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Pyrenean Mastiff Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Pyrenean Mastiff so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Guard Dogs
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Pyrenean Mastiff dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain
Other Names
What other names does the Pyrenean Mastiff have?
Mastin d'AragonMastín del PirineoMostín d'o PireneuPerro Mastin del Pireneo
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Pyrenean Mastiff Size and Weight

Size
Is a Pyrenean Mastiff small, medium or large dog?

How big do Pyrenean Mastiff get?

What is the average size of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Pyrenean Mastiff weigh? How much should a Pyrenean Mastiff weight? What is the normal weight of a Pyrenean Mastiff? How much does a full-grown Pyrenean Mastiff weight?
Male: 178-200 pounds (81-90 kg), Female: 200-220 pounds (90-100 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Pyrenean Mastiff?
Male: 190 pounds (85 kg), Female: 210 pounds (95 kg)
Height
How tall is the Pyrenean Mastiff? Pyrenean Mastiff height:
Male: 29.5-31 inches (75-80 cm), Female: 26-28.5 inches (68-73 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Pyrenean Mastiff?
Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (71 cm)

Pyrenean Mastiff Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Pyrenean Mastiff puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Pyrenean Mastiff in the United States? How much money is a Pyrenean Mastiff?

Where to buy a Pyrenean Mastiff with a good pedigree?

$900-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Pyrenean Mastiff, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Pyrenean Mastiff for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Pyrenean Mastiff gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Pyrenean Mastiff? How many Pyrenean Mastiff are there in the world?
Average: The Pyrenean Mastiff is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Pyrenean Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Pyrenean Mastiff? Is the Pyrenean Mastiff breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Pyrenean Mastiff is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Pyrenean Mastiff?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Pyrenean Mastiff good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Pyrenean Mastiff dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Pyrenean Mastiff can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Pyrenean Mastiff will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Pyrenean Mastiff Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Pyrenean Mastiff have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ProtectiveDocileGentleBraveNoble
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Pyrenean Mastiff sensitivity:
Sensitive: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Pyrenean Mastiff a good family dog?
High: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Mastin d'Aragon need? Pyrenean Mastiff social needs:
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Pyrenean Mastiff to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Pyrenean Mastiff roam?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Pyrenean Mastiff have high prey drive?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Pyrenean Mastiff Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Mastin d'Aragon bark?
Low to Average: The Pyrenean Mastiff rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Pyrenean Mastiff good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Pyrenean Mastiff in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Pyrenean Mastiff breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Pyrenean Mastiff indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Pyrenean Mastiff Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Pyrenean Mastiff be left alone? How long can you leave a Pyrenean Mastiff alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Pyrenean Mastiff Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Pyrenean Mastiff has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Pyrenean Mastiff? How much bite force does a Pyrenean Mastiff have? How strong is a Pyrenean Mastiff bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Pyrenean Mastiff bite force: The Strongest. The Pyrenean Mastiff bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Pyrenean Mastiff measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Pyrenean Mastiff dogs is impressive, and their Pyrenean Mastiff bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Pyrenean Mastiff PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Pyrenean Mastiff bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Pyrenean Mastiff puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Pyrenean Mastiff bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Mastin d'Aragon? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Pyrenean Mastiff? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Pyrenean Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Pyrenean Mastiff do?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Pyrenean Mastiff dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

Pyrenean Mastiff Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Pyrenean Mastiff rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Pyrenean Mastiff breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Pyrenean Mastiff breed? Most common health risks of Pyrenean Mastiff:
Hip Dysplasia BloatEntropionEctropionElbow DysplasiaInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Pyrenean Mastiff breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Pyrenean Mastiff see the vet?
Rare
The Pyrenean Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs live? How old can a Pyrenean Mastiff be? What is the age limit of the Pyrenean Mastiff? How many years can the oldest Pyrenean Mastiff live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

How long is the lifespan of a Pyrenean Mastiff?

8-12 years
The average lifespan of Pyrenean Mastiff: 10 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Pyrenean Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Pyrenean Mastiff Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Pyrenean Mastiff have? What is the activity level of the Pyrenean Mastiff?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Pyrenean Mastiff need? How much exercise do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs require per day?

Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs need a lot of exercises?

Pyrenean Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Pyrenean Mastiff breed need?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Pyrenean Mastiff Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Pyrenean Mastiff need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Pyrenean Mastiff breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Pyrenean Mastiff? How much food should I feed my Pyrenean Mastiff?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Pyrenean Mastiff risk for obesity:
High: The Pyrenean Mastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Pyrenean Mastiff more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Pyrenean Mastiff weight regularly.

