Pyrenean Mastiff

Breed Description

The origin of the Pyrenean Mastiff is linked to the Pyrenees mountains, which served as a natural border between France and Spain. The Pyrenean Mastiff, with its majestic and powerful appearance, represents a breed with a deep history and impressive qualities. These magnificent dogs are true guardians and protectors, with roots tracing back to the medieval era.

The breed originated in the Pyrenees mountains around Aragon, Spain, in the 1200s. In these inaccessible and extremely harsh conditions, these dogs developed as reliable watchdogs for flocks, providing protection from predators and possible intrusions. They were bred to safeguard sheep from wolves and bears. It is believed that this breed type descended from Molossers. Members of this breed wore a unique collar to protect them from predators.

Their massive constitution and strength have made Pyrenean Mastiffs an integral part of pastoral life in this region. These dogs were distinguished not only by their physical power but also by their outstanding guarding skills. In the Middle Ages, they were even used as military dogs participating in various conflicts.

The Pyrenean Mastiff has an impressive appearance: a large build, muscular torso, and a powerful head with pronounced features. Its dense coat can be various shades, from red to fawn, creating a magnificent look that combines strength and elegance.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant breed, occurring in both males and females. Males can stand between 68.58 to 78.74 cm tall and weigh between 63.50 to 90.71 kg. Females can measure from 60.96 to 76.2 cm tall and weigh between 58.96 to 81.64 kg. The breed has a double coat that sometimes sheds. Its fur is thick and long, easily becoming tangled and matted. The hair is finer on the head and knees, thicker on the chest and belly, and wider on the back side of the legs.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a calm, optimistic, and balanced breed. It is difficult to anger, as it is obedient to its owners and gentle with children. Most dogs get along well with other dogs and can lie calmly while younger family members playfully jump on them and nip at them.Modern Pyrenean Mastiffs continue to be excellent guardians and loyal companions, maintaining their resilience and friendliness in family relationships. Their imposing appearance and noble qualities make this breed sought after not only as a guardian but also as a devoted friend and family member.The price for a puppy ranges from 65,000 to 75,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large, powerful, and well-proportioned dog whose appearance emphasizes its strength, endurance, and calm demeanor. This breed was originally developed to protect livestock from predators in the mountains, and its appearance reflects this role: the Pyrenean Mastiff has an imposing size, sturdy build, and confident posture. Despite its massive dimensions, its movements remain smooth and agile, making it particularly impressive.

The fur of the Pyrenean Mastiff is thick, of medium length, and has a dense undercoat, allowing the dog to comfortably endure extreme weather conditions. It possesses water-repellent properties, protecting the dog from both cold and heat. The coat can vary in color, including white with patches of gray, red, black, or brown, which adds individuality to the breed.

The average height of a Pyrenean Mastiff is 77-81 cm at the shoulder for males and 72-75 cm for females, making it one of the largest breeds. Weight typically ranges from 55 to 75 kg for females and from 70 to 100 kg for males, depending on build and gender. These dimensions make the Pyrenean Mastiff powerful, yet it remains agile and graceful for its size.

The average lifespan of a Pyrenean Mastiff is about 10-13 years, which is a good indicator for a large breed. With proper care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, these dogs maintain their activity and health into adulthood. Their majestic appearance and calm personality make the Pyrenean Mastiff not only a reliable guardian but also a loyal, devoted friend.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head is large, massive, but proportional to the body, with clear lines and a strong skull. The forehead is broad, with a well-defined transition to the muzzle, highlighting the dog's confidence and intelligence.

Морда

The muzzle is long and wide, slightly tapering towards the nose. The nose is large, black, with well-developed nostrils, which gives the dog an expressive and powerful appearance.

Уши

The ears are of medium length, drooping, triangular in shape, with rounded tips. They are positioned high and fit snugly against the head, accentuating the calm and attentive expression of the dog.

Глаза

The eyes are small, oval-shaped, dark brown, with a gentle yet vigilant gaze. The expression of the Pyrenean mastiff conveys calmness, confidence, and friendliness, yet at the same time, it is ready to fend off any threat.

Зубы

The teeth are large and strong, with a correct scissor bite. The jaws are powerful, providing a reliable grip, which emphasizes the breed's guarding qualities.

Корпус

The body is powerful, with a strong and broad ribcage that provides lung capacity for endurance. The back is straight and wide, gently tapering to a slightly sloping croup, which emphasizes the strength and stability of the dog.

Конечности

The limbs are straight, robust, and well-muscled. The front legs provide stability, while the hind legs have powerful joint angles, making movements smooth and springy. The paws are large, rounded, with sturdy pads, adapted for working in challenging conditions.

Хвост

The tail is long and thick at the base; when at rest, it hangs down, but when in motion, it lifts, maintaining its natural curve. The tail emphasizes the dog's majesty and is used for maintaining balance.

Шерсть

The fur is thick, of medium length, with a dense undercoat that protects the dog from unfavorable weather conditions. It is straight or slightly wavy, with water-repellent properties. The coat color is usually white with large patches of gray, red, black, or brown.

