Slovak Cuvac vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Slovak Cuvac vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonSlovak Cuvac is originated from Slovakia but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Both Slovak Cuvac and Estrela Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Slovak Cuvac may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Slovak Cuvac and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Slovak Cuvac and Estrela Mountain Dog has same litter size. Both Slovak Cuvac and Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

slovak cuvac - historyLooking quite a bit like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Slovak Cuvac is a large dog that has served as a guard dog. The Slovensky Cuvac is still used on sheep farms as he isn’t afraid of wolves and bears and will take them on if needs be.

Records of this dog have been kept since the 17th century already, and when the breed started dying out, a certain Dr Antonin Hruza put in efforts to revive the dog.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia and a club for the dog was established in 1933. A written standard was established in 1964. The dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

estrela mountain dog - historyAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Slovakia
Portugal
Height Male:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
White
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Thick, medium length, wavy
Short or long - coarse and thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

slovak cuvac puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog standing at between 59 and 70cm in height and weighing between 31 and 44kg.

The neck is broad and has quite a bit of fur around it. The head is large, the eyes dark brown, the double coat is white and thick and medium length. The eyes are brown, the ears medium length and floppy and the tail long and furry.

He has well-muscled limbs and is fairly agile for such a large dog.

Temperament:

This is a robust dog, used to spending time outdoors keeping watch over livestock. When he is invited into the home, he is gentle and well behaved, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He is loving and loyal towards his human family and will get on well with children in the home. He isn’t the brightest dog but you can still have him trained.

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

Characteristics

slovak cuvac dog - characteristicsYour playful Slovak Cuvac is an affectionate dog, wanting nothing more than to be totally involved in his family’s life.

He is social and loving and also makes an excellent watchdog. He’s a big dog so think carefully before you bring him into your home. Many dog owners like the look of a big dog and forget that it costs a lot of money to feed a big dog and to pay for vet fees.

This big dog is wanting to be part of your family and not just to be discarded when you find that he is costing you too much.

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your family.

Health Problems

slovak cuvac puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy dog breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia is a threat. Hip dysplasia is always reason for concern as the condition can reduce a dog’s quality of life.

It is distressing seeing your once active pet becoming reluctant to play and move around.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition. It can strike any size dog but is more prevalent with large dogs. The ball and socket of the hip doesn’t fit properly and deterioration sets in resulting in loss of function of the joint.

You will need to get your dog to the vet who will perform a physical exam and discuss treatments to alleviate the pain your dog can experience.

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

Caring The Pet

slovak cuvac dogs - caring◆The thick white hair will require regular grooming to keep it free from burrs and dirt. He sheds so this brushing will help him to look more groomed.

◆The nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears too should be checked for redness and infection. You’ll need to look inside his mouth too as a rotting tooth can cause havoc within his body. A rotten tooth can also cause him tremendous pain and he has no way of telling you this.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want any puppies. This is better for your dog’s health in the long run too.

◆Your Slovak Cuvac is going to need a lot of exercise as they have always been used to roaming the mountains watching over livestock.

◆This is a big dog so if you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its for large, energetic dogs. There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market – just make sure you buy the best one for your pet to enhance health and longevity.

Try and give him some home made food too. Healthy food which won’t jeopardise his digestion is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. These can all be chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Your dog will thank you for not giving him exotic people foods which can do lots of harm. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Diet:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Slovak Cuvac vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  2. Slovak Cuvac vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  3. Slovak Cuvac vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  4. Slovak Cuvac vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  5. Slovak Cuvac vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  6. Slovak Cuvac vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  7. Slovak Cuvac vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  8. Slovak Cuvac vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Slovak Cuvac vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  10. Slovak Cuvac vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovak Cuvac vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  12. Slovak Cuvac vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  13. Slovak Cuvac vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Slovak Cuvac vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  15. Slovak Cuvac vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  16. Slovak Cuvac vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  17. Slovak Cuvac vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovak Cuvac vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  19. Slovak Cuvac vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Slovak Cuvac vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Slovak Cuvac vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. Slovak Cuvac vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  23. Slovak Cuvac vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  24. Slovak Cuvac vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Slovak Cuvac vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  33. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds