Spanish Mastiff

The Mastiff dog is present in most rural environments in the Spanish state for several centuries, we find a historical breed such as the Spanish Mastiff, the Leonian Mastiff, and the Spanish Mastiff. Famous for its imposing body, this dog is considered the largest dog breed in Spain, as well as for its skills as a guard of land and homes. However, these are not the only qualities that the Spanish Mastiff has, because, as we will find out below, this breed is incredible in every way, and can become an excellent companion for animals even if we live in a city. So, whether you are considering adopting a dog with these characteristics or if you already live with a dog and want more information, we explain here the characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff or the Mastiff as it is known, its temperament traits, as well as 

its health and care issues.

How was the Spanish Mastiff created? 

Since ancient times, the Spanish Mastiff or Mastiff has been found on farms and land in most of rural Spain. There are doubts about its origins, on the one hand, it is believed that it came through the Celts and the Phoenicians, and on the other hand it is suspected that the Romans used it as a fighting dog, descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, while others consider this to be a mistake and assert that it is descended from the Assyrian Molossians or the Doge. What is certain is that as early as 1273, the year the Mista was founded, and as recorded in official documents, Spanish mastiffs or mastiffs were already performing herding tasks in the Iberian Peninsula.

 

But it wasn't just a guard dog, the Spanish Mastiff played the role of a shepherd roving across the country through the royal valleys it crosses from north to south, guiding and defending livestock against predators such as wolves. Currently, due to changes in livestock technologies and the actual disappearance of many predators that have affected livestock, this function has been pushed into oblivion, forming part of the history of the Spanish Mastiff. Currently, the main job of the Spanish Mastiff is as a shepherd of the land and as a companion dog, because it is not uncommon to see them walking with their owners through town. 

 

Therefore it is a dog rooted in the agricultural traditions of the Spanish, being the main dog responsible for tending the fields and protecting them from theft and interference. Moreover, even today, due to its protective nature and imposing physique, it still performs the function of guardian in many areas. This same combination made it strange to see a farm where there was no family of Spanish mastiffs to observe the land. 

How big is a Spanish Mastiff? 

Spanish Mastiffs are dogs classified as a giant breed, and this is more than justified, as males can weigh up to 100 kilograms! The weight is usually between 50 and 70 kilograms in females and 70 to 100 kilograms in males. Since they are a giant breed, it should be kept in mind that their growth will be slower than other smaller breeds, with Spanish Mastiffs usually reaching their final weight between 10 months and two years of age.

But it is not only their size that makes them impose themselves but also their distinctive muscles because they are strong animals with strong muscles. And as if that weren't enough, he is considered to be one of the, if not the largest, largest breed in the world for his height and weight. This is explained by its already mentioned weight and height, which can range from 72 to 80 centimeters. 

The Spanish Mastiff is distinguished by its strong limbs, but it is still graceful. Similarly, many Spanish Mastiffs have a double spur on their hind legs, the head is large, triangular, and flat, its ears are hanging down and jaws are noticeable. His eyes are usually dark and small in size and his nose is black. Something that distinguishes the Spanish Mastiff is that their skin usually hangs down in the neck area, forming cheeks, which makes them look like an adorable grandfather.

What colors are Mastiffs?

The hair of the Spanish Mastiff is soft, bushy, semi-long, although slightly longer in the tail region, and thicker, offering a woolly coat during the colder months that insulates it from adverse weather conditions. The most common color patterns are solid and gray, fawn, fawn, or cub, although they can have many different patterns, since the Spanish mastiff breed is standardized in terms of colors, the most common are yellow, red, and black. 

Are Spanish Mastiffs good family dogs? 

We can think that the Spanish Mastiff is an aggressive animal, but nothing could be further from the truth. As long as he is properly socialized, we will encounter a very well-balanced and affectionate dog, very docile and very loyal, considered to be one of the calmest dog breeds in the world. Thus, the Spanish Mastiff's personality stands out for these traits, making him a suitable animal for any family. 

In addition, the Spanish Mastiff is very intelligent and intuitive, so training him is easy, as long as we are consistent and patient with him, as this will also allow us to make the Spanish Mastiff learn to control his strength and energy. 

