Estrela Mountain Dog vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
85% Compatible
Energy Level
Estrela Mountain Dog: Calm0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Estrela Mountain Dog: N/A
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Estrela Mountain Dog: Weekly Brushing0.4
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Estrela Mountain Dog5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Estrela Mountain Dog3/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
Estrela Mountain Dog2/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Estrela Mountain Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint inflammation
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Eye Problems: Various conditions
Heart Issues: Cardiac concerns
Joint Problems: Mobility issues
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
Pros & Cons Comparison
Estrela Mountain Dog
Pros
Excellent guardian instincts
Loyal to family
Weather-resistant coat
Independent nature
Good with livestock
Cons
Requires extensive space
Strong-willed personality
Heavy shedding
Not suitable for apartments
Needs experienced owner
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
Estrela Mountain Dog Fun Fact
These dogs traditionally wore spiked iron collars called 'carlancas' to protect their necks from wolf attacks.
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
Heritage & Purpose
Estrela Mountain Dog
Origin:
Dating back to the Serra da Estrela mountains of Portugal, these dogs served as guardians of sheep flocks against wolves and other predators since the Middle Ages.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
Special Considerations
Estrela Mountain Dog
Needs regular brushing during shedding seasons, extensive early socialization, and secure fencing. Guardian instincts require proper management and training.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.