Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonPetit Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Estrela Mountain Dog. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Petit Bleu de Gascogne requires Low maintenance. But Estrela Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

petit bleu de gascogne - historyThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a scenthound dog originating in France where he has always been used as a hunting dog.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a descendant of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. This dog was developed around the 16th century already, with the numbers of the dog being reduced at the time of the World Wars.

They’re quite well known in France, but not in any other parts of the world. The dog is an official member of the UKC, and it was in 1991 that the dog joined their scent hound group.

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.

Description

petit bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium to large sized dog which stands at between 52 to 58cm in height at the withers and weighs in the region of 18 to 22kg.

In fact, the only difference between the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the original Bleu de Gascogne is its size. They’re well proportioned dogs and they have lean, muscular bodies. The head is long and slim, the nose black, the expression gentle and unthreatening.

Most times you’ll find a black patch on each side of the head which extends to the ears so that the ears are essentially black. The patch also extends to around the eyes.

The dense, short coat is a typical trademark feature, with the color of the coat being white mottled with black so that the general appearance is a slate blue color. The dog usually has tan eyebrows over each eye. The tail is long and the ears long and floppy.

Temperament:

Kept essentially as a pet today, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne has kept its hunting instincts and is an excellent scent-dog, being able to follow a scent for miles. It is why you want to ensure that as a pet, you take him on regular walks, every day in fact. He just loves to get out, and given the chance to run and chase a scent.

Apart from his hunting skills, he still makes an excellent pet, being loyal and loving with his human family. He is looked upon as being amicable and well-balanced, getting on well with children as well as dogs in the home.

They’re quite laid-back and friendly, so they don’t make particularly good watchdogs. They are independent and intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

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

petit bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne just loves being outdoors, chasing the scent of something interesting. He is in his element outside as a hunting or tracking dog.

Training and socialization will always be a good idea for these dogs, as once on the scent he may be inclined to ignore your calls and not return easily.

They’re easy-going dogs, loving be around their human family. Provide well for him and you will find that he makes an amicable, loyal and devoted companion.

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

petit bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a healthy dog with no unusual health problems being documented. With good care, he can generally live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. Nonetheless it is a good idea to be aware of some of the horrible dog illnesses that can strike, even though it is highly unlikely.

Bloat:

Your Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a deep chested dog and this simply means it can develop bloat. A swollen stomach, lethargy and trying to vomit are just some of the signs of this ailment which can become deadly if not attended to. The stomach can twist with bloat and this is when things get serious.

Ear Infections:

Floppy eared dogs are always at risk of ear infections and these can be painful for your pet. You will notice him scratching at his ears or shaking his head and then its time to investigate further for redness or discharge.

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

Grooming:

petit bleu de gascogne dogs - caringLuckily the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a fairly low maintenance dog who will basically require a good brush twice a week to rid him of loose hairs and to keep his coat nice and shiny.

Take the time while brushing him to test for any unusual lumps on his body. Check inside his ears too, because as a floppy eared dog, there can be a build-up of wax, debris and dampness and these can all cause bacteria and an ear infection.

Check his eyes too as well as inside his mouth. He can’t tell you when he’s got terrible tooth ache from a rotting tooth and you need to check for this. Bad teeth can cause all kinds of health issues.

Diet:

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market which have got the vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Some of the lower quality foods have got bad ingredients such as colorants and fillers and these can actually be toxic for your pet.

It’s always wise to add a little bit of home-made food into your pet’s diet and then simple, nutritious foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach can do him the world of good. Just chop it up and add it into the dried kibble every other night when you feed your pet. A bit of raw meat occasionally can also be healthy for him.

Always ensure there’s a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Ensure your pet has a nice comfortable, dry place to sleep.

Never ever leave your pet alone in a hot car.

Make sure your puppy has his puppy vaccines to avoid some life-threatening diseases.

Have your dog spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
Portugal
Height Male:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
None
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
Mottled black, giving appearance of slate grey or blue
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Short and smooth
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:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  7. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  8. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  9. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Sakhalin Husky vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  27. Puli vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  28. Porcelaine vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  29. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  32. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  33. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  35. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  41. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  42. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  43. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  44. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  49. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds