Pyrenean Mastiff Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Nov 2, 2024

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Pyrenean Mastiff puppies are born after a gestation period of approximately 60-70 days, and the average litter size is 5-8 puppies.

These gentle giants typically weigh between 2-4 pounds at birth, which is a tiny fraction of their adult weight.

Pyrenean Mastiff puppies are born with their eyes closed, and their ears are folded back against their head.

About the Breed

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a massive breed that originated in the Pyrenean region between Aragon and Navarra. They were developed as livestock guardians to protect herds from predators like wolves and bears.

Ideal height for males is 81 cm (32 in) with bitches standing around 73.5 cm (29 in). They're strong, rustic, and powerful, with strong bone, deep chest, and a large strong head and wide, deep muzzle.

Their coat is thick, abundant, and coarse in texture, with white as the main body color and gold, grey, or badger markings on the head, ears, and neck.

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Credit: youtube.com, About the Pyrenean Mastiff, Its Puppies, Breeders and More!

The Pyrenean Mastiff is remarkably light on his feet for his size. Their tail is carried low and can curl at the tips, but should never be carried above the level of the back.

Here are some key characteristics of the Pyrenean Mastiff:

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 8-12 years. They're naturally protective of their family and make exceptional watchdogs, but can be a bit cautious of strangers.

Caring for Your Pet

Pyrenean mastiff puppies require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles, so brush their coat every 2-3 days.

A thick undercoat rake brush or slicker brush can be helpful for this task. Their double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily twice a year, but should never be shaved.

Their nails, including dewclaws, need to be trimmed regularly, and their teeth should be brushed at least three times a week to prevent serious problems.

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Weekly ear cleaning is also essential, even from a young age. Pyrenean mastiffs are smart and energetic dogs that need to be mentally and physically stimulated to prevent boredom.

A consistent diet is crucial, and high-quality food should be fed according to your puppy's age. Regular exercise is also necessary, but be careful not to overdo it at first.

Here's a summary of daily care tasks for your Pyrenean mastiff puppy:

  • Brush their coat every 2-3 days
  • Trim their nails regularly
  • Brush their teeth at least three times a week
  • Clean their ears weekly
  • Provide regular exercise, but don't overdo it
  • Feed a high-quality diet according to their age

Health and Nutrition

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large breed that requires a balanced diet to maintain its overall health.

With an average weight of 120-140 pounds, these puppies need a nutrient-rich food that supports their growth and development.

Feeding them 3-4 times a day is recommended, with a gradual transition to twice a day as they mature.

As a slow-maturing breed, they can take up to 3 years to reach full physical maturity.

A high-quality puppy food that meets their nutritional needs is essential for their growth and development.

General Health Information

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Brushing your dog's teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. Regular brushing can also help prevent bad breath and gum inflammation.

Genetic health issues can be a concern for certain breeds, including Pyrenean Mastiffs. These issues can be mitigated with the help of DNA tests and screening schemes.

Using inbreeding coefficient calculators can also help breeders identify potential health problems. This can lead to healthier puppies and a reduced risk of inherited conditions.

Preventive health plans can be tailored to specific breeds, taking into account their unique genetic predispositions. This can help identify and address potential health issues early on.

Pyrenean Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues, such as those related to their breed. These issues can be identified with the help of veterinary practitioners and canine genetic researchers.

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Diet and Nutrition

A Pyrenean mastiff needs high-quality dog food to grow big and strong, and an age-appropriate diet is key no matter the breed.

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They should be fed a high-protein, large puppy food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as a puppy.

A Pyrenean mastiff will eat about three cups of food a day, and they'll eat plenty between 9 and 18 months old.

Make sure your Pyrenean mastiff always has access to fresh, clean water, and feed them puppy food until they reach 18 months (for females) and two years old (for males).

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Training and Adoption

Training your Pyrenean mastiff puppy requires patience and consistency. They're generally easy to train, but can be a bit independent, so be prepared to earn their respect.

To set your puppy up for success, socialization and desensitization should start around four months old, and basic obedience training around nine months old. This will help them mature mentally and become a well-behaved companion.

Training with positive reinforcement and treats is the best way to train a Pyrenean mastiff, but be mindful of their tendency to gain weight. Crate training is also a good idea, especially as a puppy, so they learn to have a safe place to rest and retreat.

Credit: youtube.com, Pyrenean Mastiff - Top 10 Facts

If you're considering bringing a Pyrenean mastiff into your family, be prepared for the cost. A puppy can cost anywhere from $2,000–$5,000, depending on the breeder. Make sure you have plenty of space in your home and backyard, as they grow to a massive size.

If you're looking to adopt or buy a Pyrenean mastiff, here are some reputable places to start your search:

  • Palmetto Pyr Haven
  • Estrella Polar Pyrenean Mastiffs
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs of the Northwoods
  • Élevage Sherpa (Canada)

You can also check the PMMA for more places to find Pyrenean mastiffs, and don't forget to check your local animal shelters and rescue groups as well.

