Spanish Mastiff Livestock Guardian Dogs
In 2001 we got our first Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) when our Great Pyrenees, Cleo
joined our old collie mix, Milo in guarding the farm. In the years since, we haven't lost
even one animal to a predator on our property and I give the dogs all the credit.
During the course of my research into Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD's) I became fascinated
by these working breeds and after another year of research, I decided to add yet another
dog! In early 2003 our first Spanish Mastiff, Isabelle came to the US from the
Czech Republic. Our male, Moses was imported from Spain in 2004 and Delilah came
to us from Poland in 2007. Aislinn, Aliya and Brisa were born here on our farm.
Zoe (Agora del Viejo Paramo) was imported from Spain in 2010 and our latest
Spanish import will be arriving in March 2012!
I am the only actual Spanish Mastiff breeder in the USA whose dogs are working with livestock.
This page is devoted to this very rare breed because there is little factual information
about them in this country (especially in regards to their working ability and style).
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Delilah & Aislinn |
Aliya |
The following is based on the general information I gleaned through my research into LGD's,
my own observations and experiences with the Spanish Mastiff over the last 8+ years as well
as the many wonderful owners & breeders owners in Europe whose support I still appreciate.
The official standard for the breed can be found HERE
To learn more about their temperament click HERE
General care and training, click HERE
The Spanish Mastiff in the USA, click HERE
*When researching this breed, please check out the sites on my links page.
The information found there is the most reliable I have found when it comes to type,
temperament, height, weight and uses. Unfortunately, there are websites as well as many
breed information sites that have incorrect statistics posted and make wild claims of size,
height and ability. Buyer beware.
Please click on the photo's below to view more information and photo's of our individual dogs
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Delilah |
Moses |
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Aislinn |
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Brisa |
Our new male |
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D litter puppies at 7 weeks old |
Dover with Valentine the goat |
The Spanish Mastiff is a stocky, rustic looking dog, very large and lengthy, with a massive chest
and a powerful frame. The body should be rectangular, well muscled and have strong bone.
Rear legs should have the proper angulation to enable the dog to have the movement and
agility necessary to do his job. They should not be cow-hocked and the rump should not
have greater height then the shoulder! Unfortunately, these issues are the most common
defects we see in the breed and are considered serious faults according to the FCI standard.
Poor angulation and cow-hocks are NOT problems that puppies 'outgrow'. They are structural
faults that WILL impact the mature dogs movement and structural health! Muscle mass will
only disguise the problem for a short period of time before the stress of overcompensating
wears on the dogs joints.
You can read more on this issue on my Blog
The Spanish Mastiff has a massive head with a deep muzzle, strong jaws and a characteristic
dewlap on the neck. The short coat is straight with a dense under-coat and almost woolly texture. The skin should be abundant and loose on the body. Most colors are accepted with fawn being the
most common. Although a heavy breed (in both weight and appearance), its movement should
be flexible. They do seem to be more a more active dog then many of the other giant breeds.
Their temperament should be calm and unruffled, never timid or overly aggressive.
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Isabelle 4 years old |
Moses - 3 years old |
Minimum Height is is 29 inches for females & 31 inches for males
There is no height maximum but function must not be lost. Preference is given
to dogs of larger size but length must be in proportion.
Average Weight: Males 165-220 lbs. Females 145-185 lbs.
The Spanish Mastiff is the heaviest of the LGD's.
This is a very fast growing breed in it's first year and can easily put on over 100 lbs in
the first 8 months! Diet must be watched carefully as too much weight can harm growing
joints and bones. During this time they can suffer from growing pains.
Their life expectancy is 10-12 years, however some can live up to 14 years. Though not
unheard of, this breed seems to have fewer health issues than some of the more common
mastiff breeds found here in the US. Both this and their longer life expectancy (as compared
to an English Mastiff's 7-10 years) made this a very appealing dog for me.
I will say this; the Spanish Mastiff is a traffic stopper! I can seldom walk down the street
uninterrupted when I have them with me. This really is a very impressive breed.
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Isabelle - 2 1/2 years old |
Isabelle - 3 years old |
In character and function, the Spanish Mastiff is a classic LGD. Please note that like most
LGD's, they are in general quite independent, dignified and noble. However, Spanish Mastiffs
are extremely loyal and would sacrifice their own life to protect you or your livestock. They
develop a very strong bond with their owners and charges! I have found the breed to be a
perceptive and fearless Livestock Guard that is very tuned in to what is going on around them.
Though intelligent dogs, they can seem stubborn (in a rather sweet way), they have
“selective deafness” tendencies and is not the easiest dog to obedience train due
to their independent nature. I have found that my dogs have very even temperaments
and it takes quite a bit to ruffle their fur. I have been extremely impressed by
the personality and temperament of the Spanish Mastiff.
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Moses |
Moses sleeping while baby goat plays |
They are generally very tolerant of and patient with children. Small children seem incredibly
drawn to these dogs and will just walk right up to them on the street (or wherever we happen
to be) and hug them! Other pets should be introduced from a young age.
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Moses - 6 years old |
Moses & son Amos at the petting zoo |
Though I am completely enthralled by this unique breed, it is not the dog for everyone.
They are best suited to a firm owner with some experience with LGD's or Mastiff breeds.
Though these dogs have phenomenal instincts, a potential owner must be willing to commit
their time and effort into training their dog! They can be difficult, they do test your patience,
they drool and slobber ALOT, they step on your feet and will try to crawl on your lap (mine
seem to truly believe that they actually fit!). Despite their size, they can make good house pets. They tend to lie around near wherever you happen to be, but you just learn to step over them!
I recommend you research carefully before you commit to a Spanish Mastiff or any LGD.
They require a little bit more work when it comes to training and patience, but they are worth it!
Of our other dogs, there was Maggie, (died in Jan.04, and is still missed) one of our 2 Bull Mastiffs, she had complete control of guarding my daughter and our home. Simon, our Bull Mastiff born with a recessive gene that produced long hair was affectionately known as our 145lb teddy bear. He lived to be cuddled. Clara, our St.Bernard/Plott Hound cross is my daughter's favorite.
She is an incredibly intelligent dog. A joy to work with after trying to train LGD's!
  
Maggie & Simon Clara Milo
The pack '03
All Photo's and information are copyright property of Lois Jordan.
Please do not copy ANYTHING on these pages (or variations of) without my express written permission. |
