Spanish mastiff | Online pet magazine ALFA-CDS.COM

Spanish mastiff – a giant dog with a stern expression on its face can scare anyone with just one look. But despite the fact that breed belongs to the largest in the world, call these dogs ferocious language will not turn. They are smart, faithful, caring, but certainly not evil. What kind of animal is this, the appearance and character of which is not match each other?

Content

1. History of breed origin
2. Description of the breed Spanish Mastiff
- 2.1. Colors of Spanish Mastiffs
3. The nature of the Spanish mastiffs
4. How to maintain and care for a large pet
5. How to feed a dog
6. Photo of the Spanish mastiff
7. Video about the Spanish mastiff
8. How much does a Spanish mastiff puppy cost
- 8.1. Spanish Mastiff Nurseries

History of breed origin

Scientists identify several versions regarding the occurrence of these giant dogs, but two of them are more reliable. By one, the progenitors of Spanish mastiffs brought to European territory by sea merchants from Phenicia. According to the second, they got here by land, thanks to the less friendly Asian nomads. But the hypothesis that Roman soldiers brought mastiffs is not It was confirmed, since the local population already had their landing huge pets that helped the natives defend their land.

Given the similarities of Turkish, Caucasian, Balkan, Tibetan Shepherd dogs and mastiffs, it is difficult to determine exactly who are the ancestors Spanish mastiffs, but it’s not surprising that the above The rocks are most likely one roots.

You can definitely say with confidence that it took a person the guard and protector of livestock from predators is even larger, faster, hardy animal, capable of sensing a threat from afar and taking measures. That’s when the idea of breeding guard dogs came up.

It was possible to find out that the Spanish mastiffs existed as separate breed in the 15th century. At that time they grazed cattle in Pyrenees. For one herd, a few dogs were enough, which not only protected cows and sheep, but also did not give them wander around.

Despite the ancient origin, about the representatives of this breeds spoke only at the beginning of the last century. Breed standard was determined after the Second World War ended. After international recognition, the breed’s popularity has increased, but all but did not reach the level of the most common dogs – German Shepherd dogs and rottweilers.

In Russia, Spanish mastiffs appeared in the mid-90s Gg, they were brought from the Czech nursery. And after a while in the rare breeding nursery, the first puppies of the spanish mastiff.

Today in the Russian territory and CIS countries representatives this breed is not enough, but we are not talking about their complete extinction. IN two or three dogs from these countries.

Naturally, today no one uses Spanish mastiffs according to their original purpose – grazing herds. But these dogs established themselves in a new role – a companion and a friend. Besides, their protective qualities allow you to purchase pets for protection family and property. And the Spanish mastiff frankly points to the status of its owner, since not everyone can imagine let such a four-legged friend.

Beautiful breed: English mastiff.

Description of the breed Spanish Mastiff

The latest breed standard has been approved by the Spanish Kennel Club in 1994. According to him, it is confirmed that the birthplace of the breed is Spain and it also states that dogs can used to protect herds, people and property. Relate giant dogs to a group of molossians.

Representatives of the breed are powerful, large dogs, with proportional addition. Male growth above 77 cm, bitches – 72 cm. The first thing that comes to mind at their sight is that it the most grandiose and majestic dogs in the world, and their skill holding on speaks of a developed self-esteem.

The head of a mastiff from Spain distinguishes him from dogs other breeds of similar origin. It is large, but at the same time harmonious in relation to the body. Area of transition from the frontal the bones to the muzzle are practically not expressed, the muzzle is expressive, powerful, skull box wide. Dogs are given serious expression wrinkles located on both sides of the eyes.
The skin of animals is thick, without dense fit, it is voluminous around the neck, chest and lower line, and makes dogs look like bullfights for bullfighting.
The coat is of medium length, thick, tight to the body, slightly wavy. Dogs have excellent protection against the cold – a thick, dense undercoat.
The case of the mastiffs is rectangular, with a powerful deep chest, wide and powerful lower back, and equally muscular croup. The abdomen is not tightened up, the bottom and top lines are located almost parallel. The whole body of the dog speaks of its strength and relics.
Dog paws resemble cats, which is considered positive quality and speaks of a good ligamentous apparatus animal. The paw has strong, bent claws and is assembled into a lump. The standard allows the presence of 1-2 dewclaws (fifth) fingers.

Colors of Spanish Mastiffs

If we talk about colors, they fit into the standard representatives of the breed of any color. The most common are yellow (any tone, from pale yellow to red), black and tiger Spanish mastiffs.