Training

Training a Pyrenean mastiff requires patience and consistency. They can be a bit independent, but they're eager to please and make their person proud.

Pyrenean mastiffs take a little longer to mature mentally, usually around two years old, so socialization and desensitization should start early, ideally around four months old.

Training with positive reinforcement and treats is the best way to train a Pyrenean mastiff. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them, as they're prone to weight gain.

Crate training is essential for Pyrenean mastiffs, especially as puppies, so they learn that they have a safe place to rest and retreat.

Adopt/Buy

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If you're set on bringing a Pyrenean mastiff into your life, you'll need to consider the cost, which can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the breeder.

You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of space in your home and backyard, as these gentle giants grow to massive sizes.

The cost of a Pyrenean mastiff puppy can vary greatly, so it's essential to factor that into your decision.

If you're looking to adopt or buy a Pyrenean mastiff, here are a few reputable breeders to consider:

  • Palmetto Pyr Haven
  • Estrella Polar Pyrenean Mastiffs
  • Pyrenean Mastiffs of the Northwoods
  • Élevage Sherpa (Canada)

You can also check with local animal shelters and rescue groups to see if any Pyrenean mastiffs are in need of a home.

Breed Information

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large and powerful breed, with males reaching an ideal height of 81 cm (32 in) and bitches standing around 73.5 cm (29 in). Their strong bone, deep chest, and large strong head make them a formidable guardian.

Credit: youtube.com, Pyrenean Mastiffs: The Dog With A History

They have a thick, abundant, and coarse coat that sheds moderately and requires frequent brushing. You'll often see them with white coats and gold, grey, or badger markings on their head, ears, and neck.

Their calm temperament makes them a wonderful family pet, but they can be aggressive when doing their job as a guardian. With proper training and socialization, they adapt well to modern life and are loyal to their master and family.

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History of

The Pyrenean mastiff originated in the kingdom of Aragon, an area now known as northeastern Spain, during the Middle Ages.

They're thought to be a descendant of molosser dogs brought from Sumeria and Assyria to Spain over 3,000 years ago.

These ancient dogs worked as farmers' right-hand dogs, protecting flocks of sheep from predators and thieves.

They even guarded houses, farms, and castles, showcasing their strength and loyalty.

The Pyrenean mastiff breed nearly faced extinction in the 1930s and 1940s due to the disappearance of wolves and bears from the Pyrenees mountains.

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A scarcity of food following the Spanish Civil War and World War II also contributed to their decline.

Fortunately, wolves returned to the area in the 1970s, putting the dedicated Pyrenean mastiff back to work.

Spanish dog breed enthusiasts worked tirelessly to revive the breed, founding the Club del Mastín del Pirineo de España in 1977.

It wasn't until 1996 that the Pyrenean mastiff made their way to the United States.

The American Kennel Club has not yet officially recognized the breed, but it has been part of the Foundation Stock Service since 2014.

Today, there are an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 Pyrenean mastiffs around the world, often found in rural areas.

Overview

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a calm and loving breed, perfect for families with kids and other pets. They thrive on being around their family and can become wonderfully loyal to their master.

This breed is intelligent and independent, but also strong-willed, so early socialization and training are a must. They can be aggressive when doing their job as a guardian, but this can be managed with proper training and socialization.

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One of the most important things to consider when bringing a Pyrenean Mastiff into your home is space. They need a home with lots of room to roam and a securely fenced-in yard. If not, they can easily get into trouble or escape.

To keep your Pyrenean Mastiff happy and healthy, they require regular exercise and a balanced diet. They can gain weight easily, so monitoring their food intake is crucial. Regular brushing is also necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coat.

Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind:

Overall, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a wonderful breed for the right owner. With proper care and attention, they can thrive as loyal companions and loving family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pyrenean mastiffs good dogs?

Pyrenean Mastiffs are known for being friendly, intelligent, and courageous companions. They make great family pets for those who value loyalty and gentle nature.

Sources

  1. Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America (pyreneanmastiff.org)
  2. Pyrenean Mastiff Association of America (pyreneanmastiffassociation.org)
  3. AKC (akc.org)
  4. grooming (pyreneanmastiffassociation.org)
  5. Hip Dysplasia (acvs.org)
  6. breeder (gooddog.com)
  7. Élevage Sherpa (elevagesherpa.com)
  8. Pyrenean Mastiffs of the Northwoods (pyreneanmastiffassociation.org)
  9. Estrella Polar Pyrenean Mastiffs (estrellapolarpyreneanmastiffs.com)
  10. Palmetto Pyr Haven (palmettopyrhaven.com)
  11. Pyrenean Mastiff | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
  12. Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Info (myfamilyvet.com)
  13. Pyrenean Mastiff Dog Breed Information and Pictures (petguide.com)
  14. Pyrenean Mastiff - Price, Temperament, Life span (dogbreedslist.info)

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.