are spanish mastiffs dangerous

The dogs heads, necks, and shoulders are covered with loose, sagging skin. As far as a Spanish Mastiffs weekly grooming goes, you will need to use a pin brush and metal comb. Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. Another shepherd told her his Spanish Mastiffs would confront loose dogs in their grazing territory, which was in a public recreation area, but didnt ever bother dogs on leashes. They are very independent and will spend some time off by themselves. The dogs who stayed in Spain eventually led to the Spanish Mastiff breed. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! The shepherds spend a lot of time with the dogs and herds or flocks. She said the dogs were not overly aggressive to neighboring livestock guardian dogs. Negri has also said that Spanish Mastiffs can take longer to reach maturity than some other livestock guardian dog breeds. Predators: How LGDs Protect Their Charges. It is necessary to start as soon as possible and in most cases, 6 months of age is a good point. These dogs tend to be fairly inactive while indoors but will need a slow paced walk once or twice a day and a large yard to roam around in to burn off extra energy. The dogs domineering size and intimidating bark are often enough to deter predators. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. The shepherd told her the Spanish Mastiffs had never been aggressive to the other dogs. Its presence in the Iberian Peninsula ranges back to the middle age, when it was dedicated to guard and defend the herd. Elbow and hip dysplasia are the most common, but also breathing problems, entropion, and heart troubles may be a concern. One of the most interesting things Ive found during my research on Spanish Mastiffs is that they seemed to have changed drastically in size over the past 30 years or so. However, they did lose popularity temporarily in the 20th century. Ask your vet about your dog's diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. They are a very calm and protective dog that do great as a family pet. They love their family and are very affectionate towards them. Although these pups are not very common, you can still find them in shelters and breed specific rescues, so adopt! Does the Spanish Mastiff make a good pet? With that being said, it may be for the best to have your Spanish Mastiff as the only pet in the household. These pups may also have a tendency to drool and snore, so be prepared to keep a towel nearby and tolerate a bit of saliva and snoring! Simply brushing and bathing and general hygiene care. Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. Don't shop! Therefore, supervision is necessary while letting them interact with each other. Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase--and sometimes kill--other animals. Spanish Mastiffs have gone by several names throughout the years, as they are such an old breed, but two of the more common names include the Mastn Espaol and Mastn de Espaa. Recent sources list a weight of up to 220 pounds. Copyright 2015 - 2022 11 PETS LTD. All rights reserved. Therefore, they do not trust stranger easily and will bark at them if they try to enter their property. The Spanish Mastiff is a large dog that is not suited for an apartment or some small place due to their size. The cost of feeding is high typically exceeding the 900 g per day. As with all dogs, oral health is important. For everything you could ever want to know about grooming Spanish Mastiffs, check out my guide, Grooming Spanish Mastiffs: The Ultimate Guide. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. Spanish Mastiffsmake very little noise, but when they do, expect a deep and intimidating bark that will no doubt ward off any strangers, seeing as they are very skeptical of new people. See below for all dog breed traits and facts about Spanish Mastiffs! North Pomfret: Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2002. All the older sources I looked at (published in the 1980s and 1990s) listed the Spanish Mastiff with a height of ~26-28 inches and a weight of 110-132 pounds, and females as being smaller (numbers not specified). Unlike some other livestock guardian breeds, the Spanish Mastiff is relaxed and calm under pressure. The Pyrenean Mastiff may be the most similar breed to the Spanish Mastiff. The Spanish Mastiff is considered a giant breed, and there can be weight variations among both males and females. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Your email address will not be published. As far as aggression towards humans goes, Urbigkit wrote that some shepherds said that their dogs were not aggressive to humans in the field with the sheep, but did show some aggression to humans when the sheep were in the stables. Brain Training for Dogs: The Best Online Obedience Training Program for Livestock Guardian Dogs. The Way of the Pack: Understanding and Living with Livestock Guardian Dogs. The dogs will especially drool after exertion, eating, or drinking. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc., 1980. Still, in some instances, a Spanish Mastiff puppy raised and socialized with other animals while young may have a chance at being able to cohabitate with other pets as an adult. Spanish Mastiffs are prone to hip and joint issues, so make sure your pup maintains a healthy weight and, if possible, see if either parent of the dog was ever diagnosed with any type of hip or knee dysplasia, as genetics play a big role in those conditions. When it comes to having other pets in the household, the Spanish Mastiff is usually not the most welcoming dog. Visit Doglime for more information about dog breeds personality, temperament, and training. Some of the dogs have black masks. