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Pyrenean Mastiff Dog Breed Introduction
Pyrenean Mastiff is a large dog breed derived from the Pyrenees mountains in northeastern Spain. They are fluffy-haired dogs regarded as the oldest and rarest dog breed dating back around 3000 years. They are also large guardian-type dogs that protect livestock from predators like bears and wolves. Pyrenean Mastiffs were traditionally used to protect flocks throughout the yearly emigration to high summer pasture in the Pyrenees. They are also called Mostin, Gos ramader, Mastín del Pirineo, Mostín d’o Pireneu, and Mastí dell’Aragó.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are also good with young children and affectionate and devoted to their families. They can also serve as watchdogs due to their protective nature. Pyrenean Mastiffs are also quite reserved with strangers and have an average adaptability level. They mostly have two colors on their coats, all recognized by the American Kennel Club as breed standard colors. In addition, they can have various color patches on their coats or brindle markings. Their energy levels are quite low since these dogs are known to preserve energy until when needed. They can live in homes with other pets, making them good family dogs.
Origin
This dog derived from the kingdom of Aragon now called northeastern Spain throughout the Middle Ages. They are believed to have descended from Molosser dogs brought by the Phoenicians from Assyria and Sumaria to Spain more than 3,000 years back. During those days, Molosser dogs served as farmers’ right-hand dogs, protecting flocks of sheep from thieves and predators just like the Pyrenean Mastiffs. These dogs also watched farms, houses, and castles. The Pyrenean Mastiffs were loved because of their ability to be self-reliant, strong, and confident workers.
However, this breed was almost executed in the 1930s and 1940s when bears and wolves disappeared from the Pyrenees mountains. The Pyrenian Mastiffs were also affected by the Spanish Civil War which was later followed by World War II and lack of food that almost led to the non-existence of these dogs. Luckily in the 1970s, wolves went back to the area giving the devoted Pyrenian Mastiffs their purpose back. In the same manner, loyal Spanish dog breed fanatics worked equally as hard to bring back the breed, and in 1977, established the Spanish Pyrenean Mastiff Club.
This dog breed first arrived in the U.S. in 1996 although they are yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. Since 2014, the Pyrenean Mastiffs have been members of the Foundation Stock Service. Currently, they are mostly found in rural areas and are about 4,000 – 6,000 in number globally.
Pyrenean Mastiff Lifespan
This dog breed can live between 9 and 13 years.
Grooming
Brush your Pyrenean Mastiffs at least three times a week if not every day using a Slicker brush for routine brushing. Use a De-matting comb to remove tangles and mats and the Double Row Undercoat Rake, during shedding. Trim the hair between your dog’s paw pads to prevent it from getting ice balls during winter, dirt dumps, and grass burrs. Pyrenean Mastiffs do not need haircuts since they shed throughout the year. Cut your dog’s nails using a nail grinder every 4 – 6 weeks since long nails can affect the way your dog stands resulting in joint issues. Trimming your dog’s nails also prevents them from cracking and remember to clip the back paws and the dew claws on the front.
Untrimmed dew claws can curl back into the paw pad causing abnormal pressure on your dog’s feet which can result in swelling, tenderness, and arthritis. Bath your Pyrenean Mastiffs once every 6 – 8 weeks depending on their lifestyle and activity or when needed. Use a canine-suitable shampoo and conditioner to bath your dog and rinse them well until the water is clean. Using shampoos and conditioners during your dog’s bath helps to keep them smelling nice and fresh with their coats clean and shiny. Dry your Pyrenean Mastiffs dogs every time you bathe them, if they are out in the rain playing, or if they frequently play in the water. Ensure their undercoat is dry using a suitable drier of your preference to prevent the formation of hot spots on their skin which may be hard to care for.
Ear Cleaning
Keep an eye on your dog’s ears at least once a week for debris, pests, infections, dust, or parasites. Any trapped moisture in your dog’s ears can lead to serious ear issues and infection. Also, clean their ears once every week using a clear cleanser or dog wipes. Brush your dog’s teeth four times a week using a canine-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent dental issues and other health conditions. Also, brushing your dog’s teeth helps to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Shedding
These dog breeds are moderate shedders. Pyrenean Mastiffs shed moderately throughout the year and heavily in autumn and spring.