Окрас

The coloration of the Pyrenean Mastiff varies, but the standard of the breed is white with spots. These spots are usually arranged symmetrically and highlight the majestic and harmonious appearance of the dog.

Character

The Pyrenean Mastiff is not just a breed of dog; it embodies true character, representing strength, confidence, and loyalty. These impressive creatures possess a unique combination of traits that make them not only wonderful companions but also ideal guardians, demonstrating a harmony between power and gentleness.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is renowned for its balanced temperament. They are calm and steadfast dogs, exhibiting moderation in their emotional expressions. Despite their imposing appearance, they show remarkable self-control and adapt to various situations with dignity.

The Pyrenean Mastiff embodies loyalty in its purest form. They are ready to give their lives for their family and become true soul companions. Their love for their owners is deep and sincere; they are always eager to follow their humans, wanting to be close in any circumstance.

Pyrenean Mastiffs are gentle and kind, making them the perfect family dog. The breed is known for its calm nature, allowing them to be left alone or with family members. Your Mastiff will make an outstanding family pet as well as a fantastic protector.

They get along well with other people but may be wary of strangers if they sense a threat. Under supervision, the Pyrenean Mastiff interacts well with family and children, and with proper socialization, they can get along with other dogs. The only concern is that this breed is a guard dog and may become overly territorial or even antagonistic if they feel their home or family is in danger.

With good socialization, the Pyrenean Mastiff can coexist with other breeds. They do not usually get along with unfamiliar dogs and can take a defensive stance if they perceive a threat. If they have an experienced owner, this breed will be a great addition to any home. Pyrenean Mastiffs get along well with all animals they grew up with, seeing them as part of their “pack” and often playing the role of protector and friend, which they understand best.The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed designed for protection. They are extremely alert and attentive to their surroundings. As reliable guardians, these dogs demonstrate a high level of responsibility for the safety of their family and territory.These dogs possess independence and an innate intuition. Their intelligence combines with self-reliance, allowing them to make independent decisions in various situations. The Pyrenean Mastiff is trainable and intelligent but also has a strong character that requires determination from its owner.In conclusion, the Pyrenean Mastiff is not just a dog but a loyal friend and devoted protector. Its unique character makes it an ideal companion for those who value a balanced partners

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of a Pyrenean Mastiff requires special attention and care, considering their large size, strong build, and breed characteristics. Here are several key aspects to consider when providing care for this majestic breed:

The Pyrenean Mastiff, being a large and powerful dog, needs a balanced and high-quality diet. It’s important to monitor their food intake to avoid weight issues. A Pyrenean Mastiff requires between 10 to 14 cups of dog food per day. They thrive on a high-quality diet specifically designed for large breeds. Due to their size, it’s crucial to feed this breed food appropriate for their age.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is susceptible to gastric torsion, also known as bloat. It’s advisable to divide the dog’s food into two or three portions. Regular and divided meal times will help maintain the health of the animal.

Although the Pyrenean Mastiff doesn’t require intense exercise, regular walks and physical activity are essential for maintaining their overall health and good mood. However, excessive physical activity should be avoided during growth spurts to prevent added stress on their bone structure.

The coat of the Pyrenean Mastiff requires regular grooming to avoid matting and tangling. Weekly brushing will help remove excess hair and reduce shedding. Bathe the Pyrenean Mastiff as needed, but the less frequent, the easier it is to maintain the natural oils in their coat. By brushing their coat at least once every three days, it will remain clean and tidy. Trim the nails, including dewclaws, and remove any mats that form between the toes. As a double-coated breed, the Pyrenean Mastiff sheds twice a year. After shedding periods, they generally do not shed much. During shedding, use stiff brushes to remove loose hairs.

Since the Pyrenean Mastiff has a double coat, it sheds twice a year. After these periods, fur typically does not shed. During shedding, use rakes to remove the fallen hair. It will be helpful to bathe this dog at least once a week. Their coat is dense, primarily white with large dark patches, usually black, gray, or shades of brown and red.It’s important to regularly check their ears for dirt, infections, or potential issues. Clean the dog’s ears and eyes as needed, using gentle products recommended by the veterinarian.The Pyrenean Mastiff is an intelligent breed, and thus, socialization and training play important roles. Start socializing from an early age by introducing them to the environment, other animals, and people. As they can be stubborn yet sensitive, positive reinforcement training is recommended.The Pyrenean Mastiff is prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary visits, especially in the presence of discomfort or behavioral changes, can help identify potential problems early on.Caring for a Pyrenean Mastiff involves interacting with your pet, requiring patience, love, and attention. With proper care, this breed can

Training and Educating the Pyrenean Mastiff

Training and educating the Pyrenean Mastiff is an exciting and important adventure that requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the characteristics of this majestic breed. The Pyrenean Mastiff, being intelligent and independent, responds best to positive reinforcement training. Use praise, affection, and treats as incentives for good behavior. Avoid harsh methods, as they can lead to stubbornness and even resistance.

