Searching for reputable Estrela Mountain Dog breeders in the United States can feel overwhelming. It’d probably be easier to ask Alexa to find a unicorn. It’s especially difficult to find an Estrela Mountain Dog breeder on this side of the ocean. The breed is rare outside of Portugal and has already faced exploitation from unethical breeders in non-native countries. But don’t worry, we are here to help. First, let’s take a look at the Estrela Mountain Dog Breed. So we can determine the most effective way to find an ethical Estrela Mountain Dog Breeder.
Estrela Mountain Dog Breed Overview
Estrela Mountain Dogs are one of the most overlooked ancient dog breeds in the world. They were largely forgotten due to their remote Portuguese origins. However, their high intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and uncanny working ability endear them to humans lucky enough to know them. They are an empathetic, well-built, large dog breed that embodies everything a dog is supposed to be.
And finding a reputable Estrela Mountain Dog breeder is the first step in finding an Estrela puppy of your own.
When trained properly, both male and female Estrela Mountain Dogs can fill various roles in professional fields including companionship, therapy, and livestock protection. The Cao da Serra da Estrela has excellent instincts and a strong desire to bond with and protect their humans. This versatility also allows them to become wonderful therapy dogs and family companions.
When it comes to choosing a patient and intuitive family member, a skilled livestock guard dog, an alert and vigilant house guardian, or just a lovable friend to spend your free time with, the Estrela Mountain Dog Breed is a great choice. Learn more Breed Facts here.
Let us help you in your search for the best Estrela Mountain Dog breeders in the United States. We have great contacts with reputable breeders here and native breeders in Portugal.
Estrela Mountain Dog Puppies For Sale In The United States
To find the best Estrela Mountain Dog breeders in the United States, it’s crucial to understand what separates the good ones from the bad ones.
As a responsible future Estrela Mountain dog owner, you will want to focus on sourcing your upcoming puppy from a reliable and ethical breeder instead of a questionable or irresponsible one.
In order to purchase a healthy puppy and not have to worry about any possible health problems later in your dog’s life, it’s imperative to choose an Estrela Mountain Dog breeder that health tests their adults, and doesn’t overbreed. Avoid any and all backyard breeders, puppy mills, kennels, and pet stores that are in business for quick profit or exploitation. Those who breed ethically do not breed underage dogs, or un health tested dogs. They perform recommended health testing, produce puppies for the benefit of the breed, and stand by their puppies. They will take their puppies back if you are no longer able to keep them.
Good Estrela Mountain Dog breeders always adhere to the Estrela Mountain Dog breed standard. The FCI established the original Estrela Mountain Dog Standard in 1944. In the United States, the Estrela Mountain Dog is part of the AKC foundational stock program. Breeders understand the goals and function of their breed. They do everything they can to ensure that the pups they create are healthy and have a good start.
Finding a trustworthy Estrela Mountain Dog breeder near you is a task that’s easier said than done – but that’s where we come in to help.
