Facts about Spanish Mastiff Puppies

While other mastiff type dogs had spread throughout Europe through the expanding Roman Empire, the ancestors of this breed were brought by Greeks and Phoenician traders well before the Roman invasion.

Like other mastiffs, the Spanish Mastiff is descended from ancient Molosser dogs from India and Tibet. One trait it shares with other mastiff breeds is its talent for guarding. It's been used to guard livestock from wild animals for hundreds of years.

The Mastin is the most popular dog in Spain. As a matter of fact, it's the national dog breed of Spain. The population is especially concentrated in the North-Western part of the country. The province of Leon is known as the capital of the Spanish Mastiff.

Some experts believe that the Spanish Mastiff played a role in the development of several other mastiff type breeds, including the Saint Bernard.

Today, the breed is used for companionship as well as for guarding of personal property and livestock. Its other talents include police and military work, watchdoging, and tracking.

Physical Characteristics of Spanish Mastiff Puppies

This is a powerful breed with a stocky and rectangular body.

It has a large and square head with a wide muzzle. The eyes are somewhat smallish and almond shaped. The preferred eye colors are dark or hazel. The ears are triangular, medium size and drop down.

Forelegs are perfectly straight and vertical. When seen from the front, they appear parallel. Hindquarters are powerful and muscular.

The skin is abundant and loose. The tail is thick and covered with long hair.

The coat is dense and medium length. It comes in many colors, including fawn, red, yellow, black, wolf color, white, and brindle.

The breed tends to drool a lot.

* There is no weight standard but in general, dogs of greatest size are more desirable

Temperament

Like all livestock guarding dogs (LGD), the Spanish Mastiff is a very independent minded breed.

Though not very affectionate, they do love their families. They are loyal, tolerant of other pets, and patient with children. They will do whatever it takes to protect their family.

Like all mastiffs, Spanish Mastiffs are wary of strangers. When you have visitors, unless you reassure your dog that they pose no threat, he may not let them in.

When fully grown, it's a very calm and low-key breed. They may also appear lazy and indifferent to what's going on around them. Hoverer, nothing could be further from the truth! They are always alert, ready to protect, and when needed, can be very agile.

While they are intelligent and learn quickly, they may refuse to follow orders from timid owners. They are also not the easiest breed to train. They may get bored quite easily and may respond to some commands while ignoring others. On the other hand, they are capable of solving problems on their own.

The Spanish Mastiff is an assertive breed and may be aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex. It's also very territorial. If you have a backyard, secure it with a protective fencing to keep strangers and wondering dogs away.

When left outdoors, the breed tends to bark excessively. Visit stop dog barking to learn what you can do to minimize this annoying behavior.

Puppy socialization training is highly recommended while your pet is still young.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

These dogs require an experienced and firm owner.

To be in full control of these dogs, you need to establish yourself as a pack leader. Otherwise, they may refuse to take your orders.

Because of their size, and tendency to bark a lot, they are not well suited for an apartment lifestyle. They will do best in a suburban setting, preferably with a backyard and a secure fencing.

The breed prefers a dry climate.

Some Spanish Mastiff breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

As a very fast growing breed (these dogs can gain half of their adult weight in the first year of life), the Spanish Mastiff needs to conserve as much energy as it can.

Make sure not to overexercise it, especially between the ages of 6 to 10 months. This will allow it to develop healthy bones and muscle.

When fully grown, it needs an average amount of exercise.

Take him for 1 or 2 long walks per day.

Grooming

These dogs shed throughout the year. The heaviest shedding occurs in the spring and fall. While all dogs will "blow" their coats in the spring, dogs that live outdoors shed less throughout the year.

Brush several times per week, more often during the spring and fall. Bathe only when necessary.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the Spanish Mastiff is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Additional concerns include hip dysplasia, heart problems, bloating, and entropion. Feeding your pet several smaller meals instead of one large one will minimize the chance of bloating.

Visit dog health problems for more information about dog diseases and health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Spanish Mastiff breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for healthy Spanish Mastiff puppies is between 10 and 12 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Spanish Mastiff rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.