Spanish MastiffCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed is closely linked to transhumance, especially to the Merino flocks, which it already accompanied in the days of the “Mesta”, the medieval association of transhumant flock owners, defending them from wolves along the way and on the pastures. Wikipedia says mastiffs were already working as flock guardians when the Romans arrived in the Iberian Peninsula, and they wore heavy spiked metal collars.

Wikipedia adds that the first breed standard was drawn up by the FCI in 1946, and in 1981 the Spanish Association of the Spanish Mastiff was founded, which started a breeding programme to bring back the large, powerful dog of the past. When it accompanies Merino sheep, it is also called “perro merinero”.

How the breed developed

• Antiquity – A flock guardian in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Middle Ages – It accompanies the flocks of the “Mesta”.
• 1946 – The first breed standard.
• 1981 – The Spanish breed association is founded.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a very large, balanced, very powerful and muscular dog with a massive head. Its bark is hoarse, low and deep, very loud, heard from a great distance. The standard says there is no upper size limit: the biggest dogs are the most sought after, provided they are well proportioned.

General appearance

The coat is dense, thick, of medium length and smooth, covering the whole body down to between the toes. It is shorter on the legs and longer and silky on the tail.

The standard says colour does not matter. The most valued are solid colours: yellow, fawn, red, black, wolf colour and deer colour, but also combinations, such as brindle or white with patches.

The standard describes it as highly intelligent, rustic, affectionate, good-natured and noble, very determined when facing dangerous animals and strangers, especially when it has farms or flocks to defend. It is self-assured, aware of its enormous strength.

Wikipedia says it is aloof, dignified, calm and devoted to its family, can be aggressive towards other dogs and gets bored easily, so training must be consistent and firm but gentle, and start early.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. With people and other dogs.
• Be firm but gentle. That is what Wikipedia recommends.
• Use rewards. It is food-motivated.
• Think of the neighbours. Its bark carries a long way.

The AKC says that, although it is a fairly calm breed, it needs daily exercise: play in a fenced garden or walks several times a day. Wikipedia adds that it tends to lumber rather than gallop, but it can move fast when needed.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a large fenced yard.
• Not suited to city life.
• Wipe its mouth often: it drools a lot.

Coat and skin care

The AKC recommends weekly brushing and the occasional bath. The nails grow fast and are trimmed regularly, and the ears are checked often. The AKC gives it the top score for drooling.

Common health problems

The AKC says most Spanish Mastiffs are healthy. There are no known breed-specific diseases; as with any giant breed, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' hip tests.
• Do not let it run after a meal.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two or three meals a day.
• Giant-breed puppies need special food.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• “Perro merinero”. That is what it is called when it guards Merino sheep.
• A spiked collar. It wore spiked metal collars against wolves.
• No size limit. The biggest dogs are the most sought after.
• A far-reaching bark. It can be heard from a great distance.
• Companion of the Mesta. It guarded the transhumant flocks from the Middle Ages.

How big does it get?

Males measure at least 77 cm, preferably over 80 cm.

Is it suited to city life?

Not really; its size and bark make it hard to keep in a city.

Does it drool?

Yes, a lot.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.