meet the...Pyrenean Mastiff
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Sub-group 9-A: 9-A Large Mountain/Pastoral Dogs Shepherding Type
Origin Country Spain
Weight Males: 100-240 pounds. Females: 85-240 pounds.
Height Males: 27-32 inches. Females: 25-30 inches.
Other Name(s) Mastin Del Pirineo
Breed Type Pure
click here for FULL BREED STANDARD
Origins
High in the Pyrenees Mountains, where a natural border exists between France and Spain, humans have lived and raised livestock for thousands of years. During that time, large dogs—such as the Pyrenean Mastiff’s ancestors—have been used to guard livestock from thieves and natural predators, such as Pyrenean brown bears. It is believed that these dogs and other large mountain flock guardian breeds, such as the Akbash, Kuvasz, Komondor, and Maremma, descended from large Asian dogs that were originally used to guard the horses, sheep, and goats of nomads.
When the nomadic bands moved from Central Asia to the West, they brought many of their large dogs along, trading some of them with the locals. In their never-ending search for greener pastures, the nomads eventually made their way through the Pyrenees Mountains and to the Iberian Peninsula. There, the dogs continued to accompany herdsmen for centuries, following seasonal migration routes between the Aragonese and Navarrese regions to the Maestrazgo regions. They were prized for their strength, stamina, and protection.
Eventually, as the large predators of the Pyrenees Mountains declined, so did interest in such large protective dogs. The breed almost became extinct until a few breed enthusiasts collected what remained of the dogs and began to rebuild the breed. The larger, longer-coated specimens that were more popular in the northern portions of Spain were called Mastin del Pirineo or Pyrenean Mastiff. The breed has made a slow and steady comeback but remains most popular in its country of origin.Breed Characteristics
Head: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, shaped like a blunt wedge, and tapering from the broad topskull to the muzzle. The topskull is broad, with the length being equal to, or just slightly greater than, the width (measured across the top in front of the ears). In profile and from the front, the topskull appears slightly rounded, or it may appear almost flat. The brows are somewhat developed. The occiput and sagittal crest are slightly pronounced. A very slight median furrow, or ridge, between the eyes at the stop may be present. The head should appear neither heavy, like that of a mastiff, nor foxy and light. It is always in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Eyes: It appears somewhat small to moderate in size, oval to almond or diamond in shape and may range from amber, hazel, or medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. In specimens with agouti or sable color on the head, the hair at the outer corners of the eyes meets and forms the distinctive look of “eyeliner” that extends from the outer corner of the eye and back toward the cheeks. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size, set level with or just above the eye when in repose. Ears may be slightly raised when the dog is excited or alert. They are triangular, V-shaped, with rounded tips. The inner edge of the ears lies close to the head when in repose. The outer base may have some lift when alerted. The ears are never long, "fly-away," or overly large.
Muzzle: The muzzle is a strongly developed feature. It is of a moderate length, equal to the topskull, although a profuse coat on the head and topskull can make the topskull appear longer. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. It is broad, full, and deep. It blends, or tapers, only slightly, toward the nose, forming a square shape. From above, the muzzle appears to taper just slightly from the broader base toward the nose. Upper and lower jaws are of equal length, strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black (preferred). However, a faded snow nose is permissible. The nostrils are well-opened.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. It is powerfully muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. Overall, the neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap; however, a minimal amount of loose skin at the throat should not be penalized.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but not prominent.
Body: Solid, of good substance and depth throughout. The body is never racy or excessively heavy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Single or double dewclaws may be present on the front and back legs, with double dewclaws present preferred.
Tail: Set somewhat high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually slightly above the level of the topline to a neutral position, but never tucked. The tail is of a medium to long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, saber-shaped, or sickle-shaped, all with a slight to definite hook or “shepherd’s crook” at the end when held at alert. There is no preference for carriage.
Movement: The Pyrenean Mastiff moves with surprising grace, agility, efficiency, and energy. Powerful yet graceful, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: This flock guardian is bred to exude a calm and assuring demeanor so as not to frighten the flocks they are employed to protect. They are observant and discerning, capable of quickly telling herd from predator, friend from foe. They are developed to strongly bond with their flocks and families at a young age. Due to the intensity with which they bond, socialization should be employed on individuals who will accompany their families outside of the property; otherwise, they may become overly protective homebodies. They typically behave as gentle giants unless a threat is identified. They are intelligent and willing students, so long as what they are being taught is interesting to them. Otherwise, they may become easily bored or come up with a better idea of their own. Being a dog with guarding instincts, they demand a certain amount of autonomy, but they are always happy to accompany those that they love. Mature individuals may show indifference or aloofness toward strangers, which should not be penalized. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 9: Large Guardian Pastoral/Mountain Dogs
Proportions: Somewhat rectangular with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The ideal body-height-to-length ratio is between 5:4 and 10:9. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance. The coat gives the appearance of a dog of great substance and mass; however, when hands are placed in the coat, it becomes evident that the dog is less substantial. The bone is sturdy and solid, giving strength to the frame, and the dog is powerfully muscled throughout. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. Preference should be placed over soundness and quality, as opposed to sheer size alone. A lesser-sized specimen can be given preference if all of the elements of quality and soundness are present. The length of the body measures barely more than the height at withers. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull type, moderate in size, shaped like a blunt wedge, and tapering from the broad topskull to the muzzle. The topskull is broad, with the length being equal to, or just slightly greater than, the width (measured across the top in front of the ears). In profile and from the front, the topskull appears slightly rounded, or it may appear almost flat. The brows are somewhat developed. The occiput and sagittal crest are slightly pronounced. A very slight median furrow, or ridge, between the eyes at the stop may be present. The head should appear neither heavy, like that of a mastiff, nor foxy and light. It is always in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: Regal, noble, self-composed, watchful, and reflective.
