Massive and powerful: these are only some of the Pyrenean Mastiff’s incredible characteristics. One thing that you would easily notice in the Pyrenean Mastiff is its large body. It is considered a giant dog since it could stand up to more than thirty inches. The large size of this dog is packed with power and toughness, making it a formidable guardian.
Spain has been known to produce numerous breeds that are known worldwide. These dogs are incredibly efficient in the field and showcase fascinating characteristics. Some of the Spanish breeds are known for their exceptional work in various types of canine tasks. Hunting, herding, and guarding are some of the dogs’ expertise. Interestingly, the Pyrenean Mastiff is known to be an effective guardian. Just one look at this massive creature would surely keep intruders at bay. Its weight is more than enough to pin down threats, making it suitable for the job.
Another remarkable feature of the Pyrenean Mastiff is its gentleness. Combined with a large body, this dog is known to be a gentle giant. Many dog breeders admire the Pyrenean Mastiff for its excellent combination of size, skills, and looks. If you are looking for a massive guard dog that works well as a companion, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed you should have.
Origins of the Pyrenean Mastiff
Despite the greatness of the Pyrenean Mastiff, there is no concrete record of its origins. Speculations state that we can trace back the origins of the breed to thousands of years ago. It is believed that this breed’s ancestors were the molosser dogs brought by the Phoenicians to Spain. After the molosser dogs were brought to Spain, years of development took place – crossing the breed with various native dogs. The development resulted in diverse guardian breeds, including the Spanish Mastiff, Great Pyrenees, as well as the Pyrenean Mastiff.
Interestingly, the Pyrenean Mountains were split into two territories, including French and Spain. Both the French and Spain boundaries have their own method of breeding and developing their mountain dog. Some of these dogs are known to flock sheep, while others excel in working as a guardian. These dogs continued to work as guard dogs until the early 20th century. During this time, the mastiffs went jobless after the wars that happened in the place. In addition to this, advancements in technology also contribute to leaving the mastiff dogs unemployed.
Years later, people once again needed the help of these large dogs after the wolves returned to the Aragon region. A group of breeders revived the mastiff dogs, which were on the brink of extinction at the time. Their hard work paid off, resulting in a massive, healthy, and powerful guard dog – the Pyrenean Mastiff.
Over the years, the Pyrenean Mastiff continued to be a significant breed known for its exceptional guarding skills. Its expertise in the field is unmatched, and it gains recognition as a powerful working dog. Despite the various praises this dog receives, it is not as popular as other massive guard dogs. The rarity of this breed also adds to its greatness, making it among the best guard dogs around the globe.
Characteristics of the Pyrenean Mastiff
Height: 25 – 31 inches
Weight: 120 – 240 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 13 years
Hypoallergenic: No
There is no better way to describe the appearance of the Pyrenean Mastiff; it is an incredibly large dog that could stand up to thirty-one inches tall and weighs up to 240 pounds. This massive size of the Pyrenean Mastiff is what makes it very capable of working as a guard dog. Just one look at this dog would surely keep threats at bay. And one small mistake would end up getting pinned down by the breed’s bulky body.
Besides its large body, the Pyrenean Mastiff also has other fascinating features on its sleeves. This dog is known for its calm and soft nature. This gentle giant is a great breed to have at home, even with children. It may be intimidating for intruders, but this dog is smart enough to identify its loved ones from enemies. Once it spotted an intruder, the breed is known to possess exceptional bravery, making sure to keep its loved ones safe from harm.