"Zaragoza de la Tierra Alta with Junior
handler Dani"
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Pyrenean Mastiff registered?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is registered here in the United States with
the Pyrenean Mastiff Club Of America (PMCA). Offspring born in the USA
that are of show and breeding potential will also have FCI documents.
What is the origin of the Pyrenean Mastiff?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very rustic and ancient breed that has
been working since the Middle Ages. The history of all pure bred dogs maintains
that they are all related to each other. As the flocks moved, and they
occupied different territories, the types evolved depending on the environment
by the process of evolution. Their diffusion throughout the Mediterranean
areas and even to the British Isles is attributed to the Phoenician and
Viennese traders. The Pyrenean Mastiff was influenced in the past from
the blood of molosser dogs coming to Spain through the south proceeding
from Asia in the Phoenician boats. It was distributed within different
breeds in the southern part of Europe from Turkey to Portugal and from
Caucaso to Sierra Morena. This influence produced two different types of
large and powerful dogs. In 1659 Mazarino, Regent of France, negotiated
the annexation of extensive territory to the north of the current border
from Felipe IV, King of Spain, through the Treaty of Pyrenees. This affected
the traditional nomadic wanderings of the canine breeds of the mountain
ranges. Starting from this political division there came the development
of four different breeds: the Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees) and
the small Pyrenean Shepherd of the French side, the Spanish Mastiff and
the Pyrenean Mastiff in Spain. The Pyrenean Mastiff was subject to less
European influence than their cousins to the north and with periodic influences
of the likes of the Spanish Mastiff and as some say, the missing Burgos
Bulldog, which was far less select, coarser and probably less homogenous
as they came into contact with the rest of the Iberian breeds with the
logical exception of the mongrels.
How rare is the Pyrenean Mastiff today?
Today there are approximately four thousand Pyrenean Mastiffs in
their homeland and now growing numbers in various other European countries
including its recent arrival here in the U.S.A. In 1975 a new interest
in the breed erupted. Data began to be collected from the elders on their
experiences with the Pyrenean Mastiff. There are those who remember the
traditional shepherds, some of them landowners, others workers, old veterinarians
and small poultry farmers. These are the people who assisted the researchers
of the breed since they still had all the knowledge of these dogs. There
were dogs that were more homogenous in some areas than in others, and even
many half breeds. Eventually about two hundred acceptable specimens were
found of which only about half became officially registered.
What was the function of the Pyrenean Mastiff?
Traditionally these Pyrenean Mastiffs (also known as the Navarra
Mastiff, Mastin d'Aragon) belong to the class of dogs of Aragonese fable,
who guarded the flocks of sheep in the Aragon kingdom from the many predators
who preyed on them in their nomadic movements, and who reached their peak
in the fifth century. Due to the characteristics of the countryside in
the old Kingdom of Aragon the seasonal journeys were much longer and the
work of the dogs much harder than that of other breeds. This together with
the climate and the mountainous regions where they had the task of guardian,
developed the characteristics of the breed.
How large can the Pyrenean Mastiff get?
There are no limits to the maximum height and those animals that
are taller whenever proportioned will be preferred. Ideal height at the
withers for males is 32 ins/81 cms and 29 1/2 ins/75 cms for females. Minimum
height will be 77 cms for males and 72 cms for females. Genetics play a
big part in the height and weight range of the Pyrenean Mastiff. There
are healthy males that have attained a full two hundred pounds and a noted
female that actually weighed in at 187 lbs! The average female may however
only weigh around 130 pounds plus.
What are the coat colors of the Pyrenean Mastiff?
There are nine accepted coat colors for the Pyrenean Mastiff. The
base coat is always pure white or snow white with patches of color that
are retained on no more than fifty percent of the body. These include medium
gray, deep gold - sand, dusk, black, silver gray, light tan, sand, brindle,
red. Base coats that are yellowish white for the whole are not desired
and absolutely white animals are considered a fault. Another fault is absence
of a well defined mask.
Why do Pyrenean Mastiffs differ greatly from one another?
Pyrenean Mastiff offspring do not always exactly resemble their
parents. You are as likely to find a puppy with a perfect mask in the same
litter as one or two showing only a half mask or even no mask at all. There
are many other diversities not only in color but with size, structure and
temperament.
Do they get along well with children?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is an excellent companion to children. It is
loyal and loving and at the same time protective. Despite its large size
it is extremely gentle especially to those which it protects and only becomes
very angry if severely challenged or provoked. In the case of very small
children it is recommended that they be supervised since these large mastiffs
are known for "giving the paw" and can unintentionally overwhelm
one of lesser size or weight during play.
Do they get along well with other animals?
The Pyrenean Mastiff will get along well with all animals that it
is raised with since it comes to view them as "flock" and will
perform the function it knows best as guardian and companion.
Are they people or dog aggressive with newcomers?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is not a "people aggressive" dog
or "attack dog". It protects that which it is close to from danger
should the need arise. This can be the case should a person directly challenge
the mastiff or that which the mastiff holds dear in a threatening manner.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is wary of strangers and will often not become trusting
or accepting of newcomers until "introduced". The Pyrenean Mastiff
will fiercely defend its territory from predators including other dogs.
This is not to say that it will not get along with another breed but as
with many breeds it will not tolerate a challenge from another male of
the same age and the same for females - since there is usually an alpha
female.
Are they cat tolerant?
The Pyrenean Mastiff will consider the cat as part of the flock
it is to guard and thus doing so will inevitably get along well with cats.
