Pyrenean Mastiff Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pyrenean Mastiff?

Pyrenean Mastiffs, also known as Navarra Mastiffs, originated in the Pyrenees mountains in Spain as far back as the 1200s. They were originally bred to guard sheep against predators such as wolves and bears.

In the early 20th century, the predators had almost vanished from the mountains, and Pyrenean Mastiffs were no longer needed to protect the livestock. This led their numbers to sharply decline, and the breed almost came to the point of extinction.

In the 1970s, wolves returned to the area, and there was once again a need for the Pyrenean Mastiff to act as a livestock guardian. This led to an increase in the dog's popularity, and breed enthusiasts saved them from extinction, although they are still a rare breed to this day.

The Pyrenean Mastiff can now be found all over Europe and North America. Although they're not fully recognised by the American Kennel Club, they are a part of its Foundation Stock Service.

Who are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs best for?

The Pyrenean Mastiff makes a great family pet, and its affectionate nature means it loves spending time around children. However, as it's a large-breed dog, it does need to be supervised when it's with little kids to avoid any accidents.

This breed is also quite self-sufficient and doesn't require a huge amount of exercise. They will still need a daily walk, but they're quite happy to spend their time playing with their families and amusing themselves.

This means that they're also not particularly prone to separation anxiety and can be left alone for long periods of time without becoming anxious or stressed. So, they make a suitable pet for people who spend a lot of time away from the house.

As with other Mastiff breeds, they make very good guard dogs due to their protective nature and will alert their owners to any perceived threats. This can sometimes go a bit too far, so it's important that they are socialised from a young age to avoid them being aggressive to strangers and other dogs.

How much grooming does a Pyrenean Mastiff need?

The Pyrenean Mastiff's thick coat needs to be brushed twice a week to stop it from becoming tangled and matted. You should only bathe them when they look dirty or are a bit smelly, as too much bathing can damage their coat's natural oils.

For most of the year, they don't shed much, but twice a year, they have their shedding season, where they lose a lot of hair. During this period, you'll probably need to take them to a groomer for blowouts to stay on top of this.

Do Pyrenean Mastiff bark much?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the most vocal breed and generally will be calm and quiet. However, they are excellent guard dogs and will bark if they sense that there is any potential danger to their owners or their families. They are not aggressive dogs, though, and excessive barking shouldn't be an issue.

Do Pyrenean Mastiff bite?

This breed doesn't have a reputation for biting and is usually very gentle with people and children. This can, of course, be different for each individual dog, but in general, they don't have a tendency to be mouthy.

As with all other dogs, a Pyrenean Mastiff puppy will engage in some nipping when they're little, but this rarely becomes a problem in their adult life.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are kind and gentle dogs despite their huge size and are loyal and protective companions to their owners. They love spending time around their families and will often treat children as if they're on of their own.

Although they don't need too much exercise, they are intelligent and will need regular mental stimulation throughout the day. You should supply them with toys to keep them occupied as their clever nature does mean that they can sometimes get bored quite easily.

What is the weight & size of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are large-breed dogs, and they usually weigh between 58 kg to 90 kg. Their height will usually be between 60 cm and 78 cm. As you can see, they are certainly an extra-large breed!

How much training does a Pyrenean Mastiff need?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are very intelligent dogs and take well to training in obedience and agility. They're very quick to learn commands, but they need training sessions that require positive reinforcement and lots of mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored.

It's also very important that they're properly socialised from an early age around strangers as they have a tendency to be overprotective. This is also important if you have other dogs or any other pets at home.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Pyrenean Mastiff?

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a generally healthy dog, but it is prone to certain genetic illnesses that are common to its breed, such as:

• Bloat - a condition where the dog's stomach twists or distends because it is filled with gas. This condition can become life-threatening, so it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

• Elbow Dysplasia - a condition where the three bones that make up the elbow form abnormally. This can lead to swelling, pain, and arthritis.

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the hip joint forms abnormally during growth and doesn't fit snugly into the hip socket. The symptoms include pain and limping, and it can lead to arthritis.

All of the conditions that are common to this breed can be treated if they're diagnosed early. Make sure you take your pooch for regular checkups at the vet to keep them healthy and happy.

What is the lifespan of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

The average life expectancy for the Pyrenean Mastiff is 10 to 13 years, but with the right diet and plenty of love, your pooch could even exceed this.

How much should you feed a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Pyrenean Mastiffs need to be fed high-quality dog food that's packed with nutrients and protein. The amounts they need will vary depending on their size and age. This breed can be prone to weight gain, so you should consult your vet to work out the ideal diet plan for them.

Like other deep-chested breeds, they are susceptible to bloat, so their meals should be split into at least two servings. This will minimise the risk of their stomach filling with gas and reduce the chances of them developing this condition.

What is the price of a Pyrenean Mastiff in Australia?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are still quite rare, and buying a puppy will cost you around $1,400 to $2,500. If you find a puppy that is being sold for far less than this, it may mean that you're dealing with a disreputable breeder.

To find reputable breeders in your local area, you can contact a National Breed Club such as the Australian National Kennel Club for more information.