Belonging to Olympias, daughter of the Molossian King Pyrrhus
Edited By Brian Vesey-Fitzgerald - "The Book Of The Dog"
In the Middle Ages, the Christians in the north and the Moslems in
the south of the Iberian peninsula were fighting against each other for
the control of the land that would one day become known as Espana. In the
Christian kingdoms, the business of wool and lambs was the livelihood of
the people.
At that time existed two hegemonic kingdoms in the yet unborn Spain,
Castilla and Aragon. In these kingdoms,each having a very different way
of life, were born two breeds of dogs. In the wide and flat Castilla, the
Mastin Espanol (Spanish Mastiff); in the heterogeneous and abrupt Aragon,
the Mastin del Pirineo (Pyrenean Mastiff).
The system of "trashumancia" in Castilla was completely homogeneous.
The big herds had a lot of very detailed rules imposed by the "Honrado
Concejo de la Mesta". These rules included the way to treat the dogs,
which was important, since these dogs defended the flocks from many risky
situations across many thousands of miles. These big and valiant dogs are
the breed we know today as the Spanish Mastiff.
In the kingdom of Aragon, the "Honrado Concejo de la Mesta"
had no authority, and the herding rules differed from one valley to the
next. The Pyreneans were home to many wolves and bears, and here another
magnificent protector, the Pyrenean Mastiff or "Mostin"(from the
old aragonish language) was employed.
As the centuries passed these systems continued. The river Ebro remained
the border between these two excellent molosser breeds up until our day.
The Spanish Mastiff and Pyrenean Mastiff are both molossoid breeds. The
Spanish Mastiff has a shorter coat, slightly bigger head and a little more
skin on the throat. The Pyrenean Mastiff has a longer coat and his color
is always white with an obligatory mask around the eyes and on the ears.
In both cases, the texture of the coat is hard, not soft or wooly. In both
breeds the head is important, the structure powerful, a wide chest and round
ribs.
The expression of the Spanish Mastiff is much "sweeter" than
that of the expressive face of the Pyrenean Mastiff. These two magnificent
canine giants have conquered the hearts of many. They are both breeds of
excellent temperament and indescribable charm.
These Mastiff dogs do not require extensive care. They are healthy breeds
that require to spend their days with someone who will be more of a friend
and companion than just an "owner'. They are proud, strong and sure
of themselves and a great piece of the history of Spain.
The dog we know as the Pyrenean Mastiff belongs to the breed of very
big molosus dogs. These dogs were the guardians of the Aragonien sheep herds
protecting them from predators such as the wolf and bear. The Mastiff from
Navarra and Cataluna are included in the Pyrenean Mastiff of today. They
were also used to protect houses, farms and castles. In their work of protecting
the herd they were assisted by the shepherd dog today known as Gos d'Atura
Catala.
In order to protect themselves while working the Pyrenean Mastiff used
to wear a special collar called a "carlanca" generally made of
iron with sharp protruding spikes. The collar was an extraordinary help
in case of an attack from wolves or bears.
The time eventually came when the herds worst predators disappeared from
the Pyreneas. This was around 1930 to 1940. The question of what to do with
such a big dog with a large appetite was pondered by the farmers. Due to
the lack of interest in this big dog it gradually began to disappear. This
could have been disastrous for the breed had it not have been for a few
big dog lovers who adopted the task of the breeds survival. It was hard
to feed such a big dog during the period just after the Spanish Civil War
but it was obviously one that was accomplished. The great-great-grandchildren
of these dogs are the seeds that have been used to revive the breed today.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is part of the common origin of the molosus or molususlupoides
to guard the livestock. It was distributed within different breeds in the
southern part of Europe from Turkey to Portugal and from Caucaso to Sierra
Morena. In the Spanish breed the molosus factor dominates the lupoide one
and its structure with a big skull, strong bones and round ribs makes it
difficult to rest. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a rectangular dog, thick, big
head and wide breast. The ears should be implanted over the eyes line and
not too big. The eyes should be intelligent and dark. Overall the Pyrenean
Mastiff shall show his power and his strength.
The base color of the coat should always be white. The eyes and ears
should always be colored. The hair should be long and thick. The Pyrenean
Mastiff character is noble, tame with the children and with the people who
get along well with the dog, but implacable with those who dare to challenge
him. Often people who are unfamiliar with the breed may say that these dogs
are very big and very stupid. Those who refer to the breed in this context
are usually more familiar with the barking-attacking anyone or anything
without any reason type of dog. The Pyrenean Mastiff is and was a very calm
dog possibly due to the fact that his function depended on that. It is a
very self reliant dog and barks very little. However if necessary it can
be extremely aggressive although it only comes to this point if there really
is no other way out. The Pyrenean Mastiff is quiet, good and equilibrated
in practically all circumstances. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a dog happy to
put on a collar and walk patiently by the side of his owner.
