Introductory Details About Spanish Mastiffs
The Spanish mastiff is called Mastn Espao in Spain. This large sized dog was bred for its skill and strength to serve as a guard dog while tending to sheep in the pastures. The brave dog is recognized to protect and defend different livestock from predatory wolves and other animals that attack herds of livestock.
It is commonly believed that the Spanish mastiff is a descendent of the Greek dogs which were brought to Spain in 1000 BC. These dogs were mainly introduced by the Phoenician and Greek Marine traders who frequented the Iberian Peninsula in that time. The Greeks were noted for utilizing similar dogs for their large size and strength during warfare and battles.
As the conquest of South and North America went on, the people of Spain utilized the Spanish mastiff and other Molossers in their warfare against North American tribes including the Mayans and Aztecs among other tribes. As these dogs were strong, fierce and trained for combat, the native Indians feared them.
The Spanish mastiff looks like a huge, impressive animal. It seems like other mastiff breeds and has a big head with loosely folded skin. It also has a double dewlap on the neck, that is a characteristic feature of these dogs.
Usually, male Spanish mastiffs grow to a height of up to thirty inches at the withers. Their weight ranges from 110 to 140 pounds. Females on the other hand grow to be 28 inches and their weight ranges at 110 to 130 pounds. You can also find Spanish mastiffs which are very big to the point of being double this size.
If you compare the muzzles found in other mastiff breeds to those of Spanish mastiffs, you will find that their muzzles are longer. Other features of Spanish mastiffs which are different include their drop ears that have a triangular shape and their eyes, which are very small. Generally, the coat color of these dogs is reddish or fawn, but the color may also be black or brindle in addition to the color of the fur coats of wolves. The fur coats of these dogs are woolly and it helps the dogs stay warm in addition to the heavy layer beneath them.
This dog is stocky and powerful with a chest that appears like that of a very heavy animal. The dog has a rectangular body with strong muscles and strong, heavy bones. On its hind feet, it has a couple of dewclaws just as those found in the Great Pyrenees breed. The tail of the Spanish mastiff is low with a fringed texture. Although this dog is huge, it moves in a smooth and agile manner.
Basically, Spanish mastiffs are of two types. One of these mastiffs is light and the other is heavy. The Spanish names for these mastiffs are Mastn Ligero and Mastn Pesado.
The mastiff that weighs more is the type of mountain dog originating from the northern area of Spain and since this dog is very attractive, it can serve as a show dog. The mastiff with less weight is agile and runs faster and you will find it in the southern region of Spain. These mastiffs are not considered as two different breeds but rather as regional breeds which are slightly different from the other Spanish mastiff.
It is commonly believed that the Spanish mastiff is a descendent of the Greek dogs which were brought to Spain in 1000 BC. These dogs were mainly introduced by the Phoenician and Greek Marine traders who frequented the Iberian Peninsula in that time. The Greeks were noted for utilizing similar dogs for their large size and strength during warfare and battles.
As the conquest of South and North America went on, the people of Spain utilized the Spanish mastiff and other Molossers in their warfare against North American tribes including the Mayans and Aztecs among other tribes. As these dogs were strong, fierce and trained for combat, the native Indians feared them.
The Spanish mastiff looks like a huge, impressive animal. It seems like other mastiff breeds and has a big head with loosely folded skin. It also has a double dewlap on the neck, that is a characteristic feature of these dogs.
Usually, male Spanish mastiffs grow to a height of up to thirty inches at the withers. Their weight ranges from 110 to 140 pounds. Females on the other hand grow to be 28 inches and their weight ranges at 110 to 130 pounds. You can also find Spanish mastiffs which are very big to the point of being double this size.
If you compare the muzzles found in other mastiff breeds to those of Spanish mastiffs, you will find that their muzzles are longer. Other features of Spanish mastiffs which are different include their drop ears that have a triangular shape and their eyes, which are very small. Generally, the coat color of these dogs is reddish or fawn, but the color may also be black or brindle in addition to the color of the fur coats of wolves. The fur coats of these dogs are woolly and it helps the dogs stay warm in addition to the heavy layer beneath them.
This dog is stocky and powerful with a chest that appears like that of a very heavy animal. The dog has a rectangular body with strong muscles and strong, heavy bones. On its hind feet, it has a couple of dewclaws just as those found in the Great Pyrenees breed. The tail of the Spanish mastiff is low with a fringed texture. Although this dog is huge, it moves in a smooth and agile manner.
Basically, Spanish mastiffs are of two types. One of these mastiffs is light and the other is heavy. The Spanish names for these mastiffs are Mastn Ligero and Mastn Pesado.
The mastiff that weighs more is the type of mountain dog originating from the northern area of Spain and since this dog is very attractive, it can serve as a show dog. The mastiff with less weight is agile and runs faster and you will find it in the southern region of Spain. These mastiffs are not considered as two different breeds but rather as regional breeds which are slightly different from the other Spanish mastiff.
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