Spanish Mastiff
Other names: Spanish Mastin, Leon’s Shepherd Dog, Channel Shepherd Dog, Extremadura Shepherd Dog

The Spanish Mastiff is a giant dog, mainly used as a guard dog. Calm and balanced, they prove to be formidable when their master, or whoever is accompanying them, is in danger. The problems encountered, during the redevelopment of the breed, have had a predominant impact on the character of this dog: some subjects are too aggressive, others (the majority) too shy. Selective breeding will undoubtedly eliminate these problems because the Spanish Mastiff is now well monitored and well brought up in their country of origin.
Key facts about the Spanish Mastiff
Origins and history
The Spanish Mastiff is a very old dog that descends, like all Molosser types, from the Molosser of Tibet who arrived in Europe through Asia Minor. It is believed that the Spanish Mastiff was first used by Spanish shepherds 4,000 years ago and is considered to be the oldest breed in the country. The nature and climate of Spain have always forced shepherds to practice transhumance, i.e. to move their herds to areas of pasture that are sometimes very far away. For centuries, the Spanish Mastiff has been the protector of livestock, especially merino sheep, whose history is closely linked to that of this dog. In modern times, with the gradual disappearance of shepherd activity, the breed almost died out. The breed has now been rebuilt but with many difficulties and a good homogeneity of the type has not yet been found.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 2 : Molossian type
Physical characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff
Adult size
Female : Between 28 and 30 in
Male : Between 30 and 31 in
Weight
Female : Between 132 and 198 lb
Male : Between 132 and 198 lb
Coat colour
All coat colours are acknowledged but the most widespread are yellow, fawn, red or black or even brindle or magpie tones.
Type of coat
The coat is semi-long.
The coat is thick, hard to the touch and soft. A protective coat is present on the sides and flanks.
Eye colour
They are a hazelnut colour, tending towards dark.
Description
The Spanish Mastiff is a well-proportioned, large and heavy dog, mesomorphic, with a compact skeleton. The head is large: the ratio between the skull and the muzzle is 6/4. The skull and muzzle, seen from above, is square and uniform. The skull and face axes are slightly divergent. The eyes are small in relation to the skull, almond-shaped. The ears are of medium size, triangular, flat and hanging. The legs are straight, strong and muscular. The tail is very large at the base, medium height, strong and flexible. It goes down to the hocks.
Good to know
This dog has the unique feature of elastic skin. One can easily spot the folds under their throat which allow them to be better protected from the bites of their enemies, who were mainly bears and wolves at the time.