"To each his own" as the saying is known. However in the case
of the Pyrenean Mastiff there are some helpful points to look for in the
breed: More importance should be placed on the massivity than the size,
and to the head rather than the tail. A deeper breast than the elbows rather
than shorter and poor. Preferably a too aggressive dog to a too timid one.
A deep face profile to a "wolf- thin" profile. A dog with open
toes, but extremely strong bones rather than one with perfect toes and too
light in the bones or too flat of a breast and ribs. It is more important
to seek maybe some incorrect teeth in a powerful and big head rather than
some perfect teeth in a "wolfie" head. The ultimate dog is strong,
rustic, powerful and full of typicity rather than an "elegant"
or "harmonic" or "changed" one.
As previously noted ten to twelve years after the Spanish Civil War the
breed was less abundant. With the onset of the seventies, lover of the Spanish
dog breeds began to research dogs in the mountains and in the rest of Aragon
for the dog that perhaps could belong to the beloved Spanish breed, the
old and great molossus from Aragon.
The Club del Mastin del Pirineo de Espana (Spanish Pyrenean Mastiff Club)
was founded in 1977. It is an association where all breeders, owners and
lovers of the breed united to become the most important club dedicated to
a Spanish breed. Some years after their beginning the only *monographic
book about the Pyrenean Mastiff was written by the club. The international
history of the Pyrenean Mastiff is only beginning. Today there are about
4000 Pyrenean Mastiffs in their homeland of Spain.
Origin: Spain. The Pyrenean mastiff is a native of the southern slopes of the Pyrenees mountains. The mastiff was developed in the region of the Pyrenean Mountains that stretches from Aragon to Navarra. The breed was once known as the Navarra mastiff. The breed was at one time almost extinct but has gained new interest in recent years. It is still rare despite this. It is also known as the Mastiff of Navarre and the Mastin d'Aragon. The Pyrenean mastiff should not be confused with its French counterpart, the Great Pyrenees. The Phoenecian traders acquired mastiffs in Assyria and Sumeria. These dogs were sold in Spain where they were to be bred as working dogs and their heritage can be traced back to the great Asiatic mastiffs.
Description: It is a strong, powerful and tall dog of elegant beauty. Ideal height at the withers for males is 32 inches/81 cm and 29 1/2 inches/75 cm for females. Life expectancy is about 12 -14 years. The Pyrenean mastiff has such a light step that it hardly leaves any footprints. It posesses a large, long and strong head and long muzzle with a black nose. The skull is slightly rounded, broad and convex, prominent occiput and a wide, deep muzzle. The head should be massive and broad. The neck is powerful and surrounded by loose skin and hanging double dewlaps. The face is symmetrical and the eyes are small and dark with the lower eye lid showing. The ears are pointed and pendant. Although the ears can be cropped and the tail docked, this is not recommended. The tail is carried low and has a fringe and should have a curl at the tip and although it stands up when active, is never carried over the back. The body should be rectangular, well muscled and with strong bone. The back is level, slightly hollow and more inclined toward the withers. The Pyrenean mastiff has a thick, abundant and coarse coat that is medium long on the body but is slightly longer on the throat and neck. Coat colors most frequently seen are white with markings either golden, any shade of grey, black or badger, sand, red or marbling markings on the sides of the head and ears and the beginning of the neck. Markings may also be found on the posterior. Least prized dogs are those to have black and white markings. No matter what the markings the main body color is always white. A few large patches on the body are permissible but not in all white or tricolored dogs. The fore and hindquarters are strong with plenty of bone and muscle. The forefeet are not very large with toes that are closed and well arched. Double dewclaws on the hindlegs are typical but NOT obligatory in this breed.
TEMPERAMENT: Silent, friendly and intelligent
Uses: The Pyrenean mastiff is a flock guardian, hunter of wild game,
personal guardian and working dog. It is an excellent sheep protector, resistant
to cold weather and capable of fighting off predators such as wolves.