Dogs grow up late, in males between 3 and 4 years old, in bitches a year earlier. Pets of this breed live 10-11 years old.

nicknames for girls dogs;
nicknames for dog boys;
dog grooming.

Character of Spanish Mastiffs

Several centuries the activity of thoroughbred representatives cultivated certain qualities in them, and many of them useful to dogs and for new duties. For example, a habit grazing cattle, protecting weaker animals from predators, transformed into an excellent attitude towards children. Mastiffs perceive children as a herd that needs safety and comfortable conditions. And the dog gladly provides them with his little ward.

A dog in any conditions will remain an excellent nanny, because once, these dogs, even without food and water, guarded animals, not allowing themselves to raise at least one sheep. It speaks of professionalism and dedication of pets.

Only with a balanced psyche and developed intelligence, dogs could survive in the mountains, bringing grazing cattle whole and unscathed. Today, this property allows the animal to quickly socialize, behave appropriately in any conditions. Naturally, not the last role is played by education and training pet, but they are quite easy to train. because of lack of hunting instincts, mastiffs can be kept with others, even small pets.

Having an independent, and even proud, look, in fact this a powerful giant needs love and affectionate treatment. With weight in 100 kilograms, the dog is able to give out love and adoration for all 200. But, of course, the relationship must necessarily be reciprocal. Pets of this breed are infinitely loyal to both the owner and everyone family members, and he can prove it by giving even a life.

How to keep and care for a large pet

Such colorful, large dogs are not very suitable for apartment maintenance. Therefore, it is better to purchase them for living in the private sector, in a house with a spacious courtyard. They live well in the aviary, but arranging it, one should take into account the size of the occupant, in times exceeding the average dog.

In the fresh air, the dog feels better, and thick coat with dense undercoat prevents the animal from freezing even in fierce cold. But in hot weather the dogs are a little tough, so Be sure to provide the pet with a shadow. You should think about it. already during the construction of the aviary.

Dog breed spanish mastiff photo

Spanish mastiffs could once walk for days without sleep and rest. Of course, today from dogs such self-sacrifice is not required, but they need long walks and regular training. This requires their powerful, muscular constitution. BUT, in addition, they are able to quickly gain excess weight, which for such large animals threatens musculoskeletal diseases apparatus.

If we talk about hygiene procedures, then they are standard:

It is recommended to comb the pet constantly to get rid of dead hair (it is better to use a brush with metal teeth);
eyes and ears should be inspected regularly for contamination wipe with a cotton pad soaked in plain water or an antiseptic (more about ear cleaning);
claws should be trimmed regularly – at least 1 time per month, since, growing, they can lead to deformation of the metacarpus.

How to feed a dog

Balanced nutrition for such giants is the basis of their health, because they are prone to heart and joint diseases, may have growth problems.

But the dogs themselves are not picky and can eat everything. Many they think that the appetite of the Spanish mastiffs is huge, and there they are should more and more often than other dogs. Of course, the pet eats a lot, but standard mode is used – morning and evening.

The volume of food varies, depending on the time of year. So if in winter, the dog ate 1 kilogram of feed per day, then in the summer the norm reduced by 2 times.

Even with dry feed, you can include natural food, for example, fresh meat – veal, lamb, rabbit meat. And here is the pork digestive tract the animal cannot digest normally, so it should not be to give.

If the owner is determined to feed the dog with natural products, then most of the diet should be meat, the smaller – cereals products, vegetables, sour milk. And be sure to take care of special mineral supplements that strengthen and support bone and articular tissue.

Photo of a spanish mastiff

Spanish mastiff video

How much does a Spanish mastiff puppy cost?

These big beauties are expensive. Spanish price Mastiff varies, depending on the class of the puppy:

representatives of the pet class (healthy dogs for the soul, not suitable for exhibitions and breeding) – 35,000-45,000 rubles;
brid-class (puppies that are suitable for breeding, but without exhibition career) – 50,000-70000 rubles;
show class (the best representatives from the breed who are capable of become the founders of a new kind, future champions) – 80000-150000.

You can find a lot of ads where Spanish mastiffs sold much cheaper, for 15000-25000 thousand, however, there is a risk buy a dog with physical, and even worse – mental deviations that, when growing up, can make a pet dangerous.

It is worth noting that no self-respecting breeder will sell puppy before one and a half to two months. It takes so much time the baby is required to receive the necessary knowledge from the mother and learned to communicate with their own kind. Without this, a pet can grow nervous, with an unstable psyche.

Spanish mastiffs are beautiful, loyal dogs. They are a great option for people who love large breeds, and most importantly, able to handle them.