# Pyrenean Mastiff Also known as: Mastín del Pirineo, Mastín Español del Pirineo, Pyrenean Mastiff Dog - **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2) - **Size:** Giant - **Origin:** Spain - **Height:** 72–81 cm - **Weight:** 55–90 kg - **Life expectancy:** 10–11 years - **Temperament:** Calm, Protective, Loyal, Noble, Independent - **FCI standard:** No. 92 A very large, heavy-set Spanish flock guardian from Aragón, with a white coat and darker mask, bred to protect sheep from wolves in the high Pyrenean pastures. ## Overview The Pyrenean Mastiff, or Mastín del Pirineo, is a very large livestock guardian dog from Aragón in north-eastern Spain. It is a separate breed from the Spanish Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Calm and imposing, it is a watchful protector of flock and family, best suited to experienced owners with plenty of space. ## History The breed has been documented in the Kingdom of Aragon since the Middle Ages. Its task was to protect flocks during the annual move to high summer pasture in the Pyrenees, mainly against wolves, and the dogs often wore spiked collars called carlancas. Three dogs were shown in Madrid in 1890, and an entry appeared in the first Spanish stud book. When wolves disappeared from the Pyrenees in the late 1940s the breed declined. The FCI accepted it in 1954, and a breed club was formed in 1977, after which it spread through Spain and abroad. ## Appearance A massive, powerful dog with a heavy white coat, a darker mask and often patches of the same colour on the body; the ears always carry darker spots. Dogs must stand at least 77 cm and bitches 72 cm, and larger dogs are preferred. Weight typically ranges from about 60 to 90 kg. ## Temperament Typically calm, noble and devoted to its family, with a strong guarding instinct and an independent mind formed by its flock-protecting past. It is usually gentle with those it knows and wary of strangers. Early socialisation and confident, consistent handling are important for a dog of this size and protective nature. ## Care and exercise Needs space, a secure fence and moderate daily exercise rather than intense activity. It copes better with cool weather than heat. Brush the thick coat regularly, more during seasonal shedding, and keep up with ear and nail care. Feed carefully during growth to protect developing joints. ## Health As with other giant breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and joint problems are concerns. Choose breeders who screen their dogs. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 2 - Exercise needs: 2 - Grooming: 3 - Shedding: 4 - Trainability: 2 - Barking: 3 - Good with children: 4 - Good with other dogs: 3 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/pyrenean-mastiff Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrenean_Mastiff · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38766 Photo: TBjornstad 07:59, 6 October 2006 (UTC) (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MasPiri-Lula-ESP.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.