Coat
These dog have a medium-length dense double coat. Their double coat comprises a rough topcoat and a soft undercoat which helps to keep them warm during cold seasons like winter and regulate heat during summer and hot seasons.
Hypoallergenic
Pyrenean Mastiffs are not hypoallergenic dogs and are not suitable for allergy sufferers. They are known to drool frequently in hot seasons and when excited or near a special treat or food. As a result, the owner should always have a towel nearby to wipe the dog’s drool. Pyrenean Mastiffs also produce dander, especially during shedding seasons or when they shake. Their drool and dander are known to trigger allergic reactions in people, particularly those with dog allergies.
Training
It is advisable to start training your Pyrenean Mastiff from an early age using positive reinforcement training. This creates a strong bond between the owner/handler and the dog that can last even when the dog is mature. Positive reinforcement training keeps your dog eager to learn and follow obedience commands. The strong bond created between the dog and its handler helps the dog find ways of communicating with their handler. Once your dog has known how to communicate with you they enjoy training and are eager to please.
Keep the training session short about 15 minutes long and start by teaching them simple obedience commands like down, lay, heel, stay, come, off, and no, and reward them every time they get a command right. Start socializing your dog from an early age and expose them to other sounds, pets, people, noise, and smells for them to be well-adjusted, well-mannered dogs. Potty train your Pyrenean Mastiffs by taking them outside every 1 – 2 hours after playtime, meals, naps, and before bedtime. Reward your dog or use praise and treats when they go outside to potty to encourage good behavior. Also, crate-train them and establish a feeding schedule for housebreaking.
Pyrenean Mastiff Temperament
– Noble.
– Confident.
– Affectionate.
– Alert.
– Devoted.
– Gentle.
– Loving.
– Intelligent.
– Independent.
– Courageous.
– Protective.
– Calm.
– Friendly.
Exercise
The Pyrenean Mastiffs are dog breeds with low energy levels and tend to conserve their energy until when needed. However, they require at least 1 hour of exercise every day to promote their mental and physical health. Your dog can exercise through several walks or play sessions in the backyard, if possible fenced every day. They can also love leisure walks and hiking with their owners.
It is important to remember that scheduled exercise for a puppy should be limited since prolonged exercise can damage their open growth plates. Your puppy also needs to walk on unpaved surfaces since it has less impact on their joints. If you are planning to go for a hike or a walk ensure that the time is age-appropriate for your dog. Moreover, it is crucial to do proper conditioning before assuming your dog can hike for long periods.
Barking
These dog breeds do not bark frequently but have a loud and deep bark. Pyrenean Mastiffs might bark if they notice a stranger to alert their owner or when they see predators.
Pyrenean Mastiff Size
Female Pyrenean Mastiffs stand at a height of 27 – 30 in ( approx. 69 – 76 cm ) while male Pyrenean Mastiffs have a height of 29 – 31 in ( approx. 74 – 79 cm ). Both male and female weigh between 119 to 190 lbs ( Approx. 54- 86 kg ).
Height
Female Pyrenean Mastiffs have a height of 27 – 30 in ( Approx. 69 – 76 cm ) while male dogs of this breed have a height of 29 – 31 in ( Approx. 74- 79 cm ).
Weight
Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh between 119 to 190 lbs ( Approx. 54 – 86 kg ).
Apart from Pyrenean Mastiffs, other dog breeds include:
Pyrenean Mastiff Puppy
The dam can litter between 8 – 10 puppies.
Aggressive
The Pyrenean Mastiffs are not aggressive dogs, however, they will safeguard their flock with determination if they feel something poses a threat to their family, pack, flock, or home.
Bite Force
Pyrenean Mastiffs have quite a powerful bite force that is more than that of Pitbulls and Rottweilers. Their bite force is roughly 500 PSI.
Health Issues
Accountable breeders screen their Pyrenean Mastiffs breeding dogs for health conditions like:
– Elbow and hip dysplasia.
– Degenerative myelopathy
– Bloat and torsion.
– Entropion.
– Abnormalities of the jaw.
– Cardiac issues.
– Inflammatory bowel disease.
– Ectropion.
Names
Parents of these dog breeds can give them other names from different inspirations. Some of the Pyrenean Mastiffs’ names include:
– Beau.
– Casper.
– Sirius.
– Marvel.
– Luna.
– Dasha.
– Bianca.
– Nova.
– Bo.
– Heron.
– Artemis.
– Cotton.