Good Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders in the USA vs Bad Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Here’s a quick overview of the differences between the good and bad Estrela Mountain dog breeders:
| Quality | Good EMD Breeder | Bad EMD Breeder |
|---|---|---|
| History | Has studied the function and purpose of the breed. Receives native breeder mentoring. Researches breed lines. | Does not understand the history, function of purpose of the breed. Matches whatever pair of dogs they can find, or import. |
| Breeding Purpose | Breeds puppies to preserve and maintain the indigenous breed. Does not breed for fad or fast profit. | Decides it’s cool to promote and exploit a “new” dog breed. Breeds indiscriminately for personal gain. |
| Ethically Cares for Dogs | Understands the Estrela’ original function and provides their dogs and healthy and happy quality life. Allows them to dig, exercise and be human companions. | Keeps dogs in kennels or hands off herd conditions. Does not recognize that Serra da Estrela’s need human companionship along with proper exercise and mental stimulation. |
| Allows Dogs to Mature | Understands that Estrela’s are a large breed and need adequate time to mature. Does not exploit imported stock by breeding indiscriminately before 18 months of age. Does not make excuses for purposefully breeding underage dogs younger then the LOP requirements. | Starts advertising stud dogs and future litters before the dog is even imported. Depends on puppy health testing and does not allow the dog to mature and complete health requirements. Breeds males before 12 months of age and females before they are mature. Exploits the breed by not following native breed club guidelines. |
| Health Testing | Follows basic breed health testing at the minimum. Does not depend on DNA health testing alone. | Ignores health testing because dogs “look healthy”. Claims that incomplete health testing is sufficient. |
| Temperament | Understands and upholds the true Estrela Mountain Dog Temperament. Sources dogs that are indigenous and display the true Serra Character. Does not tolerate human aggressive lines. | Breeds confirmation at the expense of personality. Excuses aggression and faulty temperaments as being a “herd dog quality”. Promotes or engages in bite work training and prospects. |
| Screens Puppy Buyers | Understands that puppies need responsible and trustworthy homes. Does not place puppies indiscriminately or as mixed breeding prospects. | Does not advocate for their pups. Accepts hands off herd situations, kennel prospects, and less then ideal quality of life owners. Sells with breeding rights to any situation. |
| Cost of Puppies | Often very expensive. Offers support and health guarantees. Keeps puppies until they have found good homes and takes them back if it does not work out. Does not contribute to shelter populations. | May be less expensive. Does not offer health guarantees. Sells for profit or exploitation. Will refuse to take puppies back, and these puppies are at risk of needing rehabilitation or worse. |
What Defines Good Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders in the United States?
A reputable Estrela Mountain Dog Breeder in the United States will show commitment to the health and the history of the breed. They will prioritize care and Quality of Life for their dogs over profit. Here are some of the things you’ll want to look for when selecting the right breeder.
Most prospective pet parents search online for ‘Estrela mountain dog breeders near me’ to find puppies. However, it’s a much better idea to check out dog breeder review sites first and join a waiting list after locating a good breeder.
To help you find a responsible Estrela Mountain dog breeder here are the factors considered when picking out these reputable breeders in the USA.
Health clearances
The foundation of a healthy puppy comes from health-tested breeding lines. It’s not worth the risk of preventable genetic disease, and the heartache that can come with untested breeding stock. Reputable breeders strive to have complete health clearance information for both parent dogs (here’s an example from GRCA).
Health scores for parent dogs should be a minimum of “fair” grading, but a higher grade of “good” or “excellent” is preferable. Do not fall for the myth that DNA swab testing is “complete” health testing. Check whether they meet the requirements of the parent breed club. Health testing does not guarantee a dog’s health, but it is a worthwhile start.
Dog Pedigree & Registration
Responsible dog breeders understand their breeding goals and know their dogs’ lines if possible. Function, health, and personality are all inheritable traits in animals. A reputable breeder doesn’t just match any old dog with any old dog, and they will provide buyers with proof of pedigree and possibly registration papers with their puppies.
AKC is the only American registry recognized by the FCI in the United States. The UKC registry may also be recognized by the AKC for foundational stock services. The UKC is the only registry currently offering confirmation show classes for the Estrela Mountain Dog in the United States. Currently, Estrela Mountain Dog puppies in the United States should be AKC registered and possibly dual registered with the UKC for optimum breed exposure. Upon request, breeders will provide proof of this, and they will explain whether the puppies come with Breeding Rights or Companionship-only registration documents.
Estrela Mountain Dog Puppies Age Appropriate Sale
Puppies learn proper dog communication, bite inhibition, and crucial life skills from their mom in the first 3 months of life. For this reason, reputable dog breeders will not separate puppies from their mothers until a minimum of 8 weeks old.
It is illegal in many places to rehome puppies before 8 weeks old, and ideally, the puppies will stay with the parental pack for 8-12 weeks. The first 8 to 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are crucial to their health and socialization, and the mother dog plays an essential role in this.
