Italian Greyhound vs Estrela Mountain Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
Estrela Mountain Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Estrela Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Estrela Mountain Dog boasts a robust build with a thick double coat that can be either long or short. Standing up to 29 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a proud bearing and strong muscular structure. Their distinctive features include a black mask, dark eyes, and a confident expression that reflects their guardian heritage. The breed's weatherproof coat comes in solid colors including fawn, wolf gray, or yellow, often with brindling.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Italian Greyhounds are more energetic than Estrela Mountain Dogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Italian Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to Estrela Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Italian Greyhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Estrela Mountain Dogs.
- Trainability: Estrela Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Estrela Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Estrela Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Italian Greyhound and Estrela Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Estrela Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Estrela Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 25-29 inches 62-74 cm |
| Weight | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg | 77-132 lbs 35-60 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Estrela Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Alert, Sensitive | Alert, Intelligent, Brave |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Estrela Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is known for being playful, alert, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Estrela Mountain Dog Temperament
The Estrela Mountain Dog is characterized by being alert, intelligent, brave, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Italian Greyhound and Estrela Mountain Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Italian Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Estrela Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Estrela Mountain Dogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Estrela Mountain Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Estrela Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Italian Greyhound and Estrela Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.