Training should begin at a very young age. From socialization to basic obedience, early exposure to the behavior of a young mastiff will help establish proper skills and habits. The Pyrenean Mastiff can exhibit protective traits, so socializing them with the world, other dogs, and people is a key component of their training. It is important to provide a variety of experiences and ensure positive encounters.

Gradual training of basic commands such as “sit,” “lie down,” “fetch,” and “place” plays an important role. The goal is to create clear and consistent signals that the mastiff can easily understand. Patience is a key aspect of training the Pyrenean Mastiff. They can be stubborn and require consistency in training. Gradually increasing the complexity of tasks and consistently reinforcing skills will help them retain information better.

Pyrenean Mastiffs have a strong sense of play. Incorporating play elements into training will make the process more engaging and interesting for the dog. This is also a way to stimulate their mental activity.

Frequent repetitions of commands will help strengthen the mastiff’s skills. Regular short training sessions are better than long and intense ones and will help maintain a high level of interest from the dog.

Handling a Pyrenean Mastiff, as a large breed dog, can sometimes be challenging. Since this breed was developed as livestock guardians, they can sometimes be completely self-sufficient and autonomous. As a result, the Pyrenean Mastiff requires a firm hand in training, and socialization must begin at a young age. However, it is important not to be harsh; aggressive methods of total submission are ineffective and can exacerbate behavioral problems rather than prevent them.The Pyrenean Mastiff responds better to positive reinforcement training. Using rewards and praise as motivation ensures that your new giant furball will find your approach even simpler than you think.With a gentle and empathetic approach to training the Pyrenean Mastiff, you can cultivate a harmonious relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Zooinca brings together certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy of the Pyrenean Mastiff breed is a responsible and important step that requires attention, knowledge, and careful consideration.

The first step is to research different breeders who specialize in the Pyrenean Mastiff breed. Check their reputation, read reviews, and look for information about previous litters. It is important to choose a breeder with experience and a responsible approach to breeding. The federal portal Zoonica features verified breeders from all over Russia.

Visit the kennel to personally assess the living conditions of the dogs and puppies. Health, cleanliness, and adequate nutrition are all factors you should evaluate during your visit.

Study the breed standards for the Pyrenean Mastiff. This will help you assess the puppies’ compliance with the standards, including appearance, temperament, and other important characteristics.

Examine the puppy’s parents. This will give you insight into potential hereditary traits and the health of your future pet. Pay attention to their temperament and socialization.

Make sure the breeder has the appropriate medical documentation for the parents and the puppy. Check for results of tests for hereditary diseases, vaccinations, and other important health aspects.Spend time with the litter. Interacting with the puppies will help you evaluate their character, activity level, and socialization. This will also lay the foundation for a future bond between you and your future four-legged friend.Find out what type of support and care the breeder provides after transferring the puppy to you. Responsible breeders are ready to support you with questions regarding the care, training, and health of your new pet.Remember to trust your instincts. If something seems suspicious or unsatisfactory, consider alternative options. Your sense of confidence in your choice is important for a successful future with your Pyrenean Mastiff.Keep in mind that choosing a puppy is an investment in a long-term relationship. A thorough and informed approach will help you find the perfect companion for your family. With a pedigree from Zoonica-choose the puppy of your dreams.

Health and Diseases

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed known for its excellent health and resilience. However, like all breeds, Pyrenean Mastiffs have their own specific issues and potential diseases that owners should be aware of.

One common disease among large breeds, including Pyrenean Mastiffs, is hip dysplasia. This joint development disorder can lead to pain and mobility issues. Proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, and regular veterinary visits can help manage this condition.

Heart problems, such as tricuspid valve dysplasia, can also occur in Pyrenean Mastiffs. Early detection and regular check-ups can help monitor heart health and prevent the progression of such diseases.

Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is another illness to be mindful of. Regular examinations and monitoring your pet’s behavior can help identify signs of disease early, which is crucial for successful treatment.

Eye issues can also arise in Pyrenean Mastiffs, including persistent pupillary membranes, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts. Regular eye checks by a veterinarian can facilitate early detection and effective treatment of these problems.

Osteochondritis dissecans, patellar luxation, and bloat are additional concerns to watch for when caring for a Pyrenean Mastiff.Obesity can be a serious health issue for Pyrenean Mastiffs. This condition can cause or exacerbate joint pain, metabolic and gastrointestinal complications, back pain, and heart disease. While it’s tempting to spoil your dog with sugary treats when she gives you those pleading eyes, you could harm her by feeding leftover human food and doggy snacks. Instead, try to engage her with grooming, playtime, or walks.Pyrenean Mastiffs are susceptible to the same bacterial and viral infections as other dogs, such as parvovirus, rabies, and distemper. Many of these pathogens can be prevented with vaccines that we administer based on the diseases prevalent in our region, hereditary factors, and other considerations.A key aspect of maintaining the breed’s health is responsible breeding practices by breeders. Regular health screenings for parents, careful planning of breeding pairings, and monitoring heredity help minimize the risk of hereditary diseases.It is important to emphasize that regular veterinary visits, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and loving