Pyrenean mastiff a gentle giant

AS the name suggests the Pyrenean mastiff come from the Pyrenean mountains, which is the border between Spain and France. It is not as well known as the Pyrenean mountain dog that comes from the French side of the mountains. The Pyrenean mastiff has its roots on the Spanish side of the mountains in the regions of Aragon and Navarre. The existence of the Pyrenean mastiff is very much related to the defence and guarding of large herds of sheep and cattle in the Navarre and Aragon regions, both nomadic and settled, and they were often left on their own to defend the herds.

It is to be regretted that this magnificent breed was nearly allowed to die out in its native land and it was only in the mid-seventies that senor Rafael Malo Alcrudo with others decided to act to try their best to restore the breed. Over the past 25 years he has certainly achieved what he set out to do. The Tio Roy prefix is known throughout the world and he has exported Pyrenean mastiffs to all points of the globe and helped new enthusiasts establish their own kennels.
The Pyrenean mastiffs that you see today are massive dogs. The Spanish breed standard states that the head should be large, strong and moderately long with a body that is rectangular, strong and showing great power. There are no maximum height limits but those animals that are taller and well proportioned will be preferred. The minimum height for males is 77cms and for females is 72cms, but it is preferred that males reach a minimum of 81cms and females 75cms.

The Pyrenean mastiff has an attractive coat and coat colour. The coat should be of medium length, thick and lie close to the body, ideal length is 6-9cms at the middle of the back and longer at the shoulder, neck, stomach and behind the front and rear legs as well as the tail. The colour is basically white and always with a well-defined mask. Marks similar in colour to that of the mask spread over the body with irregular but well-defined shapes, the ears are well marked. Totally white or tri-coloured animals are not preferred, the most appreciated colours are white with marks of the following colours: medium grey, deep gold sand, dusky black, silver grey, light tan, sand and brindle. Red for the marks and yellowish white for the whole are not desired.

Unlike its French cousin, the Pyrenean mastiff may be shown with single or double dew claws removed. It is to be noted however that judges when choosing between two very similar animals are requested to show preference to the dog that has double dew claws. The Pyrenean mastiff is meek, docile and extremely intelligent. It is very brave and fierce with strangers. It shows extreme benevolence with other dogs and confident in its instincts that have been acquired from its ancestors who had to fight with wolves and bears to guard the herds of cattle and sheep. It has a deep and intense bark to ward off its enemies.

On the move the mastiff trot will be powerful with a sense of purpose and straight, never plaiting. At the moment there ore only five Pyrenean mastiffs in the UK, three related females and one unrelated. One unrelated young male came into the country in September 2006. They love to meet new friends, so do not be afraid to give them a cuddle - we are sure you both will love it!

For more information contact the Pyrenean Mastiff Assn of the UK, chairwoman: Sue Hewart-Chambers, Ph: 01691-658-368; E-mail: Suepmdwernhir@btopenworld.com Website: www.pyreneanmastiff.co.uk; secretary: Mary Anne Dunk, Ph/Fax: 024976-447-591, E-mail: Zalute@btinternet.com