Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish Mastiff is a very large mastiff-type dog that was traditionally used to guard herds of livestock from marauding wolves and thieves during migrations. He was also used to guard estates and orchards and haul supplies. His sleepy appearance and slow gait is misleading: this dog will respond to a threat with quick ferocity. The Spanish Mastiff is the heaviest of the livestock guardian breeds. It is the national dog breed of Spain. The Spanish Mastiff is a large, sturdy, compact rectangular dog. It is thick of bone and heavily muscled from head to toe. It has a broad back and a deep chest. It sports a massive but well-proportioned mastiff-type head, atop a stocky, muscular neck with a double dewlap. The skin over the head and neck is thick and loose, as is the skin over the rest of the body. This breed has a longer muzzle than other mastiff breeds, but is still very loose-lipped. The eyes are small and give off a relaxed, care-free expression. The Spanish Mastiff has medium-sized triangular-shaped ears that are drop and set well-back and fold forward. The coat of this dog is of medium length and dense, and is double with a woolly top coat and bottom coat, allowing the dog to work comfortably in harsh climate. The coat may be seen in any color and is most commonly fawn to red, but can also occur in brindle, pinto, black or wolf-gray. The Spanish Mastiff is seen in two basic types: the "Mastin Pesado"� type is a much heavier type that is often seen in dog shows, its size and bulk being most impressive. It is often found working the northern mountains of Spain. The "Mastin Ligero"� is much lighter and more agile of movement; it is capable of working better in summer heat. Many fanciers believe that this lighter type retains many of the qualities which make the breed an exceptional livestock guardian, while the heavier type may be better suited to guarding estates and homes. The Spanish Mastiff stands from 28 to 35 inches at the shoulder and some of the larger males can weigh as much as 270 pounds. The Spanish Mastiff is descended from the ancient molosser-type dog and in particular from the mastiffs developed by the Greeks for use in battle thousands of years ago. Beginning about 1,000 BC, the ships of Greek and Phoenician merchants brought dogs with them when they landed in the Iberian Peninsula. Historians believe that these dogs were eventually crossbred with the shepherd-type dogs that were already working livestock on the mountains there, and the result was the foundation of the Spanish Mastiff. Already by the 10th century, the custom had been established of shepherds moving their cattle and shepherds en masse from the north of Spain to the south with the changing seasons. These mass migrations of stock became an integral part of Spanish history and heritage. The large livestock guardian dogs that worked alongside the shepherds during these migrations became part of the heritage too. By the time of the Middle Ages, these massive herds were accompanied by thousands of dogs as they moved. Different breeds had jobs that were a bit different from the others, although all were given the tasks of herding or guarding herd, supplies and camps. The Spanish Mastiff excelled at protecting the herds from large predators such as wolves, and from thieves. The Spanish shepherds' organization, "Mesta,"� has documented the role of the Spanish Mastiff in working the migrating herds since the 15th century. Today, the Spanish Mastiff is rarely seen outside of its native Spain. However, it is estimated that there are about 24,000 individuals living in Spain, where it continues to function as a valued livestock guardian and guard dog, as well as a family companion. The Spanish Mastiff is a moderately active breed that can do well in most households if given adequate opportunity for physical exercise. This breed should be taken for a good walk twice a day for optimum physical and mental well-being. The Spanish Mastiff growths very fast as a puppy, and yet it matures very slowly. This means that hard physical exercise running, leaping, going up and down stairs before bone, muscle, and tendons have had time to properly develop can encourage a painful condition called panosteitis and can cause permanent damage to the dog. It also means that this dog does not reach full physical maturity until 2.5 to 3 years of age. Common problems in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia and heart problems. Bloat (GDV) occurs in this breed and can be an very sudden, life-threatening condition. Owners should be aware of the signs of bloat. Average lifespan of the Spanish Mastiff is about 10 to 12 years, with individuals reaching 14 or more. The Spanish Mastiff's coat does not require a lot of care. Regular brushing with a firm-bristled brush can keep the shedding at bay in this moderate shedder. A few times a year the dog may shed heavily for a few weeks. The Spanish Mastiff is a champion drooler. This dog was bred to patrol its domain and bark to warn intruders; the Spanish Mastiff can turn into a nuisance barker if allowed to remain outdoors alone for long periods. Its low bark can be heard for a long distance. This breed requires a strong leader in an owner. It is not given to shows of affection, but takes its protective duties very seriously. It is deeply suspicious of strangers, and is aloof with those with whom it is not familiar. The Spanish Mastiff has a low, deep growl and bark that it combines with its bulk, to quietly make its presence respected. The Spanish Mastiff tends to be dominant with other canines. It requires firm, consistent, early obedience training to create an adult that is reliable with unknown people and with other dogs. This dog possesses the independence of mind that many livestock guardian dogs have, but it is very trainable by a firm, patient handler.

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