Other names/Nicknames:
- Mastin Espanol
- La Mancha
Country/Date of origin:
- Spain
- 800′s
Height:
- 26 to 29 inches
Weight:
- 110 to 135 pounds
Personality:
- Forms attachment to a single person.
- Very protective.
- Usually nonaggressive toward strangers.
- May not get along well with other dogs.
History:
A descendant of the ancient Molossus dogs, this Mastiff was probably introduced to Spain by Phoenician traders. It was developed into its present form in the vicinity of Madrid, where its primary use for many centuries was as a guard dog of both livestock and homes. Although it is centuries old, a breed standard was not drawn up until 1946. Commonly seen at Spanish dog shows, the Spanish Mastiff is rarely seen outside of its home country.
Body Type:
- Typical mastiff appearance, although the head is not as massive as some breeds in the group.
- The long tail often has a curved tip. It is carried low and never altered.
- The small, hanging ears are not altered.
- Skin is loose and there is a pronounced dewlap.
Coat:
- Medium-length, thick, and soft with an almost woolly texture.
- Allowed colors are any shade of fawn and red, wolf gray, grizzle with cream markings, and brindle.
- 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 highly recommended.
- May be difficult to find in the United States
