Character of the Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiff
The day Dina arrived at home, at just two months of age, my daughter—who was four years old at the time—wrapped her arms around her like a big plush puppy; they were almost the same size.
Since then, my daughter has repeated this bonding ritual every day. Dina, now weighing over 70 kg, is much larger than her, and my daughter curls up between her forelimbs, resting her head on Dina’s abdomen and sighing, “So soft… I feel so good here.”
Dina remains completely still, enjoying the contact. Even if a sudden sound triggers her alert response and she lifts her head into an alarm posture, she never bolts or makes a sudden movement while my daughter is lying on her.
The Pyrenean Mastiff has a natural affinity for children, but due to its large size and substantial body mass, it should be supervised around them, as it may bump into or step on them unintentionally. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a calm, even-tempered dog that thrives in a family environment.
In the past, the breed accompanied transhumant sheep flocks on long migrations, protecting them from wolf attacks and even from bears. It has a strong guardian instinct and is ideal for living outdoors on rural properties or in gardens in any climate, as it is unfazed by cold or rain.
The large size, substantial weight, and self-confidence of the Pyrenean Mastiff make it benevolent toward other dogs, and it never shows unprovoked aggression; however, when it comes to defending its home and its family group, it proves brave and wild in the presence of strangers.
It is precisely the Pyrenean Mastiff’s temperament that has won the hearts of so many people around the world, along with its majestic presence and striking beauty. For those who share their life with a Pyrenean Mastiff, it is difficult to turn their attention to any other breed.
Despite its robust build, the Pyrenean Mastiff is an agile dog with a powerful, far-reaching gait, selected for covering long distances at a steady trot; it is neither clumsy nor sluggish.
It must be offered a true family life, in which it feels like a member of the “human pack.” From puppyhood, it should be taught to obey and respect all household members. This will be much easier if one chooses a responsible breeder who provides the entire litter with proper early imprinting and optimal socialization.
This will not be difficult if we seek information from the Spanish Pyrenean Mastiff Club (CMPE; see “related websites”), as all breeders associated with it are serious, responsible, and devoted to the breed. They follow the guidelines established by the Club to ensure a solid foundation for responsible breeding. Their main goal is to keep the breed alive, safeguard its preservation, and provide accurate information to those interested.
The CMPE was founded in 1977 with the aim of coordinating efforts to recover the Pyrenean Mastiff, a native Aragonese breed. Today, it continues this work through the selection of the best specimens. In this selection process, special attention has always been given to preserving the breed’s temperament.
