Spanish Mastiff
A massive, calm Spanish flock guardian: noble and gentle at home, but a determined protector at night.
At a glance
- Size
- Giant
- Height at the withers
- Males 77–88 cm · Females 72–82 cm
- Weight
- Males 70–100 kg · Females 60–80 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Double coat, medium
- Colours
- Fawn, Red, Yellow, Black, Wolf grey, Brindle
- Bred for
- Guarding livestock, Guarding
- Country of origin
- Spain
- FCI
- Group 2, no. 91 · Pinschers, molossers & mountain dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 2/5 – Low |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 2/5 – Low |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 5/5 – Very high |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 4/5 – High |
| Good for first-time owners | 1/5 – Very low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- need a livestock guardian
- have a large rural property
- have experience with giant breeds
Think twice if you …
- live in a flat or suburb
- dislike drool
- want an obedient companion
Care
Temperament
Calm, noble and self-confident. It is gentle with family but protective and suspicious of strangers. It is independent and decides for itself.
Exercise
Moderate walks and room to move freely. Avoid intensive exercise during growth and in heat.
Grooming
Brush the thick coat weekly and more during shedding. Wipe the lips and face as needed.
Training
Socialise early and train with calm consistency. It is not quick to obey but responds to a respected leader.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, eyelid problems such as entropion and ectropion, and bloat are the main concerns. Ask the breeder for the parents' hip, elbow and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Spanish Mastiff has guarded sheep on the seasonal migration routes of Spain for centuries, protecting flocks from wolves. It is closely associated with the regions of León and Extremadura, where it is still used with livestock.
It is calm, dignified and affectionate with its family, and usually tolerant of children and pets it knows. It takes guarding seriously, barks with a deep voice and may be more active at night. It needs a large, secure property, careful puppy development and an experienced owner. Drool and size are part of the package.
Did you know?
In Spain these dogs traditionally wore spiked collars, called carlancas, to protect their throats from wolves.