Breed Information and Pictures

Decided to bring home a Giant Spanish Mastiff? If you are planning to have a Spanish Mastiff as your pet and would like to gather information about it, then this article will be the perfect guide for you. This article will give you all the information you need about the Spanish Mastiff. This includes their history, temperament, grooming, health issues and more. We’ve also included pictures of Spanish Mastiffs to help you get a better idea of ​​what they look like.

breed characteristics

When the Spanish Mastiff is mentioned, the first thing we think of is a mighty breed with an elegant appearance.they were bred to watchdog And primarily excel as livestock guardians, protecting the herd from dangerous predators such as wolves.

Today’s Spanish Mastiff has a strong frame and aesthetic appeal. This is officially recognized by most kennel clubs. However, this breed also has an original or traditional variety that does not meet official standards. Their sole function is to protect the herd from predators. They do not qualify as family pets or guard dogs.

These unofficial strains go by several names, such as Working Spanish Mastiff, Traditional Spanish Mastiff, Wolfhound, and Leon Mastiff. This helps distinguish them from the official breed, the Spanish Mastiff.

More About the Spanish Mastiff

These large, powerful dogs look similar to other mastiff breeds. They have a solid head and a broad base, closely replicating a truncated pyramid.

Their muzzle and skull are square, especially when viewed from above. Their eyes are almond-shaped, small compared to the skull, and mostly hazel.

These dogs also have medium-sized, triangular-shaped lop ears. Their oblong bodies are strong and strong. The Spanish Mastiff’s tail is of medium length and thick near the base. It has a hairy appearance and is longer than the rest of the body.

history

The Spanish Mastiff has ancient origins and was brought to Spain by the Phoenicians and Greeks about 2,000 years ago. The ancient Roman poet Virgil mentioned mastiffs from the Iberian Peninsula in his poems. During the Middle Ages, dogs like the Spanish Mastiff served as guardians of livestock.

In the 12th century, when the Merino sheep breed was introduced to Spain, the demand for these mastiffs increased. These animals (merino sheep) remain in southern Spain during the winter and in the northern regions during the summer. The role of the Spanish Mastiff was to herd the Merino as it traveled from northern to southern Spain and vice versa. That’s why they are also called perro merino (shepherd dogs).

This breed not only herds cattle but protects them, saving them from wolves and other large predators. The ratio of mastiff to sheep is 1:100 (one mastiff controls a hundred sheep).

“FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) was the first to set standards for the breed in 1946. AEPME (Asociación Española del Perro Mastín Español) was formed in 1981. They organized a breeding program to revive the large, powerful Mastiff of the past. They even wanted to preserve the herding qualities of these dogs, making them efficient family and guard dogs.These dogs entered AKC’s FSS (Foundation Stock Service) in 2008.

size

This is a big dog with a huge body. These mighty dogs weigh 140 to 200 pounds and stand 28 to 35 inches tall.

More specifically, females are smaller than males, which weigh 140-170 lbs. Males weigh approximately 150-220 lbs. In terms of height, males are also taller than females.

temperament

The Spanish Mastiff is a fierce protector of its family. They also display a reserved attitude towards strangers and unknown dogs.

Trained in obedience and socialization from a young age, these dogs will develop into disciplined dogs.

If you familiarize your dog with different people and situations from the start, they will eventually be able to distinguish good from bad. Not all strangers are harmful to them.

Their bark is muffled but deep and impactful and can be heard from far away.They may look fierce, but These dogs are a great choice for families and children. Their sturdy build helps them withstand the cuddles and cuddles of small children.

Spanish Mastiffs are territorial. This trait makes it stiff when interacting with other dogs in the household. It’s also not good for cats and other smaller pets. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a Spanish Mastiff as an only pet in the house.

These dogs are intelligent and eager to please. However, they can become very stubborn at times, which can get in the way of worry-free training.

character

Their gigantic appearance is in stark contrast to their pleasing personalities. Many Spanish Mastiff owners describe their pets as calm and aloof. They’re the perfect pug on the family circuit, mostly enjoying a lounging cuddle with their owner.

