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Spanish Mastiff

on Saturday 18 April 2009
by admin

in Breed Profiles
comments: 3
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9.5 - 4 votes -

With ancient roots in the old East-European shepherds and Asian mastiffs brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Greek and Phoenician traders some 2000 years ago, many consider the Mastin Espanol to be the living link between the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and the English Mastiff, but while being directly descended from the Hellenic Mastiff of Greece, this powerful breed also has close ties to the original dogs of Molossia, in particular the legendary Epir Mastiff, from which it has inherited the uniform black and black-n-tan colourings still encountered in some modern Spanish lines. The Spanish Mastiff is also an ancestor of many European breeds, most notably the Mastino Napoletano of Italy, Pyrenean Mastiff of Spain and the Great Pyrenees of France. Throughout its long history, the Mastin Espanol has been used as a flock guardian, livestock herder, large game hunter, cart-pulling dog, cattle control dog, occasional fighting dog, property protector, military dog, farm dog and family companion. Today, this glorious breed is a valued sheepdog, a popular pet and a show dog. This versatility is one of the main reasons it has survived for so long. There is a variety of types found within the breed, even though the modern massive variant is standardized and preferred for Dog Shows. This large mountain type, known as Mastin Pesado, is actually the least common one in Spain, while the lighter working variety called Mastin Ligero, rarely seen at the Shows, is still the most popular type found in rural regions, especially in the South. The hunting variant is known as Mastin Rehalero, but this is considered to be just a working crossdog by some Spanish Mastiff fanciers. With the ever-increasing popularity of the Show type, there is a possibility of eventual separate breed recognition for the Mastin Ligero variety.

A massive breed, the Spanish Mastiff is not suited for living in an apartment, although it's not uncommon to see it in urban environments. This is an intelligent breed, devoted and affectionate with its owners and their children. The head is large and broad, with a strong muzzle, loose lips and noticeable dewlaps on the neck. The body is muscular and well-boned, with a wide chest and sturdy legs.

Although not very long, the coat is very thick and dense, needing reasonable care. The Mastin Espanol comes in all colours, solids and multicolours. The average height is around 32 inches, but taller dogs exist.

Comments

Spanish Mastiff CincoDeseosRanch 28 Jun : 11:10 Reply to this

Guest

I'd only like to add that there is a gross misconception out there that the heavier mastines cannot guard livestock or work. This is not true....I have a 200 pd male who guards my goats with his life. He is also agile enough to jump from a flat footed stand into the back of my 4x4 Ford F250 pickup truck. Not an easy task. He does not come from working stock, either. Anyone saying the heavier mastine are for show only, is sadly mis-informed.

Some "ligero" types you see are actually crossbreds and not really pure mastine. I have seen some that appear to have some Kangal blood in them. Their ear sets are high and their muzzles particularly narrow and they lack hardly any loose skin.

Between the two extremes lies the true mastine. They should not be squat and so low and heavy that they cannot be mobile. On the other hand, we are not looking for a greyhound or a labrador retriever here, either, and I have seen some that unfortunately follow that line. A good mastine should be typey yet balanced and strong. The breed does suffer from some health issues. As for life span, I think it is a matter on how they are kept. If good exercise and good food, I think their life expectancy can be longer. I see many overweight mastine in photos. Working dogs do not have that issue.

Temperament wise, they are very stand-off with strangers until introduced but some never become overly friendly or accepting. They have a regal bearing, aloof at times, fastidious and noble.

A very slow maturing breed, they grow till three even filling out past then.

Re: Spanish Mastiff Mountainbull 07 Jul : 21:23 Reply to this
Guest	That sounds like a good mix. No offense, but pure breds are over rated. They have to many health problems. A lot of cross bred working dogs are far superior to pure breds in terms of health and working ability.

Spanish Mastiff gsicard 28 Jun : 20:47 Reply to this
Comments: 95	Thank you .. nice comment. Location: San Antonio, TX Gary Sicard Gary Sicard Fear not the harsh words of your enemies but beware the silence of your friends. - Gary Sicard

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admin: 02 Feb : 16:59

Welcome back! It has been quiet.

LeeRobinson: 01 Feb : 20:55

Been busy the last 2 days...if I missed something I should see...PM me a link please. I will be back hopefully by this weekend.

davidfitness83: 30 Jan : 08:13

Happy Monday Jessica

babigirl: 30 Jan : 07:36

Happy Monday Y'all

davidfitness83: 22 Jan : 14:12

Tosamama nice to see you see around again

gsicard: 22 Jan : 13:18

Hi Tosamama,
the site was moved to a new server about a month ago. Everyting is workig fine. Only problem would be if you had the old cookie on your computer it would prevent you from loging in unless you cleared it. Cookies expire after 30 days. As far as I know you were not blocked. Sorry for the inconvenience.

tosamama: 22 Jan : 12:07

What is going on with this site? I couldn't log in for months. Was I banned? Also, a few things won't work for me, and couldn't answer a few posts...

KeyserSoze: 18 Jan : 09:13

wow he's gorgeous, I love Brindle Mastiffs!

babigirl: 18 Jan : 09:11

Yup...Party favor's for Everyone!!!
Stop by at my house to get you FREE bucket of drool.

davidfitness83: 18 Jan : 09:07

awesome

you have a Mastiff party going on lol

babigirl: 18 Jan : 08:45

Just added a couple to the gallery for ya!

KeyserSoze: 18 Jan : 08:18

aww snap a pic for us.

babigirl: 18 Jan : 08:07

I got a e.m. staying with me for a week...
He's laying under my feet now. The next 7 days should be "interesting"

babigirl: 16 Jan : 11:44

Hey Des!!!!
Hows things?

desiree: 16 Jan : 11:15

hai all

maximus: 16 Jan : 08:30

@bvlgari1 the thread moved to a private area so all the recommendations can be looked at in detail without distraction.

babigirl: 16 Jan : 08:00

gsicard: 16 Jan : 07:52

Private Instant Message is back. The latest forum posts are at the top right. This method uses less database resource than the one in the center of the page. I am testing things - patience please.

LeeRobinson: 16 Jan : 07:50

I can't say, but of respect for the administration, it would seem to me that sincere recommendations should be made privately.

babigirl: 15 Jan : 21:55

By clicking on the latest forum post you can still travel into the threads. For some reason the main page is broken, hopefully will have back up and running on Monday. Have a good night ya'll.

Astibus: 15 Jan : 20:58

So we lost the "Latest Forum Posts" Table on the frontpage?? Uhm, thanks Lee! (Just kidding LOL)

babigirl: 15 Jan : 19:27

Sorry Lee.....no longer available.

LeeRobinson: 15 Jan : 18:50

How do you open the private IM chat window with other members? Or, is this feature no longer available?

Astibus: 14 Jan : 16:30

mastinoSinediei talia, I just posted a proposal. Check it out and let us all know if this would address different cultures? Please consider it as a first draft ... and of course complete subject to Gary's approval.

mastinoSinedieitalia: 14 Jan : 15:40

I thank Jessica you for have deleted my thread ... bye bye

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