Pyrenean Mastiff

also known as Mastín del Pirineo, Perro Mastin del Pireneo, Mastin d'Aragon, Mostín d'o Pireneu

Pros Summary


The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed of dog that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain. It is a large breed with a thick, double coat that is typically white or cream in color. The Pyrenean Mastiff is known for its strong, powerful build and its calm, gentle personality. It is a loyal and protective breed that makes a good guard dog and is good with children. However, it requires regular grooming to maintain its thick coat, and it may be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia and eye issues. The Pyrenean Mastiff is not a widely recognized breed and may be difficult to find outside of France and Spain.

Breed Information


Type

Is Pyrenean Mastiff a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Pyrenean Mastiffs originally used for?

Livestock Guardian

Lifespan

How Long Do Pyrenean Mastiffs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Pyrenean Mastiff? How long can Pyrenean Mastiffs live?

8-12 years

The average Pyrenean Mastiff lifespan is somewhere between 8-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Pyrenean Mastiff Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Pyrenean Mastiff?

What is the average height of a Pyrenean Mastiff? How big is a Purebred Pyrenean Mastiff height? Pyrenean Mastiff dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 27-29 inches (68.6 - 73.7 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm)
Female 24-27 inches (61 - 68.6 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Pyrenean Mastiff? How much should Pyrenean Mastiffs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 140-180 pounds (64 - 82 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg) 110.0 pounds (50 kg) 160.0 pounds (73 kg)
Female 130-170 pounds (59 - 77 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 100.0 pounds (45 kg) 150.0 pounds (68 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Pyrenean Mastiffs get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Hypoallergenic

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Pyrenean Mastiff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Pyrenean Mastiff personality? What are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs best known for?

Gentle
Brave
Noble
Docile
Protective

Shedding Level

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Pyrenean Mastiff Shed?

Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Pyrenean Mastiff.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Pyrenean Mastiff dog?

The Pyrenean Mastiff dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Pyrenean Mastiffs come from?

Aragonese Pyrenees (Spain)

Ancestry

What are Pyrenean Mastiffs descended from?

Mastiff-type

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Pyrenean Mastiff breed?

Dog Registry of America Inc.
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Pyrenean Mastiffs first bred? How old is the Pyrenean Mastiff breed?

1273 A.D.

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Guard dog (UKC)

Pyrenean Mastiff Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Pyrenean Mastiff eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Pyrenean Mastiff nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Pyrenean Mastiff coat be naturally?

Pied
White

Coat Length

How long is a Pyrenean Mastiffs coat?

The coat of a Pyrenean Mastiff is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Pyrenean Mastiff Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Pyrenean Mastiff have in a litter? How many puppies can a Pyrenean Mastiff have in her first litter?

8-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Pyrenean Mastiff can have a litter of 8-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Pyrenean Mastiff dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Pyrenean Mastiff Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Pyrenean Mastiffs have a lot of health problems?

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Pyrenean Mastiffs?

Entropion
Ectropion

Occasional Diagnoses

Panosteitis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Pyrenean Mastiff breed?

CERF
Blood And Urine Analysis
OFA on hips and elbows
Full Body Physical Examination

Pyrenean Mastiff Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Pyrenean Mastiffs have a lot of energy?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Pyrenean Mastiffs need socialization? How social are Pyrenean Mastiffs?

Pyrenean Mastiffs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Pyrenean Mastiffs get?

The Pyrenean Mastiffs a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Pyrenean Mastiff have? Do Pyrenean Mastiffs sleep a lot?

The Pyrenean Mastiff breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Pyrenean Mastiff drool a lot?

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Pyrenean Mastiff dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Pyrenean Mastiffs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Pyrenean Mastiff running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Pyrenean Mastiffs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Pyrenean Mastiff busy?

Hiking, Herd, Fetching, Searching

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Pyrenean Mastiff? How much energy does a Pyrenean Mastiff have?

Medium

Pyrenean Mastiffs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Pyrenean Mastiff walk each week? How many miles should a Pyrenean Mastiff walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pyrenean Mastiff, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Pyrenean Mastiff should exercise a day? How much activity does a Pyrenean Mastiff need?

60 minutes

In general most Pyrenean Mastiffs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Pyrenean Mastiff?

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Weekly

Pyrenean Mastiff should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Pyrenean Mastiffs?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Pyrenean Mastiff eat?

3 cups

For an average 140-180 pound (64 - 82 kg) Pyrenean Mastiff feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Pyrenean Mastiff Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Pyrenean Mastiff is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Pyrenean Mastiff Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Pyrenean Mastiff is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Pyrenean Mastiff Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Pyrenean Mastiff?

The Pyrenean Mastiff breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Pyrenean Mastiff dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Pyrenean Mastiff do well in apartments? Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good indoor dogs?

The Pyrenean Mastiff is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good with kids? Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good around children?

A Pyrenean Mastiffs typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good with cats? How friendly Pyrenean Mastiffs are toward cats?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs? Are Pyrenean Mastiffs OK with other dogs?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Pyrenean Mastiffs friendly with strangers?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Pyrenean Mastiffs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Pyrenean Mastiffs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Pyrenean Mastiffs like to play? Are Pyrenean Mastiffs playful?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Pyrenean Mastiff for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Pyrenean Mastiff easily trained?

Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Gentle
    These dogs have a gentle temperament and are generally good-natured.
  • Low maintenance
    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a low-maintenance coat that is easy to groom.
  • Adaptable
    Pyrenean Mastiffs are adaptable dogs that can thrive in a variety of environments.
  • Quiet
    These dogs are generally quiet and may not bark excessively.
  • Good guard dogs
    Pyrenean Mastiffs make good guard dogs and are protective of their families.
  • Good with other pets
    These dogs are generally good with other pets and can get along well with other animals.
  • Easy to groom
    Pyrenean Mastiffs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat.
  • Low energy
    These dogs are a low-energy breed and are well-suited for a calm household.
  • Affectionate
    Pyrenean Mastiffs are affectionate dogs that enjoy being around their families.

Cons

  • Health concerns
    Pyrenean Mastiffs may be prone to certain health issues, such as Hip And Elbow Dysplasia, Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat, Entropion and Ectropion.
  • Odor
    The Pyrenean Mastiff's tendency to produce a bad smell is high.
  • Expensive
    Pyrenean Mastiffs may be more expensive to purchase and maintain compared to other breeds.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Pyrenean Mastiff are not suitable for apartment living.
  • Training
    These dogs may be stubborn and may require consistent training to prevent behavioral issues.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Pyrenean Mastiffs are at a high risk of becoming overweight.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Pyrenean Mastiffs, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Pyrenean Mastiffs are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Exercise
    Pyrenean Mastiffs require moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy.
  • Size
    Pyrenean Mastiffs are a large breed and may not be suitable for people living in small homes or apartments.