Pyrenean
Mastiffs are large dogs originally from the Aragonese Pyrenees in Spain. They
are a very large dog, males 77 cm (30 in) and females 71 cm (28 in) at the
withers, although they can be up to 81 cm (32 in). They have a heavy white coat
with large darker spots. The average weight is about 81 kg (179 lb), although
males can often weigh over 100 kgs (220 lb).
Pyrenean
Mastiff, for a long time accompanied the herds of sheep in its migratory paths
from the Aragonese and Navarrese Pyrenees to Maestrazgo. Their main function
was to guard and protect the herds and their masters from wolves, bears, and
thieves.
During the
20th century, especially after the Spanish Civil War, due to economic
difficulties, the mastiff’s popularity went into decline as it was very
expensive to keep a dog of its size. In the 1970s a group of fans started the
job of recovery of the breed through the few specimens that were in the
countryside and still had typical features of the ancient mastiff.
The Pyrenean
Mastiff breed is now being taken from its native region and promoted as a pet
in other countries like USA by the Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America. It was recognized
by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1982.
About Pyrenean Mastiff Dogs