Vaccinations & Vet Care
Any responsible breeder will make sure that their puppies receive appropriate vet care and a veterinarian-signed health certificate before sending them home. They will also provide proof of vaccinations and a worming schedule that you can take to your veterinarian. You will be responsible for your puppy’s health after adoption. It will be helpful if the breeder provides you documentation to help you get started.
The vaccinations should follow WSAVA’s guidelines, Jean Dodds protocol or guidelines of any other reputable health organization like AVMA.
Written Bill of Sale and Contract
A purchase contract is needed to protect both the dog breeder and the new puppy owner. A reputable dog breeder will provide a written and signed bill of sale for their puppies that also outlines the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in the transaction. It will cover the expected care and quality of life the puppy is expected to receive. Here is a sample puppy contract.
Health guarantees
Ethical Estrela Mountain dog breeders in the United States will provide a written health guarantee for their puppies because they are confident in the genetics behind their puppies. There’s no reason for a conscientious breeder to hide anything. They are proud of their pups and happy to provide you with peace of mind.
Return of puppy guarantee
A responsible dog breeder will take their puppies back if the owner is unable to keep them. They will require you to return the puppy to them and guarantee that you will do it. This means that at any time if you cannot keep your puppy, you sign in writing that you will return the puppy to the breeder.
Responsible breeders do not contribute to the shelter situation, and they care for their dogs for life. Any dog breeder who cares about the population of dogs will implement this take-back clause. Ethical breeders contribute to the homeless pet population solution. They Do Not add to it.
No Pet Store, Wholesale Or Unethical Sales
Reputable dog breeders do not supply puppies to pet stores, wholesale markets, or buyers sight unseen without contracts. Because they care for their dogs, and their quality of life. It’s imperative for a breeder to see that the puppies are adopted by trustworthy people. Breeders screen their buyers to ensure that you are a responsible buyer. This ensures that you know what you’re getting into, and you can be sure that you’re not purchasing a sick puppy.
Good Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders Support and Empower Puppy Owners
Any responsible breeder wants the best for their puppies and their future owners. They are willing to support and empower their puppy families and will be willing to answer any questions you might have about their breeding program, dogs, and the breed.
They will provide feeding guidelines, and training support and ask you plenty of questions to ensure that you will be the right fit for their puppy. While nothing is guaranteed in life, breeders just want the best for their pups. They really do want their puppies to live happily ever after in environments where they are loved and fulfilled.
Questions About Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders in the United States?
The Estrela Mountain Dog breed is still rarely found here in the United States. And unfortunately, many of the most reputable Estrela Mountain dog breeders here have discontinued their programs. Currently, there are very few breeders here that we can recommend. Per our observation, the few breeders that are here currently are either inexperienced with the breed or are breeding for exploitation. In the future, we will compile a list of reputable breeders as a resource for families searching for Estrela Mountain dog puppies. In the meantime send us any questions you might have and we will be happy to answer them.
Estrela Mountain Dog Breeders with Puppies For Sale?
Do we have puppies for sale? No, not currently. But we might have puppies available in the future.
- We only breed a litter of puppies if we have adults that can defend and contribute to the breeding gene pool here.
- We compile a list of owners waiting to adopt future puppies.
- We are committed to ensuring that our puppies receive the most suitable homes possible.
If you are interested in applying for our puppy waiting list you can fill out our form here. We also have contacts with many native Estrela Mountain Dog breeders in Portugal. We will be happy to send you information if you are looking to adopt an Estrela Mountain Dog puppy soon.
Only you can decide which Estrela Mountain Dog breeder in the United States is the right match for you. However, by using common sense and following these guidelines you can figure out the difference between good and bad Estrela Mountain Dog breeders in the USA. We are always here to help you find a reputable one. We will support you in your quest and help you give your puppy the happiest start possible.
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