SPANISH MASTIFF

It is an ancient dog, probably from the most ancient roots in the Spanish canine world, because its ancestors are those giant dogs that protected livestock about 4,000 years ago. The breed evolved, but mainly engaging in the merino livestock’s seasonal migration, guarding and defending the herds from predators. It settled more incidentally in the Extremadura and La Mancha areas, where it was used and is still used to guard corrals and stables. During the Spanish Civil War it was close to extinction, but a few years later, and due to the same migrating selection, the breed regenerated until it reached our days with good representation, especially around its native areas.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the SPANISH MASTIFF
It is a very large dog, robust, compact, rustic and with a minimum height and weight of 77 cm and 55 kg respectively, good musculature and a somewhat stocky body. This breed is the most similar to the Pyrenean mastiff. It has dense and smooth fur, medium extension and uniform colors, combined or tabby that can be tawny, reddish, gray, etc. The head is solid and powerful; the triangular, medium sized ears hang, accompanying the cheek line, and the eyes are small and almond shaped.

The Spanish mastiff and the Pyrenean are noticeably different from the rest in the muzzle shape: longer and with a less defined stop.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the SPANISH MASTIFF
It is kind, noble, affectionate and tame, although it demonstrates firmness and some aggressiveness with strangers, always in defense of the house and the family. It has a clear knowledge of its strength and knows how to limit it. It likes to have direct contact with the masters, go out for walks and play with them. It is easy to educate because of its obedience and intelligence when accepting orders.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a SPANISH MASTIFF
It needs to be provided with a dry and sheltered sleeping place, which it does for long periods during the day because it is prone to joint and coetaneous problems. This dog will also be kept in shape by caring for its diet and allowing it daily exercise. This dog’s nobility is necessary. It likes when the household children are around it and there has never been record of a mastiff hurting a child, but some have been known to defend them to their very life.

The poet Virgil quotes the “vigorous Iberian mastiff” in the Georgics.