If you’re considering adding a Pyrenean Mastiff, also known as Mastin del Prineo to your home, it’s important to know about the history and temperament of this large, loyal dog breed. Below you can find all Pyrenean Mastiff breed information, how to take care of them and what are their needs and characteristics.
Pyrenean Mastiff: Appearance
This dog breed is a separate breed from Mastin Espanol or Spanish Mastiff. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large, muscular dog with a thick, dense coat. The average Pyrenean Mastiff weighs between 120 to even 240 pounds and stands 24 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Female Pyrenean Mastiffs are usually a bit smaller than males. The head is large and square, with a big muzzle and small, dark eyes. The labial corner of the lower lip is distinctive. The ears are floppy and triangular. Pyrenean Mastiff has a thick neck, and a broad, deep chest. The front legs are straight and muscular, while the hind legs are slightly longer and very muscular. The Pyrenean Mastiff’s tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. The coat is thick, medium in length and shaggy with a dense undercoat. Their movement is the trot which should be harmonious, strong, and elegant. Their legs should not swing sideways, as this is considered a fault.
Coat color’s base is always white and the lower parts of the legs as well as the tip of the tail should be white as well. They can be white, grey, golden yellow, brown, black or silver. They can have either patched or brindle markings.
Temperament And Personality
Pyrenean Mastiffs are generally very friendly towards humans and other animals. However, they can be quite protective of their families and homes, which makes them great guard dogs. They are also quite intelligent, and easily trained. Pyrenean Mastiffs tend to be very loyal to their families, and make great companions. They get along quite well on their own and they don’t need a lot of attention. They are quite reserved towards strangers and they may become aggressive if they sense that the family is thratened. Their bark comes deep from their chest, however, they do not tend to be constant barkers and they bark only when necessary. Pyrenean Mastiffs are typically very gentle and loving dogs, however they can be quite stubborn at times and not as easy to train as other dog breeds. They are not very playful but extremely protective. Pyrenean Mastiffs unlike other dog breeds do not have a tendency to wander away from their home. They are fiercely loyal to their family and will guard them with their lives if necessary. Pyrenean Mastiffs are gentle giants who love nothing more than protecting their territory and their loved ones.
Maintenance And Activity Level
Pyrenean Mastiffs require groom at least once a month, so their thick coats don’t become matted. They tend to shed seasonally in moderate amounts and they may need a professional grooming during the shedding season. Pyrenean Mastiffs are large, who need some daily exercise and plenty of room due to their large size. They are not as active as it may seem and they do not need a plenty of exercise, however, it is very important for them to get enough space to move around and run. Pyrenean Mastiffs will be happy with a few short walks a day, but they need to have access to a large, fenced-in yard where they can run and play. Because of their muzzle shape, they also tend to drool a lot, so their owners need to be prepared to deal with this. Although they are not as active as other breeds, they do require at least one hour of exercise a day.
Diet
The best way to provide a Pyrenean Mastiff with the proper nutrition is to feed them a raw diet or a commercially prepared food that is designed for large breed dogs. They need about 6-10 cups of dry food daily and the amount may vary due to activity level, age, and health condition.
Health
This dog breed is considered to be healthy, however, like all breeds, there are certain health conditions to be aware of. The Pyrenean Mastiff is prone Gastric Dilation Volvulus, more commonly known as bloat. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists around, trapping gas and causing pain. This condition can be fatal if not treated immediately, so it is important to be aware of the signs and know what to do if your dog experiences bloat.
The average lifespan of a Pyrenean Mastiff is about 10 years or less. If you are considering a Pyrenean Mastiff, be sure to talk to the breeder about health conditions that may run in the family line. Regular vet check-ups and good nutrition will help keep your Pyrenean Mastiff healthy and happy.
Pyrenean Mastiff: History
The history of a Pyrenean Mastiff is quite long. Pyrenean Mastiffs have been around since at least the 13th century and they originated in the Aragon area. Pyrenean Mastiffs were used as guard dogs by the shepherds who lived in the Pyrenees and they were also used to protect sheep from predators such as wolves and bears. Pyrenean Mastiffs are still used as guard dogs today, but they are also popular pets. At some point the need for this breed declined, as the predators were no longer a problem. This left the Pyrenean Mastiff population very low. However, as time progressed, the population of wolves increased and the Pyrenean Mastiff became a valuable asset to the shepherds once again. Later on, they were spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the United States and are now popular around the world as pets and excellent watch dogs.
For Whom?
Pyrenean Mastiffs are loyal and protective by nature, making them excellent guard and watchdogs. Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the right breed for everyone, however. Due to their size and temperament, they require experienced dog owners who can provide them with plenty of of space to roam, and firm but gentle training. Pyrenean Mastiffs are great with children and are considered family dogs, however, due to their large size, they may unintentionally harm small children. They may be quite reserved towards other dogs, but generally they tend to get along well if socialized early on. They also do not do well in hot climates. They are also quite reserved towards strangers, so it is important that the Pyrenean Mastiff gets proper socialization from a young age and. Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the right breed for everyone, but for those who can provide them with what they need, they make excellent companions. They do not require a lot of attention, so as long as their needs are met, they do not get separation anxiety quickly.
Pyrenean Mastiff Puppies: Price
The price for a Pyrenean Mastiff can vary depending on the breeder, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere around $1,500 for one of these dogs. Keep in mind that this is a very large breed of dog, so you will need to have plenty of space for them to run and play. You will also need to be prepared to spend a lot of money on food, as these dogs can eat quite a bit. The price for a Pyrenean Mastiff puppy can be as high as $3,000 if you are looking for a show quality dog. Before you buy a Pyrenean puppy, make sure that you do your research and find a reputable breeder.
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