DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTER OF THE PYRENEAN MASTIFF
The Pyrenean Mastiffs are large, strong and agile dogs, with a balanced, faithful and noble character, they are perfect family dogs, guard dogs and livestock protection dogs.
The first thing that stands out in a Pyrenean mastiff is his imposing presence. It is often confused with other breeds of similar type as the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees or St. Bernard, all of them are similar in terms of its size but all are different.
It’s a dog of great height, muscular and robust, which is characterized by its extraordinary strength, but despite its huge size they are not clumsy and they moves with agility.
Arbaniés de Reis D'Aragón photographed by Vanessa Grossemy for Canis Reporting
Photography courtesy of its owner: Vanil des Artses
Photography courtesy of its owner: Vanil des Artses
They are very well balanced, have a wide thorax and a large and strong head, strong neck surrounded by thick, elastic skin, skeleton compact and strong, thick legs, seen in profile, their structure is rectangular. The eyes are small, dark and expressive looking.
Their coat is dense, thick and moderately long, usually white color with spots, wel-defined mask and spotted ears that hang to the sides.
These specimens are rather quiet and rarely bark, when they do their bark is serious and deep.
The Pyrenean Mastiff character conquers the hearts of all people with whom they live, is a balanced dog, of great nobility and kindness towards his people, is a family dog, a faithful companion, loving and intelligent, as well as brave because he never goes back from danger.
They coexist well with other animals.
The puppy Aragüés, aged 6 months old, playing with his companion cocker
Photo: Estela Miguel
French Bulldog from Westlife Kennel
French Bulldog from Westlife Kennel
Pyrenean Mastiffs and children
With children, the Pyrenean Mastiff is very good and protective, due to its character it is one of the most suitable breeds for families with children, for whom it feels a special predilection.
They are good-natured dogs with children, although adult supervision is necessary since, given their large size, they could inadvertently injure or make the child fall.
It is convenient that the Pyrenean Mastiff is educated and properly socialized. Likewise, children should be taught to behave well and to be respectful with the dog.
Although they prefer cold climates are very adaptable, can tolerate hot weather if they have enough shade to take refuge and fresh water at all times.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a breed native from Aragon for centuries was used to protect livestock, property and persons in the Pyrenees Aragonese and Navarro. Their morphological characteristics and personality are suited to the role of guarding against predators and thieves that they should play.
For this function, dogs were needed with sufficient physical strength to face a fight against formidable opponents, only his impressive physique is a factor deterrent. They should be hardy and resistant to withstand large movements of transhumance, the harsh conditions of high mountain area the Pyrenees are and its extreme climate.
Vintage photograph courtesy of Rafael Malo Alcrudo
Psychologically they should be brave while sweet with the shepherds, the flock or the other dogs. They should not be overly aggressive but quiet so as not to leave the flock in search of the slightest sign of danger.
His sense of propriety and his instinct to defend what they consider theirs led them to protect their masters and their possessions as their own.
They also have played other functions, their instinct to walk through the Pyrenean sites served to drive the herd by firm ground, it was said that where passed a mastiff one could be sure not to take any chances, besides the company they kept for the lonely pastors while they were isolated from inhabited places.
Arbaniés de Reis D'Aragón photographed by Vanessa Grossemy for Canis Reporting
Photography courtesy of its owner: Vanil des Artses
Photography courtesy of its owner: Vanil des Artses
Because all these characteristics the PYRENEAN MASTIFFS were and are perfect dogs for families, guard dogs and livestock guardian dogs.
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