Which is Better between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Carolina Dog Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Carolina Dog and for the Estrela Mountain Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Carolina Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog

Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Estrela Mountain Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog to the Estrela Mountain Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Carolina Dog Estrela Mountain Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 75 to 130 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $500 $2000
Price Range $500 – $500 $2000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Estrela Mountain Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Carolina Dog. So, you should get the Estrela Mountain Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    The Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Estrela Mountain Dogs weigh 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Estrela Mountain Dogs are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Estrela Mountain Dog

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Estrela Mountain Dog is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Estrela Mountain Dog
    Average Price $500 $2000
    Price Range $500 to $500 $2000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Carolina Dog and Estrela Mountain Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Carolina Dog puppies or how many Estrela Mountain Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Carolina Dog puppy or the Estrela Mountain Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Estrela Mountain Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Estrela Mountain Dog:

  • Akbash (81 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Estrela Mountain Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Estrela Mountain Dog to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Akita Chow     Carolina Dog versus Maltese     Carolina Dog versus Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Carolina Dog versus Collie     Carolina Dog versus Cavapoo     Carolina Dog versus English Setter     Carolina Dog versus Siberian Husky     Carolina Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Carolina Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Dachshund     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Cairn Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Border Collie     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Harrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Carolina Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.