The Spanish Mastiff: description of the breed, character, photos and owner reviews

10-15 years ago in Russia almost did not know anything about dog breed Spanish Mastiff. Photos of these animals is amazing. This good-natured and loving of their masters, the giants. Now rock is gaining popularity and gaining more and more sympathy among the breeders, professionals and hobbyists.

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It is believed that the ancestors of these dogs with its enormous size, lived in Spain 3 years ago. Mention of them is recorded in ancient manuscripts.

There are several versions of the appearance of this breed. There is speculation that the ancestors of modern mastiffs brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Phoenician merchants on the ships. According to another version, the breed originates from the ancient dogs that came to the Pyrenees with the Roman military legions. But, according to historians, the local tribes were already by the time of his attack dogs. The following assumption – the Spanish Mastiff breed is descended from guard large dogs that roamed with the tribes that lived in Eastern Europe and Asia.

The Number of these large animals has increased with the development of wool sheep. Good for guarding the flock, consisting of thousands of animals, had 5 dogs. I wrote about this Manuel del Rio in his ‘a Shepherd's life”. If you consider the size of the sheep population in the middle of the XVIII century, it turns out that they had to protect not less than 20 thousand mastiffs. The largest specimens were found around Lyon and Extremadura.

History modern breeds

Until the beginning of XX century, the breeding of mastiffs, no one did. Only in 1906 with the birth of a puppy, Macaco officially begins the history of this breed. This was made a corresponding entry in the stud book of the Spanish.

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The dog was First described in 1929. Then she called “mountain Spanish Mastiff”. Kennel “Trashumancia” belonging to Louis Esquire, the purpose of which was to find the large dogs of this breed and to improve it, examined in the 50-ies of the last century, the mountain areas of North-Western Spain. As a result of one of the largest animals was a dog named Navarro which was presented at the Madrid agricultural exhibition 1959

In the 60-ies of the last century there was another kennel, working Spanish mastiffs – “El Pinatar” Amadeo, Alexandre. His dogs were very popular in the 80s.

It Should be noted that these two nurseries for 40 years has managed to lay the Foundation of the modern breed of Spanish Mastiff. This is despite the fact that their hosts had different points of view on the issue of ideal standards.

The Emergence in Russia

For the First time, the Spanish Mastiff was imported into the country in 1995. And almost six months was the only representative of this breed. Then from Czech Republic Svetlana V. Dorogova was delivered to a few animals in a kennel “Borsdorf”. From that moment, is counting Spanish Mastiff in Russia. A year later appeared first puppies in kennel club "Rare breed" of what was recorded in the book of breeding.

Now the number of these animals in the country are small. Usually at shows there is not more than three individuals. However, it is possible to say that the breed of dog the Spanish Mastiff is slowly but surely gaining attention and popularity. The day is near when you will be gather large amount of rings.

Description

Gentle and plush giant. That's what the Spanish Mastiff. Description of the breed, perhaps we should start with the fact that he feels people who first saw the animal. Above all, it impresses with its grandeur and dignity. The growth of such dogs are more 77 see Exactly what they say, those who decided to buy the dog.

It has a proportionately built body, a deep chest and strong bone. The case is rectangular rather than square shape. The dog's body must produce the impression of a huge force that resides in her. The belly should not be sunken. The loin and croup has wide and powerful.

The Head - that is the main difference between the Spanish Mastiff and other, related species. In this case, there is no clearly pronounced transition from forehead to muzzle. The skull is quite wide. Characteristic – free wrinkles outside the eyes, giving the face an unusual expression.

The Skin is free and thick, creating its folds the volume around the neck, chest and bottom. The coat is quite tight to the body, a little wavy and has a length of not more than 6 see the Undercoat is thick and dense. It protects the animal from frost and cold wind.

The coat Color can be any, but the most common is black, brindle and yellow. Interestingly, the latter can vary from almost white to red tones.

I Must say that the Spanish Mastiff, the disclosure of which would be incomplete without a mention of their unusual so-called cat's paw, may have 1-2 dewclaws. This feature is very beneficial, as it means good ligaments.

Spanish mastiffs Mature late enough: females 2-3 years and males – one year later. As evidenced by the owners, dogs havegood health, but there are diseases occurring in this breed. The animal was in good shape, you should constantly give him exercise. Life expectancy the average is 10-12 years.

The Dog can tolerate almost any climate, the only limitation-this is something to keep it in standard Russian apartment is simply unrealistic. That, in fact, confirmed by numerous reviews of the owners.