When talking about the temperament of the Spanish Mastiff, it is important to keep in mind that it is true that you should be careful about it, because, as we have seen, it is a guardian breed par excellence, which is why they can attack those they consider to be intruders. For this same reason, he may bark when he hears noises, especially at night, when silence prevails and the sounds become more intense. For this reason, sometimes we may have problems with the neighbors because of those barks, but with the right techniques, and with the help of professionals in the field if necessary, we can put an end to this inconvenience and enjoy the company of a Spanish Mastiff friend. 

If we can train a Spanish Mastiff Hound well, he could be an ideal companion anywhere, although it is true that he needs a lot of activity if he lives in a small apartment; If we didn't have a patio or garden, we would have to provide more hours of exercise, daily walks, and games to keep it balanced and healthy. If we did, the lack of square meters would not be an excuse for not being able to have a dog with these characteristics in the middle of the city.

Do Spanish Mastiffs make good pets? 

One of the main factors to consider in terms of basic care is feeding a Spanish Mastiff. You have to be careful because they are eager for food. For this reason, we have to ration the regular quantities and avoid giving them artificial treatments. This is important to prevent them from gaining weight, which can be very harmful to their health, especially their joints, and this can lead to more or less serious complications. Instead of prepared trophies, we can choose pieces of chicken liver, which is an excellent food as a reward. 

Among the types of care for the Spanish Mastiff, the hours devoted to exercise. Like we said in the previous section, you have to give them the exercise they need to release all their energy, or else they can become restless and even aggressive. For this reason, several daily walks and playtimes are recommended, which can be shared with the little ones in the house. In this sense, for the full enjoyment of both parties, they should be taught to play with respect and thus avoid fear and potential harm, both to children and the animal. So, for example, it would be important to educate our Spanish Mastiff from a young age since he was a puppy to prevent him from biting while playing.

Another care for the Spanish Mastiff is to keep the fur clean, from dirt and parasites such as flies or ticks, which can transmit various diseases to our animal, in addition to the dreaded mosquitoes that carry such dangerous diseases. For this reason, it is necessary to use antiparasitic products, such as pipettes, collars, or pills. To choose one or the other, we will have to consider our own needs, find out the most suitable method for them and consult with a veterinarian, since some animals may be allergic to some components.

Are Spanish Mastiffs easy to train? 

To avoid problems during adulthood, it is very important to start the socialization process with a Spanish Almastiff puppy as soon as possible, as this helps them learn how to interact with other dogs, children, cats, new environments, etc. Due to its large size, this point is crucial for its education, since neglecting it can cause the animal to fear strangers, for example, and attack as a defense. And if we adopt an adult Spanish Mastiff, we can also connect with him by being very patient, persistent, and understanding his character. 

Due to their origin as a guard and working dog, the Spanish Mastiff is loyal, protective, docile, and well-balanced so teaching them is very simple as long as positive stimulation is used, they are consistent and their needs for play and spending are met. of energy. Likewise, it is an ideal dog for performing various canine skills and tricks, as this helps to stimulate them both physically and mentally. 

What breed has the most health problems? 

Spanish mastiff dog diseases 

After reviewing all the characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff, we will deal with its main health problems. In general, it is a strong breed, but this does not mean that it cannot suffer from various diseases. Some are related to the type of breed, as being gigantic, they are a dog prone to hip dysplasia. For this reason, examinations must be done from childhood and diagnostic tests such as frequent X-rays to assess the condition and development of the joint. Our vet may suggest some tests or recommend the use of cartilage protectors, which will help lubricate all joints and avoid discomfort to your pet. In turn, some exercises can help animals with dysplasia. 

Another common ailment in the Spanish Mastiff is entropion, in which the edge of the eyelid flexes into the eye, damaging the eye and causing complications ranging from irritation or difficulty opening the eyes to corneal damage and even vision loss. 

Sometimes, guardians who have lived with a Spanish Mastiff say that they are dogs that end up going crazy. This belief is linked to the psychological problems that many of them suffer from as a result of the feeling of loneliness and lack of affection to which they are exposed. Above all, it is observed in cases where they guard the land and to which people do not frequent. But if we give him attention and affection, our Spanish Mastiff will be far from being likened to an aggressive or crazy animal legend. 

As in other dog breeds, frequent veterinary examinations are recommended to prevent and diagnose diseases of the Spanish Mastiff early, as well as to follow vaccination and deworming guidelines indoor and outdoor whenever necessary.