Content
- Origin of the Pyrenees Mastiff
- Characteristics of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees
- Pyrenean Mastiff Personality
- Care of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees
- Education of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees
- Health of the Pyrenees Mastiff
O Mastiff of the Pyrenees it is a dog that reaches a considerable size and, because of that, it can be imposing. However, you must know that, in reality, it is a protective dog, affable and sensitive, so it is undoubtedly a breed especially loved by those who were lucky enough to live with one of these great mountain dogs. We are talking about dogs that traditionally they are shepherds and guardians, and for centuries they have protected the herds of northern Spain from various dangers. They have now become popular and we can find them in many other regions as companion dogs.
In this PeritoAnimal sheet, we'll talk in detail about this breed with a big heart, and that's why we'll explain all about the Pyrenees Mastiff: your personality, characteristics, education and health, among others. Also, if you are considering the option of adopting one of these dogs, knowing more about them is essential to ensure a good fit, read on!
Source
- Europe
- Spain
- Rustic
- muscular
- provided
- Shy
- very faithful
- Quiet
- Houses
- Shepherd
- Surveillance
- harness
- Long
- Smooth
- thick
Origin of the Pyrenees Mastiff
As its name implies, this breed is native of the Pyrenees, specifically from the Aragonese Pyrenees. Traditionally, the Mastiff of the Pyrenees was used to care for the bovine herds on the trips that transhuman shepherds used to make. they were great guardians of their flocks, protecting them from wolves, bears and thieves. They are believed to have arrived in our country several centuries ago, and they did so through sailors from the Mediterranean. Their genetic origins show that they come from crosses between mountain dogs and Spanish Mastiffs.
During periods of difficulty and scarcity caused by Spanish Civil War (and its consequent post-war period), the breed was severely handicapped as, due to their large proportions, it was difficult to keep these dogs, which is why the Pyrenees Mastiff suffered a notable decline during this time. In 1977, the Spanish Pyrenees Mastiff Club, whose objective is to recover this breed so that it can regain the role it deserves. Thanks to this work, today the breed is known internationally.
Characteristics of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees
The Mastiff of the Pyrenees is considered a race of giant size. While females can weigh between 55 and 77 kg, males can reach a maximum of 100 kg, as well as a height at the withers between 72 and 77 cm. Its body is compact and muscular, with strong and robust limbs, which can deceive you into thinking they are clumsy and slow walking dogs, but nothing is further from reality, because both the agility and coordination of the Pyrenees Mastiff are truly amazing. A special feature is that many specimens tend to have spurs on their feet, especially on the hindquarters.
Its head is large, elongated and solid in appearance, its muzzle is straight and triangular, ending in a prominent and voluminous nose, usually black. The eyes are almond-shaped, not too big, they are expressive and hazelnuts. The ears are triangular in shape, are of medium size and hang down to the cheeks. The coat of the Pyrenees mastiffs is considerably long, with about 7 to 8 centimeters long, or a little more on certain parts of the body, such as the neck or belly. This fur is dense and thick, which protects the animals from the typical cold of the mountainous areas they come from.
Pyrenean Mastiff Personality
The most notable characteristics of the Mastiff puppies of the Pyrenees are probably theirs. nobility and loyalty. Likewise, due to breed selection, they are also especially faithful, courageous, and protective dogs. In fact, it is important to socialize the puppy promptly to avoid developing an overly territorial personality due to his past as a guard dog and shepherd. Socialization is also important so that they can positively relate to all kinds of people and animals, as well as being in different environments.
However, we are also talking about a calm, relaxed and self-confident dog. He is very trustworthy, especially with his family members, whom he will follow, despite showing a relatively independent attitude. However, it should be noted that, due to their large size, they do not always control their forces well, so care must be taken in this regard.
Care of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees
Mastiffs are dogs that, with a considerably long coat, need frequent brushing, being recommended to do it daily. Brushing them will prevent dirt from accumulating on your body as well as the house from becoming furry, but it will also make it easier to detect possible flea and/or tick parasites early, especially if the dog has access to wooded areas and lawns . It is also advisable to give a monthly bath to keep the fur clean and soft, always using specific products for dogs, never for human use.
As for food, it must be complete and balanced, otherwise, as they are especially greedy animals, they can develop overweight and obesity. In your routine, the games, O exercise and mental stimulation.
Education of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees
The education and training of the Mastiff of the Pyrenees must start early. As we said, during the puppy stage, it will be convenient to socialize him with all kinds of people, animals and environments. Later, you should start working on the basic dog commands, which include sit, be quiet, lie down, and more. It is essential that they learn to obey in order to respond appropriately and so that their owners can have a good control over the dog. Always use positive reinforcement, including food rewards at the beginning, which will gradually be replaced by petting and verbal reinforcement. You should never use punishment with this dog, as the risk of developing unwanted behavior is high.
Once basic obedience is established, you will continue to stimulate the dog's mind with exercises, activities, tasks or canine skills. This is very positive for your mind and prevents the development of the cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a kind of "Alzheimer canine". However, due to their large size and physical strength, it will be essential to look for an ethologist, educator or dog trainer in case of any behavioral problem, especially if it is a behavior related to children, people or other animals.
Health of the Pyrenees Mastiff
The Mastiff of the Pyrenees is, like other canine breeds, susceptible to suffering from various hereditary health problems. The most common is probably hip dysplasia, a condition that prevents the femur from properly fitting into the pelvis bone. This causes a lot of pain in the affected individual as well as difficulty walking. Still, elbow dysplasia is also frequent. Other disorders that have a high incidence in this breed are:
- Wobbler Syndrome
- coagulation disorders
- Deafness
- ectropion
- entropion
- osteochondrodysplasia
- platelet dysfunction
- Tricuspid valve dysplasia
- Optic nerve hypoplasia
In order to prevent as much as possible and promptly detect any of the aforementioned health problems, it will be essential go to the vet every 6 or 12 months and do a general overhaul. You must strictly follow the dog's vaccination schedule and periodic deworming. The life expectancy of the Pyrenees Mastiff is short, standing between 8 and 12 years old.