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blas attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. Another rancher said his dogs had never been aggressive towards humans, even though his grazing area was intersected by a public road and recreation area. Spanish Mastiffs have long been admired in historical literature and artwork, from the writers and artists of Ancient Rome to the 17th century painter, Diego Velzquez, and beyond. There is a theory that states that the Spanish Mastiff arrived in the Iberian Peninsula from the east through different paths, and that their ancestor is the mastiff of Tibet. You can check Marios advice on other dog breedshere. During this time period, the numbers of sheep, cattle, and shepherds in Spain decreased drastically and the need for livestock guardian dogs decreased with it. They make very little noise, but when they do, expect a deep and intimidating bark that will no doubt ward off any strangers, seeing as they are very skeptical of new people. The eyes are small and almond-shaped, and the ears are pointed and down against the head. The Spanish Mastiff breed is predisposed to many of the same health issues that all large and giant breed dogs suffer from. He says the breed may have been mellowed genetically or its change of character has been exaggerated.. The Spanish Mastiff has shorter hair than a lot of other livestock guardian dog breeds, and therefore does require less grooming than some. In fact, I had hoped to be picking up two Spanish Mastiff puppies in just a couple of weeks (see my article, How Many Livestock Guardian Dogs You Need), but things unfortunately fell through with the breeder. The size of these dogs makes it very important to always supervise playtime with children because they can accidentally cause injury to a small child, but they are very protective of kids in their families. Watch the dog eating in the back. An ideal Spanish Mastiff diet should be formulated for a giant breed with medium amount of energy. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to large breeds, Mastiff type dogs, or all kinds of dogs. A breed standard was also recorded at this time. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The dog has a long muzzle and large lips that may sag. However, if they are introduced properly, they are polite with them. But in general, the Spanish Mastiff is not an aggressive dog. An organization in Spain called the Ortros Group funds a program to get working dogs to Spanish shepherds as the number of wolves in Spain is increasing dramatically. Many Spanish Mastiff lovers describe their dogs' personality as aloof and calm. Estrela Mountain Dogs and Rafeiro de Alentejos are also similar to Spanish Mastiffs in these regards, and all three breeds are thought to have come from ancient Middle Eastern dogs that were brought to Spain by the Phoenicians. They may be suspicious of strangers. Dohner, Janet Vorwald. If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? Your groomer can help with this. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying. For more on these other breeds, read my articles on Pyrenean Mastiffs and Estrela Mountain Dogs. If you want a strong, noble friend wholl defend your home at all costs, then this may be the breed for you! See my article on Estrela Mountain Dogs here. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few common health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? Also, because of their massive size, you will need to be a confident trainer and you will want to start as early as possible. Spanish Mastiffs are large dogs, and therefore will require a large amount of calories relative to other dogs. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. Morris, Desmond. These can be very lazy dogs who will spend plenty of time cuddling with their owners, but they're actually a lot more agile and athletic than they appear! Yes, the Spanish Mastiff makes an excellent livestock guardian dog if you are looking for a close guarding breed. Today, the Spanish Mastiff is one of the most popular breeds in Spain, and many are kept as family pets. Spanish Mastiffs are not known to have dental issues, but you should still brush their teeth as recommended. Despite the dogs massive size, Spanish Mastiffs have earned the title of gentle giants. They do very well with other animals and treat them gently and calmly. The Spanish Mastiff has a medium length, double coat, which was advantageous for this breed in the past since these working dogs were oftentimes in extreme weather conditions, and their coats protected them. The exact amount will depend on their activity levels, age, and time of year (some dogs will need more calories in cold weather, for example). They dont roam as much as a lot of other livestock guardian dog breeds. An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. Way to avoid a fight, Mastiff! On average, most Spanish Mastiffs range in height from 26 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder and anywhere from 140 to 220 pounds. It is a strong minded breed, serious and makes a good guard animal. The undercoat is soft. The early records say the dogs did exceptionally well against the wolves. One of the most predominant qualities of the Spanish Mastiff is their tough, stubborn, and independent personality. Yes, Spanish Mastiffs make great pets for families who want a giant breed dog whos gentle and trainable. See the video below in the Spanish Mastiff Grooming section for a Spanish Mastiff with a stunning brindle pattern. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here! As an Amazon Associate and Brain Training for Dogs affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Spanish Mastiff, as a guard dog are more protective and guarded of its mater and family. Other Names: Mastin Espaol, Mastin de Espaol, Mastin de Leon, Mastin de La Mancha, Mastin de Extremadura. During periods of high shedding, you will likely want to use a de-shedding brush. They do the occasional perimeter patrol, but instead of spending a lot of time roaming, they will observe from a high spot on the terrain with a good view. Although they dont react to threats quickly, they will fight ferociously if the predator is not deterred by their threatening bark and formidable size. Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Guide to 93 Guardians, Herders, Terriers, and Other Canine Working Partners. Some of the more common problems Spanish Mastiffs suffer from include: As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Spanish Mastiff's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Spanish Mastiffs are very territorial by nature and will not typically enjoy the presence of another dog, and some may even express aggression towards cats and dogs in their home. The dogs' coats helped protect them from the elements in Spain's mountainous regions, and their fierce loyalty made them ideal guard dogs. Pack: Understanding and Living with livestock guardian dog if you 're considering hound! About Spanish Mastiffs are not known to have your Spanish Mastiff is considered a breed. Your home at all they are introduced properly, they did lose temporarily... Also recorded at this time and guarded of its mater and family, Herders, Terriers, have an desire. Diet should be formulated for a Spanish Mastiffs have earned the title of gentle giants to! 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