Every Spring, for many centuries, the shepherds of the Pyrenees would
move their large flocks from the lower mountain plains to grazing areas
in the high, mountain valleys. The Pyrenean mastiff aided in moving and
protecting these flocks during the trip. Four or five dogs would take charge
of up to a thousand sheep. The mastiff was equipped with a heavy spiked
collar known as a "carlanca" in order to protect the neck during
a wolf attack.
The mastiff was regognized as a distinct breed in the latter part of
the last century. It is a reliable, obedient and protective companion.
All along the southern third part of Europe, from Caucase to Sierra Morena and from Lisboa to Stambul, exist, and have existed during centuries past, molosoid and lupo - molosoid large breeds of dogs. These dogs are dedicated traditionally to guard the ewe herds, and have adapted both their physical and mental abilities to the different circumstances, countries, climates, etc..., where their jobs have taken them.
We have known guarding breeds such as the Anatolian Karabash, the Komondor, the Ovtcharka, the Kuvasz, the Polish Tatra, the Maremma - Abruzzese, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Mastin Espanol, the Rafeiro de Alentejo, the Estrela Mountain Dog and others. Among them, one of the more fascinating breeds is the Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastin de los Pirineos). This breed is one of the most primitive breeds of flock guardian dogs.
The Pyrenean Mastiff, like the Mastin Espanol (Spanish Mastiff) breed,
was influenced in the past from the blood of molosser dogs coming probably
to Spain through the South (Cadiz or "Gadir") proceeding from
Asia in the Phoenecian boats. This influence produced two different types
of large and powerful dogs perfectly adapted for the job that would be required
to do for so many centuries, protecting the lambs against the wolf and the
bear. There were two molossoid Spanish breeds, the Mastin del Pirineo and
the Mastin Espanol. The first of these two lived in the north - east part
of Spain and the latter in the center, in the area of Castilla and Leon.
In the middle age times when both breeds became established, the lands of
Aragon and Cataluna were independent and this was where the Pyrenean Mastiff
was living. The Mastin del Pirineo can compare his history to that of the
Pyrenean Mountain Dog because they have many breed similarities. Imagine
that the Pyreneans valleys direction was north-south and both sides belonged
to the Navarra-Aragon-Cataluna crown or in essence to Spain. This situation
changed in 1659, when Mazarino, the Regent of France and Philippe IV, King
of Spain signed a decree through which France acquired the Northern side
of the Pyreneans. From that time on, the French raised their dogs in their
own direction and style, hence leading to a characteristic type that later
became known as Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees (Pyrenean Mountain Dog/Great
Pyrenees). In the Southern Pyrenees, the Spanish chose to remain with the
traditional type dogs, working dogs that were more primitive and wide, less
refined and homogeneous.
During the international expansion that the official cynology has experienced
in our twentieth century, both breeds have had opposite appeal. The Pyrenean
Mountain Dog (Great Pyrenees) has enjoyed great recognition due to the excellent
selection efforts of the French breeders and those of other countries also.
The Spanish Pyrenean Mastiff was barely surviving as a breed, still working
in his traditional role as guardian of the lambs, until the middle of this
century when the last wolf was killed off in the Spanish Pyreneans. In the
forties and fifties Spain was in poor shape, still trying to recuperate
from the effects of a civil war. A large breed such as this, that eats a
lot and with no useful job to perform in its homeland became a heavier burden
on the people during such hard times and with each passing year their numbers
began to diminish as a pure breed.
In the seventies, a new passion grew among many people who had an interest
in the Spanish breed. Gradually the Pyrenean Mastiff began to make a comeback,
although far from the wolves and lambs, but closer to a bigger friend, man.
Today people are beginning to once again take an interest in the Pyrenean
Mastiff. If luck is on the side of this large and wonderful Spanish breed,
it will this time enjoy the recognition that it rightfully deserves.
The Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America (Club Mastin del Pirineo) is currently the only known organization in the United States of America to dedicate themselves to participate in the preservation of this great molosser breed, the Pyrenean Mastiff. The breed is considered to be a very rare one in this country at this time. The goal of the club is to offer support for future owners of this majestic dog and also valuable information and contacts with other Pyrenean Mastiff owners. It is hoped that with combined efforts the Pyrenean Mastiff will become a strong breed in this country and in turn help to promote longevity for the breed in general. This magnificent giant should not be changed but valued for what it once was and still is. For further information on the Pyrenean Mastiff or club membership write to:
Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America (P.M.C.A.)
4083 W. AVE. L #107, QUARTZ HILL, CA 93536
U.S.A.
Ph. 661-724-0268 Fax 815-301-2908
Origin:
Aragon and Navarra Pyrenees.
