PYRENEAN MASTIFF Breed Standards
Massive flock-guarding dogs arrived on the Iberian Peninsula over 30 centuries ago. Cargos of Assyrian and Sumerian-type dogs were traded around the Mediterranean by the Phoenicians. Many of these dogs were left in Spain, where they found ample employment with the great flocks. As they spread throughout the peninsula, the dogs developed several regional variations. Moving north into the ancient kingdom of Aragon, the Pyrenean Mastiff was born.
Until nearly 1500, Spain was divided into several small, ever-changing, often warring, principalities. But a most civilized system of sheep raising developed that transcended political and economical uncertainties.
The Trashumante, or the formal mass migration of flocks to and from grazing grounds, paralleled the history of the Pyrenean Mastiff. The Visigoth King Eurico created the first regulations for these migrations in 504 AD, which continued through the 18th century. The routes (always north and south from the mountains to the lowlands) for each grand flock were formally delineated, and the shepherds, sheep and sheepdogs were allowed to cross political barriers and to supersede wars in then-search for grass. The sheep were divided into herds of 1,000 head, each assigned a shepherd and five mastins—no more—with the canines each receiving the same food allotment as each human. The dogs protected the flocks from wolves and bears and were highly esteemed.
Named for the area of the Trashumante source, dogs coming with flocks from Aragon were called Mastin d'Aragon. Those accompanying the migration from Navarre were dubbed Mastin Navarro, etc., with minimal type variations.
It wasn't until 1946 that any attempt at consolidation occurred. At that time, the smooth-coated, heavier headed, more solid-colored dogs from La Mancha, Extremadura, Castille and Leon were lumped together under the name Spanish Mastiff (Mastin de Espariol). The longer coated dogs with more white from the north and northeast were grouped as the Pyrenean Mastiff.
The Pyrenean dogs, once in danger of extinction, are now benefiting from a resurgence of pride in Spain for the native dogs of that country. They are magnificent companions and guardians, a living piece of Spanish history.
A proper Mastin del Pireneo should be distinctly different from both the Spanish Mastiff and the Great Pyrenees. The Spanish Mastiff is smooth-coated; has lower set, larger ears and more stop; and has more color—often solid-colored. Differing by his much more refined head, the Great Pyrenees is also rangier for his size and is all white. The Pyrenean Mastiff carries a very deep head frequently accompanied by a considerable wealth of dewlap, as well as "showing the haw." His ears often fold back into his neck ruff, like so many dogs in this group.
His temperament is benign, even with other animals, as long as property and beings under his watchful eye are not threatened—then he can be formidable. Owners say he has a "clear concept of his strength" and doesn't need to show it off. The breed has a good many proponents at home, with a fair amount of interest established in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
