Pyrenean Mastiff Dog Breed Information

Group

Miscellaneous Class

Weight

58-90 kg

Height

60-78 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Pyrenean Mastiff

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Pyrenean Mastiffs are very large, purebred dogs with a gentle and kind demeanour. Some people are put off by their size, but this breed is both noble and calm and loves to be around children. They also have great intelligence and are easy to train.

As they were bred to guard livestock, they are very protective of their owners and make excellent guard dogs, but they’re certainly not aggressive.

We’ve laid out this detailed guide to give you all the tips and facts you need to get to know this majestic breed.

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.

What is a Pyrenean Mastiff breed?

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very large breed with a tall frame and strong build. It has a long face, almond-shaped eyes and big, floppy ears. It has a thick, double coat which is mainly white but can have red, black, beige, silver, blue and tan markings.

Sometimes their coat will be solid creating pure white dogs that are perfectly camouflaged in the snow. Unlike some other large dog breeds, they’re calm and gentle around people they know, and as they were bred to be a guardian breed, they’re very protective of their owners.

Who is a Pyrenean Mastiff 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.

Pyrenean Mastiff Grooming & Shedding

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 Mastiffs bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

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

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs easy to train?

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.

How do Pyrenean Mastiffs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Pyrenean Mastiff have any common health issues?

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 does a Pyrenean Mastiff need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for a Pyrenean Mastiff in Australia?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are still quite rare, and to buy 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.

Pyrenean Mastiff FAQs

Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs suffer from separation anxiety?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are not very prone to separation anxiety as they’re quite self-sufficient. Although they love being around their families, they don’t mind being left alone for fairly long periods of time and doing this shouldn’t result in any unwanted behaviours like excessive barking.

Is a Pyrenean Mastiff dog a good fit for a first-time dog owner?

The Pyrenean Mastiff could be a great choice of pet for a first-time dog owner as they’re easy to care for and don’t require lots of long walks. Due to their intelligence, training is usually straightforward, and they’re not overly needy.

Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs like to swim?

Due to its huge size, many people assume the Pyrenean Mastiff can’t swim, but they absolutely can. How much they enjoy it will vary from dog to dog, but in general, this breed isn’t afraid of a nice dip.