Use:
Mainly as a defendor for cattle and guardian of people and property.
FCI Qualification:
Second Group, Section 2, Molossers.
Short history of the breed:
Its existance is very much related to the defence and guarding of herds and cattle in Navarra and Aragon, both trashumant or stable.
1. General appearance: Its a large size dog, well proportioned and muscled, with a compact skeleton and although large in size it shall never be cumbersome nor lymphatic.
2. Important proportions: Length of the muzzle/length of skull = 4/5. Height to withers/brisket perimeter = 7/10.
3. Behavior and character: Meek, docile and extremely intelligent. It is very brave and fierce with strangers. It shows extremely benevolence with other dogs knowing of its strength. Should the time arise it is skilled at fight, remembering its acquired behavior in the fight with wolves. It has a deep and intense bark.
4. Head: Large, strong and moderately long. The skull - face look will be uniform and showing no specific difference in width when seen from above. From aside it will look deep, not wolf like. There will be a soft but defined stop.
The width of the skull will be equal or slightly superior to its length and the occiput crest will be well marked. Seen in profile the face will look somewhat triangular, large and slightly diminishing towards the truffle, never looking snipey.
Eyes: Small, hazel or preferably dark, showing severe aggressiveness when gazing at strangers and yet sweet to friends. The eyelids will be black and preferably close to the eye when the dog is in attention; when resting, the lower eyelid lets show a small part of the conjunctiva.
Ears: Medium sized, V-shaped, plain and inserted well over the line; when alert they should be separated from the face and partially lifted. Shall never be amputated.
Mouth: Scissor bite; with rather small incisors compared with the size of canines and the strength of the molars. Will have all the premolars.
5. Neck: Wide, strong, muscled and flexible, with a double well defined gill but exagerated.
6. Body: Rectangular, strong and showing great power. Wide chest and a well marked breastbone, round brisket and well separated cutlets. The back will narrow to the hips.
7. Forequarters: Straight and paralell when viewed from the front, showing muscles and tendons; with well muscled and obliquous shoulders, longer than forearms. The elbows are tied to the brisket. The forearms will triple the pastern in size.
8. Hindquarters: Adequate ear angulations, strong and muscled, heavily boned, with well marked hocks, showing the tendon and with no deviations.
9. Feet: Cat feet, slightly oval, may show single or double spurs, that can be amputated if desired, although when choosing between two similar dogs, the one showing double spurs, will be preferred.
10. Tail: Strong at the root and medium set, strong, flexible and showing an important panache; reaches the hocks when resting and while moving it will be held as a sabre, rather curled at the bottom but never totally folded and not resting over the hips.
11. Coat: Halflong, thick and laying flat to the body, the ideal medium length will be of 6 to 9 cms at the middle of the back and longer at the shoulder, neck, stomach and behind hind and forelegs, as well as in the tail panache. Never wooly.
12. Color: Basically white and always with a well defined mask, marks similar in color to that of the mask spread over the body, with irregular but well defined shape. Ears always marked. Totally white or tricolored animals not preferred; the most appreciated colors are pure white, snow white with medium grey marks, deep gold-sand, dusk, black, silver grey, light tan, sand, brindle, red for the marks or yellowish white for the whole not desired.
13. Gait: Trot is preferred and will be powerful with a sense of purpose and straight, never plaiting.
14. Weight and size: There are no limits to the maximum height and those animals that are taller whenever proportioned will be preferred. Minimum height will be 77 cms for the males and 72 for the females, but it will be preferred that males reach minimums of 81 cms and females 75 cms.
15. Faults: Sheepy head and face; lack of a premolar, slight distortion of the backline when moving; slight shyness; slightly curly or more than 9 cms long coat. Serious faults: Snipey or excessively rounded muzzle; weak bone; incorrect laying of the quarters; moderate enognatism; the absence of several premolar or canine teeth if the cause is other than accident; roach back; loins much taller than withers; very curly coat or whenever less than 6 cms or over 11 cms; no mask or depigmented ears; ears or tail cut. Exagerated ectropion or entropion; tail leaning over the back, with no panache, or straight at the end. Fragile and lymphatic appearance; unstable character. Eliminating faults: excessive prognatism or enognatism; lack of pigmentation at the truffle and mucosa; the absence of white coat; no white markings at the quarters and toes. Absolutely white specimens; absence of mask. Coat shorter than 4 cms or longer than 13 cms. Monorchid or cryptorchid animals. Any marks that are not clearly noticed and could mean mongrel blood.