PYRENEAN MASTIFF

Temperament: Gentle and Calm
Height: 24 to 31 inches
Weight: 130 to 200 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

The Pyrenean Mastiff, also known as Mastín del Pirineo, comes from northeastern Spain. The exact origin of the breed is unknown, but it is speculated to have evolved from Molossers. Humans relied on them to be guardians and protectors of livestock.

Pyrenean Mastiffs are kind and gentle, which makes for a perfect family fit. The breed has a calm temperament and does well with family or alone. The dogs are great with kids, but you should always supervise due to the breed’s size. In addition to being an excellent family dog, your Mastiff will also be a great protector. They do well with other humans but can be wary of strangers if they sense a threat

PERSONALITY

For as large as the Pyrenean Mastiff is, it is a surprisingly calm and gentle breed. The Pyrenean Mastiff was bred to be a livestock guardian so it retains a lot of its protective instincts – this breed will not hesitate to stick up for its family. The Pyrenean Mastiff is even-tempered and gentle at home, often getting along well with children. You should be careful with this dog around small children, however, because of its large size. The Pyrenean Mastiff is generally not aggressive with people but it can be a little wary around strangers. Early training and socialization is needed to help this dog develop the confidence for which the breed is known.

FEEDING

The Pyrenean Mastiff does well on a high quality diet formulated for large breed dogs. It’s important that you feed this breed an age appropriate food because of their size.

The Pyrenean Mastiff can be prone to Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or more commonly known as bloat. Because of this you should split up your canines meals into two or three servings.

You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your breed’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs.

HEALTH

The Pyrenean Mastiff overall is a relatively healthy dog with only a few things to keep an eye out for.

First thing to be aware of is Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or bloat. A few things that you can do to prevent the condition are to feed your dog small portions of meals frequently throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals, and to try to avoid foods that are higher in fat and oils.

The second thing to be aware of is the possibility for hip and elbow dysplasia.

As with everything concerning your dog’s diet and health, you should always consult your vet!

CARE

The Pyrenean Mastiff, like all dogs, should have routine checkups and vaccines to keep your pet healthy!

Clip their nails as needed, before they get too long – usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer or vet can help with this.

One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health. You should brush your dog’s teeth a minimum of three times per week. Your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly and help with recommending dental chews.

If you notice your dog dragging their bottom or “scooting” they may need their anal glands expressed. You can do this yourself or, better yet, let your vet or groomer handle this unpleasant task.

GROOMING

The Pyrenean Mastiff has a fairly long double coat that sheds regularly. To keep matting and tangles under control (as well as shedding), you should brush this dog several times a week. The coat is heavy and primarily white in color with large, dark spots typically in black, gray, or shades of brown and tan.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, petguide.