Nature

The Mastiff is very kind in nature. They completely lack of unmotivated aggression. At night their guard instincts somewhat aggravated, which is not surprising as their ancestors had protected the vast herds of sheep from the attacks of packs of wolves. But it should be noted that the Mastiff will never attack without warning. The signal to attack may serve as a deep growl or low bark.

Dedication & ndash; this is another trait of these dogs. As they say owners, mastiffs subtly react to them love and affection. They are trying to protect those who are weaker than them, for example, children or the elderly.

Mastiffs freedom. They need more space. They are not suited for life in apartments, even if they are large enough. Best of all, if it is a private house with a nice yard.

Education

As mentioned above, beautiful and good-natured character is the main distinguishing feature of the breed Spanish Mastiff. The upbringing of the dog also plays an important role. Thanks to him, the animal gets on well with all the household, including cats, rodents and birds.

With the right upbringing these dogs can become not only good friends but also great advocates for children. Those who have this dog in the house, in one voice say that mastiffs are very sensitive nurses. For example, if a child falls, they try very carefully to lift him or to serve him as a support. These good-natured giants can allow children to do anything, to endure them even the most unbelievable tricks.

The Dogs need to train and educate the various teams. But it is not necessary to demand from them their literal fulfillment. Usually they intuitively feels that the owner wants from him and act as you see fit. Also, don't forget that mastiffs like to be praised for the executed command.

Grooming

Both professionals and dog lovers courtship process for hair is called grooming. Constantly carrying out such a procedure for your pet, the owners care not only about beauty, but about health. Grooming promotes good growth of fur and also supports the tone of the skin of the animal.

Despite the fact that the Spanish Mastiff is a pretty neat dog, not allowing herself to go into the mud and puddles, paws after walking it is necessary to wash and wipe dry.

Typically the wool they have not dumped, so they should be brushed every day. But if the dog came under the rain, upon returning home, you should carefully comb it. This is done with a special brush or comb in the direction of hair growth, starting from the head. As for puppies, they are almost not combed, but adult dogs is a must.

Swimming

Professionals don't suggest doing it too often. It will be sufficient to bathe the Mastiff as pollution. Or not more often than 1 time in two weeks. As you know, frequent water treatments result in washing away the natural layer of fat, resulting in skin glands begin to produce it in larger quantities. This can lead to overdrying of the skin, dandruff in hair, and sometimes even to different dermatological diseases. Therefore, frequent bathing can cause more harm than good.

In the cold season, when frosts, the dog is better not to bathe at all. You must wait to heat until there is no further moulting.

Preparation for the exhibition

Some owners with their Pets lead a very eventful life. We are talking about visiting trade fairs. To the dog's fur looked well-groomed, bathe them in advance before the event, as fat grease is recovered only after 2-3 days. In addition, a few hours before the exhibition it is recommended to treat the wool dedicated spray texture. It greatly improves the appearance of the fur, gives it Shine, restores volume and refreshes.

In Winter, when exhibitions are held often, and the dogs, bathing is not recommended, the Spanish Mastiff, with his thick hair is in need of a thorough cleaning it from various kinds of pollution. In such cases, use a dry shampoo. They are very convenient to use, furthermore, it has no harmful effects on the animal's skin, has a pleasant enough smell.

This shampoo is sold in the form of a spray, powder or powder. After its application it is only necessary to carefully comb hair. I must say that shampoos include a conditioning or protein, choose preferably. After application the dog will look preppy and well-groomed, and the hair gain volume and a beautiful Shine.

And finally, a tip: start taking care of dogs of the breed Spanish Mastiffphotos are presented in this article, at an early age that, being puppies, they get used to different cosmetic procedures. Then the animals will be calm, and their owners-happy.

Impressions about the breed

Good character, reliable, a protector, a loving and gentle animal – all of this is the Spanish Mastiff. Reviews of dog owners basically positive. People claim that faithful friend. In addition, they are excellent guard, but just like that, without reason, do not bark. And if you still hear the voice of your pet, it is better to go and check who violated the boundaries of your private possessions.

Experienced breeders in one voice say that the Spanish Mastiff – dogs for the wealthy and self-confident owners.

Prices

As mentioned above, the Spanish Mastiff, the price of which offers on the market varies all the time, a dog is not cheap. The average cost of a puppy of this breed is from 65 to 90 thousand rubles. Get yourself this great and good animal. And positive emotions are guaranteed.

To Buy a puppy of the Spanish Mastiff, read private messages, as well as in nurseries engaged in breeding of this breed.