Pungsan Dog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Pungsan Dog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonEstrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal but Pungsan Dog is originated from North Korea. Estrela Mountain Dog may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Pungsan Dog. Estrela Mountain Dog may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than Pungsan Dog. Estrela Mountain Dog may live 3 years less than Pungsan Dog. Estrela Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Pungsan Dog. Both Estrela Mountain Dog and Pungsan Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Portugal
North Korea
Height Male:
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
18 - 24 kg
39 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
18 - 24 kg
39 - 53 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Phungsan, Poongsan
Colors Available:
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
White
Coat:
Short or long - coarse and thick
Thick, short to medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

estrela mountain dogAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

The Pungsan Dog hails from Korea.

pungsan dogIt is a hunting dog and considered to be a National Treasure of Korea. It was during the Japanese occupation of Korea that the dog’s thick coat was sought after for use in fur coats for the Japanese military.

The population numbers plummeted dramatically, with the Korean War reducing the numbers even further. The North Korean government assisted with re-establishing them.

Today, the Pungsan isn’t recognized by the Federation Cynological International (FCI) and also remains unrecognized by any major kennel clubs.

Description

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

pungsan dog puppy - descriptionThe Pungsan dog is a large dog – a kind of spitz-type dog which stands between 55 and 60cm in height and weighs between 18-24 kg.

The dog has a thick whitish coat that even allows them to sleep in the snow. They have a muscular build with a deep chest. The legs are straight and strong, with the typical Spitz-type triangular head with the almond-shaped eyes and erect ears. The tail is high-set, curling over the back. After mating, within 60 – 70 days they can produce 2 to 4 puppies.

Temperament:

It it thought that the Pungsan’s intelligence is due to wolf DNA but there is a question mark over this. They are intelligent dogs though.

These dogs are always loyal and protective of their owners, forming strong bonds with them. They are strong-willed and independent and will require training and socialization if you want them to be obedient, well mannered dogs.

They’re intelligent so won’t have problems learning. When properly trained and socialized, they can be good playmates for children. He is also able to get along well with other animals in the house.

They’re aloof with strangers and have strong territorial instincts, but this just goes towards making them excellent watchdogs.

Characteristics

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your family.

pungsan dog dog - characteristicsThe Pungsan is a wonderful dog if you’re looking for an affectionate, loyal pet.

These dogs thrive on having an owner that is energetic and a strong leader. It likes to become involved in all the activities the family is involved in, loving to join them on hikes and camping trips. Its a dog that is also protective and territorial and makes a good watchdog too.

With proper training and socialization he gets on well with children and other pets in the home, making him a welcome canine family member for any busy household.

Health Problems

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

pungsan dog puppies - health problemsThe Pungsan is a healthy breed prone to very few health issues, yet there will always be those common health issues that plague dogs like these. One of these is hip dysplasia, while others are obesity, bloat and cancer.

Hip dysplasia:

It can be very sad when your vet tells you that your dog has hip dysplasia. Fortunately with modern veterinary medicine, a dog can be kept happy with this ailment.

The hip joint doesn’t develop properly and painful wear and tear with arthritis makes it very difficult for the dog to be mobile. It’s a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors play a huge part too. Get your pet to the vet to ensure he is pain free.

Epilepsy:

Seizures in a dog can be caused usually because of trauma, tumor or infection. Seizures can start from as young as 6 months of age.Some seizures can last for a long time and are considered an emergency, requiring immediate veterinary help.Your veterinarian will want a complete history and perform a neurological exam.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

Grooming:

pungsan dog dogs - caringWith his dense coat, this dog will require a brush twice a week to keep the fur free from matting and from loose hair. He is after all a fairly heavy shedder and will require this regular brushing to remove the dead hair and maintain the luster and sheen of the coat.

Exercise:

This is a strong, athletic dog and he is mentally sharp as well. He will require vigorous physical- and mental activity each day. He isn’t the kind of dog to lie around for long periods of time as this leads to frustration and destructive behavior and then the owner should be blamed.

Take him on walks or long hikes – he’ll love that – and play ball- and rope games with him. He will be quite game for swimming as well.

Diet:

Your Pungsan dog can get to 14 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to be sure your pet gets some nutritious home-made food too.

Make sure that the kibble is the high quality ones with lots of vitamins and minerals. Add in some home-made food twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Your dog will do well on plain, simple, nutritious, tasty food like this. Chop this food up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  25. Pungsan Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Estrela Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Estrela Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Estrela Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Estrela Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Estrela Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison