Curly-Coated Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Curly-Coated Retriever Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever or the Estrela Mountain Dog

Curly-Coated Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Curly-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Curly-Coated Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever Estrela Mountain Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 24 to 30 inches
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 75 to 130 pounds
Life Span 9 to 12 years 11 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $2000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $2000
Temperament Score 91.7 percent No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cord-1 PRA
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • GSD IIIa
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever is 77 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 Curly-Coated Retriever. 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 Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, 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.
  • Curly-Coated Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Curly-Coated Retrievers 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 Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Curly-Coated Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Curly-Coated Retrievers weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Curly-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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.

    Health Problems of Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Curly-Coated Retriever than for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    7 health tests are recommended for Curly-Coated Retriever while 4 tests are recommended for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Curly-Coated Retrievers and in Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Curly-Coated Retriever Health Problems

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retrievers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cord-1 PRA
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • GSD IIIa
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Curly-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Is the Curly-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which one drools more, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Curly-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Curly-Coated Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Curly-Coated Retrievers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Curly-Coated Retrievers shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Do Curly-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Curly-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Is the Curly-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Curly-Coated Retriever vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

    Curly-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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.

    Are Curly-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Curly-Coated Retrievers and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Curly-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Curly-Coated Retrievers 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 Curly-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever:

  • Airedale Terrier (82 percent match with Curly-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier.
  • English Springer Spaniel (79 percent match with Curly-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Irish Setter (82 percent match with Curly-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog vs Irish Setter.
  • 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 Curly-Coated Retriever vs Akbash.
  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Curly-Coated Retriever vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Pyrenean Mastiff (75 percent match with Estrela Mountain Dog). Here is our comparison of the Curly-Coated Retriever vs Pyrenean Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Curly-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Curly-Coated Retriever versus Kishu Ken     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Cavachon     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Cairn Terrier     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Borzoi     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Berger Picard     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Havanese     Curly-Coated Retriever versus Affenhuahua     

    Estrela Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Estrela Mountain Dog versus Maltipoo     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Cavapoo     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Akita Chow     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Cockalier     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Chorkie     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Bracco Italiano     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Puggle     Estrela Mountain Dog versus Bich Poo     

    Conclusion: Curly-Coated Retriever 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 Curly-Coated Retriever and the Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.