Spanish Mastiff, price, breed, description, personality, diseases and care.

 

Spanish Mastiff

History

The exact time of the origin of the Spanish Mastiff breed is unknown, however, it is clear that these dogs were used by people in the Middle Ages. Man in that distant time needed a dog that could perform many different functions, being a universal and reliable assistant.

The duties of the animal, first of all, included the protection of livestock and the protection of the infield territory, although, many owners harnessed mastiffs in small carts. Given the huge size of the dog, this was not a big problem for her. At home, it is still often called Perro Marinero, since ancient times the Spaniards have been breeding merino sheep.

With regard to the protection of livestock in pastures, the Spanish Mastiff performed at its best and could be a serious threat to the wolf. Moreover, do not confuse the Spanish Mastiff with a shepherd dog, since he is not, strictly speaking, a shepherd. As herding dogs, other breeds were used in conjunction with the mastiff, and the mastiff was an ideal guard and thunderstorm for any predators wishing to attack sheep.

By the middle of the 20th century, the population of these dogs in their homeland had declined. Although the Second World War did not seriously affect the country, the reduction of farms, and hence the number of livestock, led to a reduction in the number of Spanish Mastiff.

The FCI created the first breed standard for the Spanish Mastiff in 1946. Association Española del Perro Mastín Español, an organization created in 1981, was engaged in restoring the population of the breed and recreating dogs of the old type, but with modern features, suitable for both protection and family life.

Now, in addition to the officially recognized Spanish Mastiff, there are 3 more varieties that are not officially recognized:

•          Spanish mastiff;
•          Leonian mastiff;
•          Sobaka-wolf (wolf-mastiff).

 Characteristics of the breed

popularity                                                           01/10

training                                                                07/10

size                                                                        10/10

mind                                                                     10/10

protection                                                          10/10

Relationships with children                         08/10

Dexterity                                                             09/10

Molting                                                                06/10

Breed Information

Country	Spain
Lifetime	10-11 years
Height	Males: 77-88 cm Females: 72-88 cm
Weight	Males: 90-100 kg Females: 52-77 kg
Length of coat	average
Color	any monochromatic

Description

These are large dogs with massive heads and muzzles having folds. Also, large folds can be seen on the dog's neck. The ears are floppy. The length of the coat may be shorter or longer depending on the region of origin of the dog. Limbs of medium length, chest voluminous, powerful, physique muscular, massive, the tail of medium length.

 

Personality

This huge, intimidating dog in relation to other people, in fact, is surprisingly intelligent and restrained. Unreasonable aggression, incorrect, inadequate behavior, and sudden mood swings - all this is completely uncharacteristic of the Spanish Mastiff. On the contrary, with other people, for example, on a walk, he will be restrained, patient, but at the same time vigilant, while remaining ready to respond to any danger.

Protective and protective instincts are laid down in these dogs genetically, therefore, training in this regard is minimized. Training, for the most part, does not cause difficulties for an experienced owner. If, on the contrary, you are a timid and indecisive person who also does not know how to handle large dogs and even has feared for them, it is better to choose another breed for yourself.

The Spanish Mastiff needs a leader for guidance, a steady hand that knows what to do at any given moment. Other animals get along normally, but it is better to do it at an early age. If they realize that they are the guardian of their own territory, for example, in the backyard, behavior towards strangers will be appropriate.

Any intruder or person who threatens the life and health of the owners will be instantly attacked - such a person can only sympathize. If the dog sees the location of the owner, he changes his attitude accordingly. Children are perceived normally, but it is better not to leave small children under five or six years of age alone with such a large dog. They have developed intellect, excellent memory, excellent reflexes and instincts, they understand a person well even on an intuitive level.

 

Common diseases

The Spanish Mastiff has very good health and rarely suffers from diseases. The most common are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin diseases.