Pyrenean Mastiff Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Pyrenean Mastiff have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Pyrenean Mastiff coats?
Black White BrownSpotted Grey
Grooming
How to groom the Pyrenean Mastiff and how often? How often should I take my Pyrenean Mastiff to the groomer?
Advanced: The Pyrenean Mastiff requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Pyrenean Mastiff a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Pyrenean Mastiff, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Mastin d'Aragon? Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs shed a lot?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Pyrenean Mastiff need a bath? How often should you give a Pyrenean Mastiff a bath? Can I bathe my Pyrenean Mastiff every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Pyrenean Mastiff breed hypoallergenic?
No
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

High 🔼

The Pyrenean Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Pyrenean Mastiff drool?
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Pyrenean Mastiff.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Pyrenean Mastiff Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs get along with other pets? Are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Pyrenean Mastiff temperament with other people:
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Pyrenean Mastiff temperament with children:
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Pyrenean Mastiff breed live with a cat?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Pyrenean Mastiff good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs?
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Pyrenean Mastiff can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Pyrenean Mastiff breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Pyrenean Mastiff breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs good office canines? Do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Pyrenean Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Pyrenean Mastiff dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Mastin d'Aragon temperament with senior people? Are Pyrenean Mastiff dogs good for elderly owners?
Pyrenean Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Pyrenean Mastiff As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Pyrenean Mastiff be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Pyrenean Mastiff is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Pyrenean Mastiff be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Pyrenean Mastiff be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Pyrenean Mastiff is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Pyrenean Mastiff be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Pyrenean Mastiff is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Pyrenean Mastiff be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Pyrenean Mastiff be a boat dog?

Not really

Pyrenean Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Pyrenean Mastiff be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Pyrenean Mastiff breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Pyrenean Mastiff dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pyrenean Mastiff Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Pyrenean Mastiff pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Pyrenean Mastiff breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Pyrenean Mastiff: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Pyrenean Mastiff have in a litter? How many puppies can the Pyrenean Mastiff breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Pyrenean Mastiff have? How many puppies can a Pyrenean Mastiff give birth to?
1-10 puppies, average 5

Pyrenean Mastiff Recognition

AKC Group
Is Pyrenean Mastiff recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Pyrenean Mastiff recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Pyrenean Mastiff breed?
Dog Registry of America Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Foundation Stock Service

Pyrenean Mastiff Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Pyrenean Mastiff is an excellent dog breed.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Child Friendly: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Pyrenean Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Pyrenean Mastiff breed.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Pyrenean Mastiff requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Pyrenean Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Stinkiness: The Pyrenean Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: High: The Pyrenean Mastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthiness: Pyrenean Mastiff dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Pyrenean Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Pyrenean Mastiff History

Although the origin of the Pyrenean Mastiff is still under debate, it is generally accepted that the breed is originated from the molosser dogs brought from Assyria and Sumeria to Spain 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians. In the early middle ages, the area of today’s Spain was split between the Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragon in the north and the Muslim-controlled areas of the south. In the wide and flat area of Castile, the smooth-coated Spanish Mastiff was created, yet in the Aragon region due to the less homogenous Pyrenees Mountains, the Pyrenean Mastiff was developed to be more rugged and longer-haired. The breed was used to work with and guard the livestock. In 504 A.D., a formal mass migration of flocks to and from grazing grounds established by the Visigoth King named Eurico, where multiple herds of sheep were accompanied by a strong shepherd and five mastiffs. Working together with the shepherd, they would make the migration easier and safer through the bear and wolf-infested Pyrenees Mountains and foothills. Thus, these livestock protectors were highly esteemed. According to the traditions, the dogs also wore a carlanca, a spiked collar, made out of metal, was protecting their necks while engaging with bears and wolves.

The Regent of France, Mazzarino, and the King of Spain, Philippe IV., in 1659, signed a decree splitting ownership of the Pyrenees Mountains with the northern area becoming French territory, and the Southern area remaining Spanish territory. As the southern part remained in Spain, the Spanish Mastiff remained a more massive, primitive, and less homogenous breed, yet, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog enjoyed widespread recognition due to its popularity and strong breeding programs in the French acquired northern parts.

Between the 1930s and the 1940s, as the number of wild bears and wolves decreased in the Pyrenees Mountains, a new reliance on rail to transport sheep was established. The Spanish Civil War and later, the Second World War, and a scarcity of food almost led to the final extinction of the Pyrenean Mastiff. During these circumcentres, the dogs became very large and expensive to support, the breed remained with no further principal function, nor work-related purpose besides guarding livestock.

In 1954, the breed was recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), and it is also recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). Because of the decline of the Pyrenean Mastiff, the wolves returned to the Pyrenees Mountains by the 1970s, thus creating a need for the breed again. A small group of the breed’s fanciers set out to revive the breed, and in spite of the dog’s rareness, thanks to these enthusiasts, the dogs are no longer close to extinction. In 1977, the Club del Mastín del Pirineo (honoring the breed’s local Spanish name) was founded as a tribute to the breed.

Although they are still very rare, the Pyrenees Mountains are spread through Eastern and Western Europe, as well as through Scandinavia, Russia, Japan, Australia, Canada, with 4000-6000 dogs worldwide.

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