Breed Comparison: Chihuahua Versus Estrela Mountain Dog

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or the Estrela Mountain Dog.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Chihuahua versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog

FactorChihuahuaEstrela Mountain Dog
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/53/5
Life Span10 to 18 years11 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
General Health2/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds75 to 130 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/53/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Easygoing1/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder24 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1820$2000
Price Range$850 – $2500$2000 – $2000
Temperament Score69.6 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Estrela Mountain Dog, we still believe that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!

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

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

  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Chihuahuas are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall 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.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Estrela Mountain Dogs is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Estrela Mountain Dogs is 13.0 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Temperament of the Estrela Mountain Dog Versus the Chihuahua

    The Estrela Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Estrela Mountain Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Estrela Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Estrela Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 1 Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Estrela Mountain Dog

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua 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 the 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 Chihuahua.

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    Chihuahua Estrela Mountain Dog
    Average Price $1820 $2000
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $2000 to $2000

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. 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 Chihuahua 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

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

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

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

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

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

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

    Chihuahuas 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.

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

    Chihuahuas 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.

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

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

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