Friday 21 December 2012

Pyrenean Mastiff


Pyrenean Mastiff

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiff
Other namesMastín del Pirineo
Mastí del Pirineu
Country of originSpain[1]
[hide]Traits
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)
Pyrenean Mastiff (male) black spotted.
The Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo) is a large breed of dog originally from the Aragonese Pyrenees in Spain. It should not be confused with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

Contents

  [hide

[edit]Description

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very large dog, males 77 cm (30 in) and females 71 cm (28 in) at the withers, although they can be up to 81 cm (32 in). They have a heavy white coat with large darker spots.[2] The average weight is about 81 kg (178 pounds), although males can often weigh over 100 kg (220 pounds).

[edit]History

This mountain dog is descended from an ancient livestock guardian dog type. It has been documented since 1977 as a modern purebred breed by the Club del Mastín del Pirineo de España in Spain.[3] The breed is now being taken from its native region and promoted as a pet in other countries like USA by the Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America.[4] It was recognised by theFédération Cynologique Internationale in 1982.

[edit]Temperament

This strong, rustic breed is self-reliant and calm. It is even-tempered and docile at home and is protective with children. It is gentle with other dogs as well as other pets and people it knows. However, if challenged, the Pyrenean Mastiff will not hesitate to defend its family or itself from a perceived threat. Although it is gentle and kind with a loving temperament, it takes its work seriously and needs a strong, experienced leader. Certainly this large breed should be socialized from puppyhood to encourage confidence, but it will always be in its nature to remain suspicious of strangers.
The Pyrenean Mastiff should be trained with reward-based, positive lessons from as early an age as possible. This teaches it to pay attention to people. It is generally an independent-minded dog, and may not respect the owner if the owner is too passive.

[edit]Grooming

The Pyrenean Mastiff's longish coat needs regular brushing and combing. It is a regular shedder, too, so the more frequently it is brushed, the less shedding there will be. Its ears should be kept clean and dry, as should the areas around its eyes.

[edit]Exercise

The Pyrenean Mastiff does not require a great deal of exercise, but it will become bored and restless without a sufficient amount. Several daily walks will give it the opportunity it needs to check its surroundings and get exercise. Outings are also a great way to socialize the Pyrenean Mastiff, who becomes gentler and more trusting with every friend it makes along the way....

[edit]References

No comments:

Post a Comment