Stop: The stop may range from a gentle slope to being moderately defined. It should never appear overly abrupt.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between 1:1 and 4:5, with the topskull being equal to, or just longer than, the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis may be parallel to slightly divergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is a strongly developed feature. It is of a moderate length, equal to the topskull, although a profuse coat on the head and topskull can make the topskull appear longer. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight. It is broad, full, and deep. It blends, or tapers, only slightly, toward the nose, forming a square shape. From above, the muzzle appears to taper just slightly from the broader base toward the nose. Upper and lower jaws are of equal length, strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips fit rather well over the teeth and just cover the lower jaw. They should never appear loose, droopy, or pendulous. They are well-pigmented.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black (preferred). However, a faded snow nose is permissible. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks can range from smoothly muscled to slightly padded. Below, the eyes are well-filled and never completely chiseled.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work is not to be penalized.
Eyes: It appears somewhat small to moderate in size, oval to almond or diamond in shape and may range from amber, hazel, or medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. In specimens with agouti or sable color on the head, the hair at the outer corners of the eyes meets and forms the distinctive look of “eyeliner” that extends from the outer corner of the eye and back toward the cheeks. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size, set level with or just above the eye when in repose. Ears may be slightly raised when the dog is excited or alert. They are triangular, V-shaped, with rounded tips. The inner edge of the ears lies close to the head when in repose. The outer base may have some lift when alerted. The ears are never long, "fly-away," or overly large.
Body and Tail
General Description: Solid, of good substance and depth throughout. The body is never racy or excessively heavy. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. It is powerfully muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. Overall, the neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap; however, a minimal amount of loose skin at the throat should not be penalized.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but not prominent.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level. The back is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Broad and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set somewhat high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually slightly above the level of the topline to a neutral position, but never tucked. The tail is of a medium to long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, gently curved, saber-shaped, or sickle-shaped, all with a slight to definite hook or “shepherd’s crook” at the end when held at alert. There is no preference for carriage.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm, or shoulder blades may be slightly longer than the forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of solid bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
NOTE: Each foreleg should carry either a single or double dewclaw.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
NOTE: Each hind leg should carry well-formed double dewclaws. The absence of these dewclaws is a disqualification.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Single or double dewclaws may be present on the front and back legs, with double dewclaws present preferred.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Double-coated and well-furnished with a dense, bristly, medium-length, weatherproof outer coat. It is especially dense on the shoulders, chest, and neck. Hair on the face, ears, topskull, and front of the legs is shorter. Longer on neck, rump, and tail forming crest, frill, thick, fine, woolly trousers, and well-plumed tail, all of which may have a slight wave. Thick undercoat.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Pyrenean Mastiff breed: the standard and nonstandard.
Standard coat color variety: Color-headed white or predominantly white (with colored areas taking up no more than 49% of the dog’s body, restricted to the head or body, never the lower legs. Either color-headed white or predominantly white dogs should exhibit head markings that fully cover both eyes and ears. Dogs may also have varying degrees of color or pattern markings on the body (not on the lower limbs). Color markings may range from brindle, grizzle, badger, marbled, agouti, gray, gold, sand, black, silver, beige, tan, fawn (tan with black melanistic mask), sandy, or red.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Solid white, tricolor; cream, yellow, sand, red, dusk. Any solid color or pattern with little to no white markings ticked dogs with any degree of colored markings.
Movement
The Pyrenean Mastiff moves with surprising grace, agility, efficiency, and energy. Powerful yet graceful, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
This flock guardian is bred to exude a calm and assuring demeanor so as not to frighten the flocks they are employed to protect. They are observant and discerning, capable of quickly telling herd from predator, friend from foe. They are developed to strongly bond with their flocks and families at a young age. Due to the intensity with which they bond, socialization should be employed on individuals who will accompany their families outside of the property; otherwise, they may become overly protective homebodies. They typically behave as gentle giants unless a threat is identified. They are intelligent and willing students, so long as what they are being taught is interesting to them. Otherwise, they may become easily bored or come up with a better idea of their own. Being a dog with guarding instincts, they demand a certain amount of autonomy, but they are always happy to accompany those that they love. Mature individuals may show indifference or aloofness toward strangers, which should not be penalized. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
