Feeding an Estrela Mountain Dog requires understanding their unique characteristics and potential health concerns. Despite their impressive size, these dogs are surprisingly moderate eaters, often self-regulating their food intake. Some owners report their dogs occasionally refusing food for several days while remaining perfectly healthy and active.

As large, deep-chested dogs, Estrelas are prone to bloat, making meal management crucial. Divide their daily food allowance into two smaller meals rather than one large serving. Use slow-feeder bowls or puzzle toys to encourage slower eating, and maintain a one-hour gap between meals and exercise. Avoid elevated feeding bowls, which may actually increase bloat risk.

During puppyhood, proper nutrition becomes even more critical as these dogs grow rapidly. Large-breed puppy formulas help support healthy bone and joint development while preventing growth-related issues. The fast growth phase requires careful monitoring to ensure adequate nutrition without overfeeding, which can stress developing joints.

For adult dogs, choose high-quality commercial foods that meet nutritional standards, selecting formulas appropriate for your dog's age, activity level, and health status. Active working dogs require more calories than companion animals, while less active pets need careful portion control to prevent weight gain.

Australian owners should work closely with their veterinarian to establish appropriate feeding schedules and portions. The breed's tendency toward self-regulation means they're less prone to obesity than many large breeds, but monitoring body condition remains important. Fresh water should always be available, with requirements varying based on activity level, temperature, and individual needs.

The Estrela Mountain Dog's distinctive coat, which feels a bit like goat hair, comes in two varieties that need slightly different grooming. Both long-haired and short-haired versions shed moderately year-round, but Australian owners should prepare for two heavier sheds in spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May).

Long-haired Estrelas have a straight to slightly wavy outer coat with beautiful feathering on their tail, neck, and back of their legs. Short-haired dogs have a dense, even coat without the feathering. For either type, a weekly brush with a rake comb is usually enough to manage their thick, weather-resistant fur and remove any dead undercoat.

For dogs spending a lot of time outdoors, especially on large Aussie properties, you'll want to regularly check their coat for burrs, grass seeds, and ticks. Their dense fur can easily hide foreign objects that might irritate the skin.

Bathing is only needed when they get properly dirty. When you do bathe them, use a shampoo for coarse coats that won't make the fur too soft, as this can reduce its protective qualities. Regular ear checks are important to prevent infections, and you'll need to trim their strong, fast-growing nails regularly to keep them comfortable.

Training an Estrela Mountain Dog requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their independent working heritage. These dogs were bred to make autonomous decisions while guarding flocks in remote mountains, resulting in a naturally self-reliant temperament that can challenge inexperienced owners.

Early socialisation proves absolutely crucial for this breed. Begin exposing your puppy to various people, animals, environments, and situations as soon as they're safely vaccinated. This helps prevent their natural wariness of strangers from developing into problematic behaviour. Their guardian instincts mean they'll always be somewhat reserved with newcomers, but proper socialisation ensures they remain manageable and well-mannered.

Positive reinforcement training works best with Estrelas, though expect slower progress than with more eager-to-please breeds. Their independent nature means they'll evaluate whether your requests make sense before complying. Establishing yourself as a calm, consistent leader without resorting to harsh methods is essential for success.

Exercise needs are surprisingly moderate for such a large breed. Daily walks, secure yard time for exploration, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys typically satisfy their requirements. They're naturally calm dogs that prefer measured activity over high-energy pursuits, making them suitable for Australian families who enjoy regular walks rather than marathon running sessions.

Their alertness means they'll bark to announce visitors or suspicious activity - important to manage in suburban Australian neighbourhoods. Training can help control excessive barking while maintaining their valuable guardian instincts.

Remember that Estrelas mature slowly, reaching full physical and mental development around three years of age. Avoid intense physical training during their growth period to protect developing joints.