Admittedly, their intimidating appearance can tire their owners a bit. But the fact remains, the Spanish Mastiff is a great dog, especially if trained properly.

The Spanish Mastiff has excellent guarding and observation skills. Aggression is not a distinguishing characteristic of these dogs. However, they never back down when they sense that their family members are in trouble. They will then go into attack mode to ward off any imminent danger.

healthy

The Spanish Mastiff is a healthy breed. However, like any other dog, they have their ailments. Let’s take a look at some of the health issues this breed may experience.

bloating

Big dog Increased risk of bloating. The Spanish Mastiff is no exception in this respect. If your dog is bloated, his belly is distended. He may even appear restless, drooling, and out of breath. When you notice symptoms of bloating in your dog, it is imperative to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. A slight delay could endanger your pet’s life.

To minimize the chance of bloating, it is recommended to feed your dog two to three small meals rather than one large meal. Also, avoid exercising them at least two hours before or after meals.

hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is hereditary and more common in larger breeds. So, it’s clear that dogs as strong as the Spanish Mastiff are more prone to the disease. That’s why breeders should screen their dogs for hip dysplasia to ensure it isn’t passed on to the next generation. Most of these symptoms become prominent when the dog is 1-2 years old.

Dogs with hip dysplasia experience pain and weakness in their hind legs. This discomfort will show in their movements. They will have difficulty getting up from a sitting position or climbing stairs. When a dog has a defective hip, he prefers to sit most of the time.

entropy

In this condition, the dog’s eyelids mostly turn inward, so they rub their eyelids against the cornea. This can cause severe pain, among other symptoms. Dogs with inversions will have strabismus. They even prefer to close their eyes, which will water.

panosteitis

Also known as growing pains, this is an orthopedic disorder primarily observed in large dogs. They acquire this condition at the puppy stage. The humerus, or bone of the upper arm, is mainly affected. However, panosteitis can even affect the bones of the upper arms, front legs, thighs, and lower legs.

care

The Spanish Mastiff is not a highly active breed and moderate exercise is sufficient. A 30-45 minute workout will give them the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy.

You can take them on 2-3 short walks throughout the day. It’s also fair to have plenty of playtime in the fenced yard. If getting outside is challenging, you can also plan to play indoor games like boules, play catch, and more. Activities such as hiking or swimming can also help to channel their energy positively.

Their floppy ears need to be checked regularly for any wax buildup. Nails need to be trimmed at least twice a month. If your dog’s nails click on the floor when you walk, it’s a sign that they have grown.

feed

Like all other breeds, Spanish Mastiffs require high-quality food, whether store-bought or homemade. If you’re considering whether to cook your dog at home or put him on a commercially produced diet, it’s good to know the pros and cons of both.

On a homemade diet, your dog gets fresh food. And when you give him kibble, his nutritional needs are taken care of. No matter what your plans are, it’s always important to consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

Coat Color and Grooming

Fawn is the most common color for this breed. But they also come in other colors like black, red, brindle, wolf gray and yellow. According to the AKC breed standard, brindle and white markings are permitted.

This breed has a thick, smooth, dense double coat of medium length. These dogs are seasonal shedders, and brushing their coats once a week will do just fine. However, during shedding season, you should increase this to 2 to 3 times a day. Bathe them occasionally or when they get dirty.

Frequently Asked Questions

in conclusion

The Spanish Mastiff is not a regular breed that you will encounter in the United States. In fact, these dogs are rarely seen outside their country of origin. However, should you decide to bring home one of these dogs, you will be lucky enough to get acquainted with this powerful breed with a gentle but protective demeanor.

Hi, I’m Walter,

I live in Oklahoma City, USA and have extensive dog care and grooming expertise. Additionally, I offer dog training tips and tricks through my blog at Canine Weekly. I hold a Diploma in Canine Behavior and Training and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and OKC Dog Training Tip Top K9.

In addition to writing for Canine Weekly, I also share my opinions on Twitter and Linkedin.