Transmontano MastiffCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed shares its origin with all the Iberian mastiffs and is linked to the transhumance routes of the Iberian Peninsula. Since ancient times, the dog has settled in the Portuguese mountains of Trás-os-Montes, where it accompanied the shepherd and defended the flocks against wolves.

In this land of steep pastures and hard-to-reach roads, the breed adapted to flocks of sheep and goats. Wikipedia says it is related to the Rafeiro do Alentejo and that until 1995 the breed had not been exported from Portugal. More than 95% of the dogs still work with flocks today.

How the breed developed

• Ancient times – Iberian mastiffs follow the transhumance routes.
• Centuries – The dogs guard the flocks of Trás-os-Montes against the Iberian wolf.
• 1995 – The breed is still found only in Portugal.
• 26 February 2020 – The FCI publishes standard no. 368 and provisionally accepts the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“docile but reserved, cautious without being aggressive”) and the Wikipedia description.

The standard describes it as a large, powerful, rustic molosser, with an imposing, noble appearance and a sober expression. Its profile is square, with long legs and strong bones.

General appearance

The almond-shaped eyes are honey brown or darker, with a serene expression. The thick, triangular ears hang down and are very mobile. The thick, well-furnished tail hangs in a sabre shape and rises into a sickle when moving.

The most common colours are white with black, yellow, fawn or wolf-grey patches. Solid colours are fawn, yellow or wolf grey, brindled or not, often with white on the legs and a white blaze on the head. It may also have tan markings (tricolour).

The standard describes it as docile but reserved, cautious without being aggressive, always calm. It is an exceptional guardian of flocks against wolves, always attentive to its duty.

It can live and work in a group with other dogs, including entire males. Wikipedia says females are usually easier to handle and make better companions than males.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it from puppyhood. Young males must learn to temper their dominance.
• Do not keep it tied up. Wikipedia says it suffers when chained or shut in.
• Check the fence. It tends to dig under fences to “enlarge its territory”.
• Be calm and firm. Such a large dog needs a confident owner.

Wikipedia describes it as a “field athlete”, covering many kilometres over rough ground, day and night, to protect its flock. It needs plenty of space and likes to move freely.

Tips for a balanced life

• Not suited to a flat or to town life.
• In summer it likes to dig itself cool hollows.
• The fence must be solid and sunk into the ground.

Coat and skin care

The dense coat should be brushed once a week, and more often during the moult. Trim the nails when they do not wear down on their own.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed. As with any very large dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears and teeth once a week.
• Look for ticks after days spent with the flock.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.

For such a large dog, the amount of food should be set by its actual weight. Puppies grow quickly and need food for giant breeds.

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 meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat 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.

• The largest Portuguese breed. Males can reach 85 cm and 75 kg.
• It helps protect the wolf. Wikipedia says that, by defending flocks, these dogs help conserve the Iberian wolf, a threatened species.
• Used in the United States. It was taken to Oregon and Montana for studies on protecting flocks from wolves.
• A night watchman. Wikipedia calls it “an excellent night guard”.
• Still working today. More than 95% of the dogs work with flocks.

Where does the Transmontano Mastiff come from?

From the Trás-os-Montes region, in north-eastern Portugal.

How big does it get?

Males measure 75–85 cm and weigh 60–75 kg; females measure 68–78 cm and weigh 50–60 kg.

Is it aggressive?

No. The standard describes it as docile, calm and cautious, but it resolutely defends the flock.

Can it live in a block of flats?

No. It needs plenty of space and likes to move freely.