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The Estrela Mountain Dog is a breed that is native to the land of Portugal. There are no known records of the initial breed conception, but it is one of the oldest breeds in Portugal. The first breed standard of the Estrela Mountain Dog was printed in the year 1922. The breed was took hundreds of years to fully develop, as there were many different characteristics that were being sought out. These dogs were used for guarding herds in the mountainous regions of their homeland. According to the EMDAA, the following are the characteristics that the shepherds were seeking to breed into their "perfect" helper: large size, strength, endurance, agility, a deep chest, ability to tolerate a marginal diet, the set of the legs, a powerful mouth, a tuft of hair around the neck, an easy, jog-like gait, a warm coat, and a watchful, mistrustful, yet loyal temperament.

This breed is not yet eligible for registry with the American Kennel Club, but they are eligible with the F.C.I. and the U.K.C. They are accepted in the "Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs" categories. While registry may hold little importance to the hunter or average family, it is important for the breeder or those who are interested in competing with the dogs. It will give the dog far greater value in these areas.

According to breed standards, the Estrela Mountain Dog should be between 62 and 72 centimeters tall, when measured from the ground to the withers. Their weight should be in the range of 30 and 50 kilograms, with males almost always being larger than females. They should be well-proportioned and muscled in appearance and not look fatty. The ears are held in the turned back position and are also dropped. The oval-shaped eyes are intelligent and calm in expression, also holding great sensitivity. The preferred eye color is a dark shade of amber. The nose is darker than the coat color, usually black, and the muzzle on the slightly long side of average in length. There were two requirements that were fairly unique to this breed and they were, the necessity of the dog having double dew claws and that the tail is hooked. This was in the initial standards, but in the 1950s, the dew claws became optional.

There are both long-haired and short-haired variations of the breed. The longer haired dogs are often used for showing, while the short-haired are typically kept as farm dogs or family pets. The fur is quite thick and abundant in both variations. They are also double-coated.

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