Estrela Mountain Dog Weight & Calorie Guide

The Estrela Mountain Dog is one of the oldest livestock guardian breeds from Portugal's Serra da Estrela mountains, used for centuries to protect flocks from wolves. Powerful and imposing at 65–130 lbs, they carry a thick double coat and distinctive hooked tail. As a giant breed, hip and elbow dysplasia are primary orthopedic concerns, and excess weight places catastrophic stress on joints. Bloat (GDV) is a known risk in this deep-chested guardian. Estrelas grow slowly — puppies need careful growth management and adults need strict weight control to protect joints.

Exercise: Estrellas need 45–60 minutes of moderate daily exercise — long walks, hiking, and free movement in a secure area. They are guardians by nature, not endurance athletes. Puppies need limited exercise on soft footing to protect developing joints. Adults enjoy having a job — property patrols and structured tasks provide mental stimulation.

Feeding tips: Feed two measured meals daily using a giant-breed formula. Puppies must be fed a large-breed puppy diet to slow growth and protect joints. Never free-feed. Use a slow feeder to reduce bloat risk and avoid exercise around meals. Adult Estrellas are prone to hypothyroidism — if weight increases without food changes, request a thyroid panel.

Keeping your Estrela Mountain Dog at a healthy 65–130 lbs (30–60 kg) is critical for joint health and longevity. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Estrela Mountain Dogs to set exact daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment tool, and build a balanced meal plan with the feeding guide.