Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish Mastiff or Mastín Español is a breed of mastiff from Spain, originally bred to be a guard dog and whose specialized purpose is to be a livestock guardian dog protecting flocks and/or herds from wolves and other predators.

Historical context

thumb|right|A brindle Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish mastiff is thought to have existed for thousands of years. Mastiffs were working as livestock guardian dogs when the Romans arrived on the Iberian Peninsula. In medieval times, this dog accompanied the herds of sheep and goats crossing from northern to southern Spain, defending cattle from attack by wolves and other predators. The mastiff had the protection of chunky metal necklaces with skewers. Its function was primarily protective, unlike its fellow Carea dogs, whose function is grazing, driving the herds in response to indications of the shepherd. In some places it is known as perro merinero when it accompanies sheep of the Merino breed.

The first breed standard of the Spanish Mastiff was made by the FCI in 1946. In 1981 the Asociación Española del Perro Mastín Español was formed, who organized a breeding program looking for the kind of large and strong mastiff of the past times, and drafted a new breed standard focused on recovering the old cattle dogs, fit as pets, and as guard dog and defense. The ideal Spanish Mastiff is at least at the withers.

It has small eyes and drop ears resembling triangles. This dog's coat is most often fawn, but it can also be brindle, black or 'wolf'-colored. Reddish tones indicate miscegenation.

Health

Spanish Mastiffs are especially prone to hip dysplasia. The Traditional Spanish Mastiff has a lower prevalence of the disease than the official variety.

Notes

Historical context

Health

See also

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