Estrela Mountain Dog Names

There are not many Estrela Mountain Dogs within North America and that makes Beau or Champion Meu Beau Ami CGC TDI much more special than just a champion dog that also does therapy work. Beau has earned three championships through the United Kennel Club (UKC), has earned his Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) certification, and his Therapy Dog International (TDI) certification. Beau’s name honors his parents’ heritage; his sire comes from Portugal and his dam comes from France. Meu is my in Portuguese and beau ami is beautiful friend in French; therefore his name in English means “My Beautiful Friend”.

Beau had a rough start in life and when he came to Robin Eatman of Misty Mountain Estrelas he was sick, starved and had been abused. He was diagnosed with having zero muscle mass and most veterinarians said he could not be rehabilitated. Because of Beau’s lack of socialization, he was aloof towards Eatman and her family. Beau had no emotional attachment to anything and did not have an interest in life. It did take months of Eatman working daily with Beau to finally start forming a lasting bond. The Estrela Mountain Dog is well-known for the strong bonds that they form with their families. It took him five months before there was noticeable weight gain and he was able to run like a normal dog. Once his muscles were beginning to build, Eatman increased his exercise by having him run up and down the hills of Eatman’s North Carolina farm. As his body began to heal, so did his spirit and Beau started seeing Eatman and her family as his safety net.

With Beau’s rehabilitation completed, he has become a beautiful, energetic, happy dog. He has formed a deep bond with Eatman and in December of 2007, Beau earned his first UKC championship. He went on to earn two more championship titles before retiring from the conformation ring. In December 2008, he earned both his CGC and TDI certifications. Beau works closely with the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, North Carolina by visiting sick children and bringing them gifts. Eatman has made Beau her foundation sire for Misty Mountain Estelas. Eatman has begun working toward promoting the Estrela Mountain Dog to the general public and is hopeful that this rare breed begins to grow in popularity. Eatman’s door is always open to those wishing to learn more about the breed and she is also active in promoting the breed through the UKC and the American Kennel Club (AKC).