SPANISH MASTIFF
Also known as: SM
HISTORY BRIEF: Spanish Mastiff is a very old race. Most probably it appeared on the Iberian peninsula before the Roman invasion, brought in by Greeks and Phoenicians over 2000 years ago. First mentions about a mastiff from the Iberian peninsula appears in notes of Virgilius about the 30th year A.D. Virgilius notes the Iberian mastiff's nurturing character so as it would be the best guardian and defender of the herd.
The role of mastiffs grew in the 10th century, when organized farming of animals in Europe led to the pedigree of sheep in Spain, and the state economy became based on production and elaboration of wool. The top of development happened in the 12th century, when the breeding of a new genre of sheep started - merinos. Those animals usually spent winter on the south of Spain, moving at the beginning of the summer to the mountain slopes of the north. In 1273 Spanish nobles created the organization called "La Mesta". The protection of large wandering sheep herds against wolves, bears and robbers was their main problem . Historical sources say that in 1526 about 3.5 million sheep were safeguarded by "La Meste". The wandering herds of sheep were accompanied by about 40 thousand shepherds and for every hundred sheep there was at least one mastiff for herd's and the shepherd's defense. DESCRIPTION: The Spanish Mastiff is a dog of great size, massive and well-proportioned. Very powerful and well muscled. Rustic, affectionate, kind and noble, he is very determined when facing dangerous animals and strangers, especially when he is defending and protecting farms or livestock. He is a dog sure of himself, confident in his strength because he is aware of his enormous power. Their skin is elastic, thick, abundant and pink coloured with darker pigmented areas. All mucous membranes must be black. Their coat is dense, thick, medium length, smooth, and distributed all over the body down to the interdigital spaces. Two types of coat are distinguished: covering coat on the back and an other protecting type on the ribcage and the flanks. Shorter on the legs, longer and silky on the tail. Spanish Mastiffs come in a variety of colors - black, fawn, red, wolfgray and yellow, in solid or brindle, dappled and can have white markings. Females: weight 140-175 pounds; height 29+ inches. Males: weight 165-225 pounds; height 31+ inches. WORKING CHARACTERISTICS: In character, Spanish Mastiffs are serious about what they do. They tend to be less bouncy than other breeds, even as pups. On the other hand, they are more agile than many of the other giant breed dogs and are capable of quick, flexible movement. The Spanish Mastiff will occasionally walk the boundaries of his domain to mark his territory throughout the day. Based on how much territory he can oversee, he will establish a protective zone and will settle down in an area that he perceives to have the best vantage point. The Spanish Mastiff is a bold, confident dog that does not become overstimulated easily. They are calm and observant of their surroundings. The Spanish Mastiff may not go looking for trouble, but he will seldom back down if challenged. |
HEALTH: Spanish Mastiffs are subject to certain genetic and hereditary diseases and should be screened for these conditions before breeding. Please click the links below to learn more.
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