In 2002 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. Cleo has proven to be a very typical Great Pyr, she is calm and sweet, loves all humans both big and small and is excellent with our Nigerian Dwarf goats and our birds. Despite her powder puff appearance., She takes her duties seriously and will usually find a central location where she can view our ranging birds, the goat pasture and the house. She is happiest (and gets into the least amount of trouble!) when she is doing her job. She also barks most of the night, is very difficult to obedience train and more often than not, takes the time to decide whether or not I really knew what I wanted when I ask her to do something! Also very typical Great Pyr behavior!                                                                       During the course of my research into Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD's) I became fascinated by these working breeds and after yet another year of research, I decided to add yet another dog! In March of 2003 our first Spanish Mastiff, Isabelle came to the US from the Czech Republic. Our male, Moses was imported from Spain in 2004 and our newest addition, Delilah came to us from Poland this year.               Isabelle 4 years old                                        Moses 3 years old                                                                                            Delilah 3 1/2 months old                     Delilah 7 months  27 inches, 110 lbs            Most of this page will be devoted to this very rare breed because so little is known about them in this country. The following is based on the general information I gleaned through my research into LGD's, the wonderful breeder who sent me Isabelle and some of my own observations.             *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, many breed information sites have incorrect statistics posted and others may try to tell you that there are variations or types of the Spanish Mastiff breed. Buyer beware. The official standard for the breed can be found HERE.                                                              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. It 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 and red being the most preferred. 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.                                                                                        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. Minimum Height: 29 inches (female), 31 inches (males), up to 35 inches (with larger dogs preferred) Average Weight: Males 175-220 lbs. Females 145-185 lbs. Isabelle is 35 inches tall and a lean 198 lbs! Her height and weight are incredible for a female.   The Spanish Mastiff is the heaviest of the LGD's.    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. This is a very fast growing breed in it's first year and can easily put on over 100lbs 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. The Spanish seem 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.    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. 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. Isabelle is exceptional with our goats and birds, very watchful, caring and concerned. She will even place her body between fighting birds or goats to stop them from hurting each other. She has taken some hard hits but has never retaliated! Moses is showing a very calm, mellow temperament and excellent guarding instincts. I am so pleased with how he is maturing, in both type and personality! He is a beautiful boy! At this point in time, he is not as attached to the goats as Isabelle is, but does an excellent job on the perimeters, keeping predators off the property. 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.                      Isabelle 2 1/2 years Isabelle 3 years 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. 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 seems to truly believe that she actually fits!). 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!      Isabelle's Father; CH Baskerville Mastibe Mother: Salma de Cueto Negro         Moses' sire:  CH Ulises de Babia Mother: Rayas de los Zumbos  (and family)      Delilah's father: Druso de Aljabara Mother: Roza z Karolewka                             Of our 3 other dogs, there was Maggie, (died in Jan.04, and is 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. Simon died in December of 04. 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