Strange or wandering cats may be a source for further investigation by
the Pyrenean Mastiff as it will not allow any unwelcome intruders.
Are they intelligent?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is an extremely intelligent, alert and loyal
dog. They posses the instinct for guarding and protection without requiring
human intervention - such as in the case of the herding dog which relies
on commands and signals from it's owner in order to perform it's duties.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is agile and despite its large size, is surprisingly
quick and sure footed. Basic obedience training is recommended and the
Pyrenean Mastiff is eager to please its owner, therefore making the job
of training a little easier for both. This should begin before the dog
becomes too "set in his ways" and also due to the size of the
Pyrenean Mastiff is important for safety reasons. In training the owner
must remember that the Pyrenean Mastiff does not reach mental maturity
until the age of two so be prepared for "puppy behavior" for
a while and patience is always a virtue.
How much exercise does the Pyrenean Mastiff require? Are they
an active breed?
The Pyrenean Mastiff does not require excessive exercise and are
happy to accompany their owner on walks and trips. Rigorous exercise is
also not recommended for young pups who will be happy to play among themselves
or with another of compatible size. However they are a dog who will remain
relaxed unless extra energy is required for play or sudden investigation
of the unusual. At this point the speed at which the Pyrenean Mastiff will
spring into action is very impressive.
What kinds of health problems can affect the Pyrenean Mastiff?
As a rule the Pyrenean Mastiff is a very healthy breed due to the
fact that there have been few changes in its genetic type. Health problems
that may affect the Pyrenean Mastiff include entropion, ectropion, abnormalities
of the jaw, bloat and torsion, inflammatory bowel disease and occasionally
hip dysplasia. Fortunately the incidence of hip dysplasia in the Pyrenean
Mastiff breed is still relatively low and with selective breeding should
stay this way.
What is the longevity of the Pyrenean Mastiff?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a fairly long lived breed with regard to
the giant breeds and it is possible for many to reach the age of twelve.
What are the grooming requirements for the Pyrenean Mastiff?
Do they shed?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a "double coated breed". The coat
is pretty much self cleaning and continual shedding is really not a problem.
It is not a high maintenance breed with regard to grooming but does require
some in order to keep mats and tangles from forming especially around the
ears and the more frequently this is done, the better. This will also be
necessary when the mastiff "blows the coat" usually before the
weather gets too hot. It is important to remove the loose hair using a
good undercoat rake or slicker brush. After whelping a female will also
lose coat and more grooming will again be necessary.
What type of a climate is suited to the Pyrenean Mastiff?
The Pyrenean Mastiff has adapted well to most climates and this
was necessary for the breed since it traveled great distances with the
flocks and was exposed to many climatic changes. They are of course very
much at home and are active in the cold weather. Warmer climates will usually
result in the mastiff retiring to a cooler den to sleep off the hottest
hours of the day. Shade and plenty of water should be available at all
times. A very humid zone will prove to be uncomfortable for the Pyrenean
Mastiff. Just imagine yourself wearing a fur coat in this climate and not
being able to remove it!!
Does the Pyrenean Mastiff drool?
The Pyrenean Mastiff will often drool in hot weather and if it is
excited or around a special food or treat. It is not uncommon to be greeted
at the gate by a slobbering giant with strands of drool hanging from either
side if the mouth!
Does the Pyrenean Mastiff like water?
Many love it especially when the weather is hot. If introduced to
it at an early age there are those Pyrenean Mastiffs who will not think
twice about joining the fun in the family swimming pool!
Do they have a large appetite?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is definitely a "good eater". After
the Spanish Civil War food was in small supply and it was at this time
many found that keeping such a large dog that ate so much was just not
practical especially since the wolves and bears were no longer a threat.
Hence resulting in the reduction of the Pyrenean Mastiff as a breed. A
premium food is important to puppies for correct growth and to adults for
maintenance. Also breeding females will increase their food intake during
this time.
Are Pyrenean Mastiffs excessive barkers?
The Pyrenean Mastiff as a rule is not a useless barker. The mastiff
does however have a resounding bark and will alert the owner to a possible
problem or intruder whether it be night or day!
Is the Pyrenean Mastiff a good house companion?
The Pyrenean Mastiff can make a good house companion but of course
there are aspects that should be considered beforehand. These dogs are
large, can drool, can be messy or destructive if left to their own devices
for long periods of time and/or are in the puppy stage.
What size of yard and fence are necessary?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is definitely not a dog suited for very small
areas or apartment living. This breed requires an adequately sized yard
with a strong fence or wall that is tall enough to prevent climbing and
impossible to dig under (6 foot high chain link can be easily climbed by
a Pyrenean Mastiff looking for a way out). Remember, boredom is often the
driving force that will force a dog to look for a way out and he usually
has more hours in the day to spend doing this than you have to watch him!
Keep your Pyrenean Mastiff happy with his own toys, food, water and plenty
of companionship from you and if possible another family companion.
Are Pyrenean Mastiffs prone to digging and chewing?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is usually content in its home surroundings
if it is provided with a loving home and owner - however bad habits can
be formed during puppyhood beginning with chewing the odd shoe and if undisciplined
this can result in greater destruction as an adult. However each dog (not
unlike children) has a different personality so while some may be well
behaved there will be those that will require more frequent discipline.
Is the Pyrenean Mastiff the right breed for me?
The Pyrenean Mastiff will do well with one who is more of a friend
than an owner.... companionship, necessary care, adequate shelter, medical
attention when necessary, discipline when necessary and most importantly
love - these would be the basic requirements for a future Pyrenean Mastiff
owner.
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