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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog Estrela Mountain Dog
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Height 24 to 34 inches 24 to 30 inches
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 220 pounds 75 to 130 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2110 $2000
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $2000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

  • Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Price of Estrela Mountain Dog

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 56 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Estrela Mountain Dog
    Average Price $2110 $2000
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $2000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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.

    Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog than for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    7 health tests are recommended for Caucasian Shepherd Dog while 4 tests are recommended for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and in Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Caucasian Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Caucasian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Estrela Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Estrela Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Estrela Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Estrela Mountain Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs here.

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Are Caucasian Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Do Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Caucasian Shepherd 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 one drools more, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog:

  • Afador (76 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Afador.
  • Akbash (73 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Mastiff.
  • Boerboel (71 percent match with Caucasian Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Pomapoo     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Great Dane     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Maltipoo     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kishu Ken     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Harrier     Caucasian Shepherd Dog versus Kuvasz     

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Bordoodle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Shichon     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Field Spaniel     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Dogo Argentino     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Mal Shi     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Kishu Ken     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Japanese Chin     Estrela Mountain Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     

    Conclusion: Caucasian Shepherd 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.