Other names/Nicknames:
- Mastin de los Pirineos
Country/Date of origin:
- Spain
- 3000 BC
Height:
- 28 to 34 inches
Weight:
- 120 to 155 pounds
Personality:
- Responsive and alert.
- Protective of its home.
- Not overly aggressive.
History:
This breed was developed in the region of the Pyrenean Mountains. It is descended from Mastiff-type dogs that were brought to Spain by the ancient Phoenician traders. Its primary use was that of a guard dog for livestock. Still quite rare, at one time it was almost extinct. The Pyrenean Mastiff is bigger and more massive than the much more popular Pyrenean Mountain Dog, to which it is closely related.
Body Type:
- Looks similar to the Great Pyrenees Dog, although larger.
- The moderately-long tail is carried low with a slight curve at the end. It is not altered.
- The hanging ears are not altered.
- They are bigger than those of the Great Pyrenees.
- Head of the Pyrenean Mastiff is more arched in the center than that of the Great Pyrenees.
Coat:
- Thick, abundant, and of medium length.
- The Pyrenean Mastiff has less feathering on the legs and shorter hair on the face and head than the Great Pyrenees.
- The allowed color is white with the sides of the head and ears being either black, badger, any shade of gray, sand, or red.
- Colored body patches are allowed and are usually present.
- A snow-white coat, as found in the Great Pyrenees, is uncommon.
- Moderate grooming required.
Health and Wellness:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Elbow dysplasia.
- Autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
- Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome (GDV, also commonly called bloat).
- Metabolic bone disease.
- Muzzle pyoderma.
- Arthritis.
What you should know:
- Obedience training is recommended.
- Do not confuse this dog with the Great Pyrenees, which is similar in appearance.
- Not suitable for apartments.
- Very difficult to find a puppy in the United States.