– Vanilla.
– Agatha.
– Glacier.
– Ghost.
Food
These dogs do well with high-quality dog food that is either homemade or commercially manufactured with approval and supervision from your veterinarian. Feed your Pyrenean Mastiffs a balanced diet that is suitable for your dog’s age, size, and activity. Your dog’s food should consist of vitamins, fiber from berries and vegetables, minerals, and high protein. It is recommended to keep your Pyrenean Mastiffs puppies on a high-protein, high-quality, and large puppy kibble with phosphorus at .6 to 1.2 and calcium at .8 to 1.5.
Supplement your dog if they do not have 1200 chondroitin and 1400 mg/kg glucosamine. Keep your male dogs on puppy food until they are two years old and female dogs until they are 18 months old. Feed your Pyrenean Mastiffs with 6 – 10 cups of dry food divided into two meals every day depending on their age, activity level, size, and metabolism. Monitor your dog’s weight level and calorie consumption to prevent them from being overweight. Be aware of which human foods are good for your dog and those that are not before attempting to give your dog any human foods.
Limit giving your pooch too many treats during training to prevent your dog from being obese. Ensure your dog has a clean bowl of fresh water every time to keep them hydrated, especially during hot weather.
Colors
Pyrenean Mastiffs are mostly found in white colors with patches of different colors like black, beige, silver, gray, biscuit, and brown. They can either have brindle markings or patched colors.
Red Pyrenean Mastiff
Red Pyrenean Mastiffs have mostly white color on their coats with red on the ears, the sides of their head, and some patches on their back. However, this color is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a standard breed color. It is only acceptable by the PMCA.
White
There are pure or snow-white Pyrenean Mastiffs, however, they are regarded as a fault in this breed.
Pyrenean Mastiff Vs Great Pyrenees
– Great Pyrenees are popularly known for their notorious barking while Pyrenean Mastiffs are mostly quiet dogs and will only bark to alert their owners of any strangers.
– The Pyrenean Mastiffs are much bigger and have a much bigger head with droopy ears than the Great Pyrenees.
– Pyrenean Mastiffs have a bigger appetite and will eat twice as much as the Great Pyrenees, particularly during winter.
– The Great Pyrenees don’t have a lot of loose skin while Pyrenean Mastiffs have a lot of loose skin on the body and under the throat to help them when fighting with wolves.
– Pyrenean Mastiffs can live between 9 – 13 years while Great Pyrenees can live between 11 – 12 years.
Vs Spanish Mastiff
– Pyrenean Mastiffs have abundant, thick, and coarse medium-length coats on the body and slightly longer coats on the neck and throat while Spanish Mastiffs have a slightly bigger head, shorter coat, and a little more skin on the throat.
– Spanish Mastiffs drool a lot and produce more dander while the Pyrenean Mastiffs drool less and produce less dander.
– The Spanish Mastiffs have low to medium energy levels and require medium exercise needs while Pyrenean Mastiffs have medium energy levels and require high exercise needs.
-They are more heavier and shorter while Spanish Mastiffs are lighter and taller.
Pyrenean Mastiff Price
Pyrenean Mastiffs puppies can cost between $1,800 – $3,000 depending on the breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Pyrenean Mastiffs Bark A Lot
Pyrenean Mastiffs are quiet dogs but have a loud bark. They can only bark to alert their owner of a stranger or when something poses a threat.
What Is The Difference Between A Great Pyrenees And A Pyrenees Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiffs have a bigger appetite and will eat twice as much as the Great Pyrenees, particularly during winter.
How Big Is A Pyrenean Mastiff
Male Pyrenean Mastiffs are 29 – 31 in ( Approx. 74 – 79 cm ) tall while females are 27 – 30 in ( Approx. 69 – 76 cm ) tall. Both males and females Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh between 119 to 190 lbs ( Approx. 54 – 86 kg ).
Are Pyrenean Mastiffs Good Dogs
They are good dogs since they serve as remarkable watchdogs and guardians. Pyrenean Mastiffs are protective of their flock, home, people, and pack.
Pyrenean Mastiff Quick Facts
- They are not aggressive dogs, however, they are always ready to defend their people, pack, flock, and homes if they feel there’s a threat or they are in danger.
- Pyrenean Mastiffs droop a lot and need to be wiped frequently using a towel.
- They have a loud bark although they do not bark a lot.
