dogs.
From this point the further evolution of the Serra is unknown, but it is possible that a group of the introduced dogs found a home in the Estrela Mountain, where the sheep owners needed a strong, large dog to protect the sheeps from thieves and wolfs.
The Cão da Serra da Estrela have been developed in two varieties; the long hair (that can be found in the south of the mountain), and the short hair (from the north part of the mountain). Isolated in the Estrela Mountains the Cão da Serra da Estrela have developed a homogenity and ethnical purity, and this breed is considered as the oldest dog breed of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Cão da Serra da Estrela is a very rustic dog that loves the camp and outdoor freedom. The Serra does not mind living outdoors the whole year, since it is very esistant to diseases and to bad weather. The Estrela Mountain Dog is a excellent guard dog, one of the best in the world; extremely alert, walking around in order to guard and inspect. The breed does not tolerate any intruders which it is extremely aggressive against. It never forgets a provocation or any intruder, and will if necessary give its life while guarding and protecting its property.
Outside of its own territory the Serra is a very calm dog, displaying a sense of dignity, but always alert. This breed can adapt very well to live in the city, if it has a good backyard. In such conditions it also enjoy the comfort of the living room. However it is not a dog that can live its life between four walls, because it needs exercise. Usually the Serra sleeps a couple of hours in the living room and after the nap the guarding of the house begins.
With its own family the Serra is very loyal, devoted and extremely docile, but also very protective. With the children of the family the Serra is excellent, supporting their games and acting like an "older brother" when playing with them, but if necessary it is also very protective, protecting them against any threat.
Even if the Cäo da Serra da Estrela is a large dog it do not eat much, and it accept almost any kind of food. When young the Serra can be a quite turbulent dog, but when adult it is very calm, but always ready to play and it always stay alert. It is a very agile dog, even for his size.
The serra needs an experienced owner, since it can be a very dominant and obstinate dog. When young it needs to be socialized. The Serra have been used by the police, the mountain police and by the marines from Portugal, doing policework with very good results.
It has also been used in searching for lost people, which it has a natural skill for. Where other breeds has problems because of mountain terrain or because of snow, the Serra has its speciality. It also has a natural skill for pulling small milk carts.
Nowadays the Serra is a very popular dog in Portugal. It is represented in almost every dogshow. There is a very good genetic base in the Portuguese kennels, and there is a lot of quality dogs, and some World Winners, all from Portuguese breeders. Many Portuguese families have adopted this breed as a guarddog, family dog or as guarddog for farms and country estates. And of course, it is still used by the farmers as a livestock guardian for their sheep.
There are good Cão da Serra da Estrela stock in England and in Holland, since there were a lot of exportations to these countries in the 1960's. However, the English Serra differs nowadays from the Portuguese Serra, but English breeders in collaboration with Portuguese breeders are trying to solve these problems. It is necessary, in order to keep the wonderful temperament, that all dogs that have been declared Champions, pass a work test (defence, courage and farm work).
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