Spanish Mastiff: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Spanish mastiff is a working dog breed from Spain with a short, thick coat that can come in a variety of colors. The breed originated as a guard dog, and its enormous size is certainly imposing. Overall, it has a well-balanced, muscular build. Its head is very large and broad with almond-shaped eyes and triangular ears. And its neck has a fair amount of loose skin, which helps to protect more vulnerable internal areas. This dog can be a sweet companion and gentle giant with its family, but it does require an owner who’s knowledgable in training and socialization to prevent it from becoming overprotective and aggressive.

Characteristics of the Spanish Mastiff

Spanish mastiffs generally have an affectionate and easygoing personality around their family. But wariness of strangers and even other dogs also can greatly impact their temperament. They don't bark excessively, but they will use their deep bark as an alert to perceived threats.

History of the Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish mastiff is an ancient dog breed whose ancestors date back more than 2,000 years to the Iberian Peninsula. Its exact origin is unknown. But this dog’s primary role was to protect livestock from wolves and other threats. 

Around the 10th century, sheep farming was one of Spain’s main economic drivers. And the Spanish mastiff became even more valuable to defend the flocks. The dog was bred for its size and strength, as well as its alert nature. However, an official breed standard wasn’t developed until the 1900s. 

The breed remains rare today, especially outside of Spain. The American Kennel Club admitted the Spanish mastiff to its Foundation Stock Service in 2008, which helps to keep track of breeding.

Spanish Mastiff Care

The Spanish mastiff isn't a high-energy breed, but it still needs sufficient room for daily exercise. Its grooming requirements are fairly straightforward. But training and socialization should receive extra attention to ensure that the dog is friendly and well-mannered.

Exercise

Plan to give your dog at least an hour of physical activity each day. Walks, hikes, and vigorous games of fetch all are ideal activities. And puzzle toys can help to challenge your dog mentally.

It’s ideal for this big dog to get some time to run around off leash in a securely fenced area. However, because the breed doesn’t always get along well with other dogs, it might not be a good candidate for dog parks.

Grooming

Brush your dog’s coat weekly to remove any loose fur and dirt. Expect periods of higher shedding often in the spring and fall, during which you’ll have to brush more frequently. In addition, bathe your dog every month or so, depending on how dirty it gets. Spanish mastiffs tend to drool a lot. So it’s a good idea to keep a drool cloth nearby, and be sure to keep the skin folds around your dog's neck clean and dry.

Furthermore, plan to trim your dog’s nails roughly every month. Check its ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning. And attempt to brush its teeth every day.

Training

Begin training and socialization ideally when your Spanish mastiff is a puppy. An adult Spanish mastiff with poor manners can be very difficult to manage due to its size. A puppy class is a great way to teach basic commands and manners. Always use positive-reinforcement training methods, and keep training sessions fun and varied. 

Furthermore, aim to expose your Spanish mastiff to a variety of people and other dogs starting from an early age. The more positive experiences it has, the less likely it will be for your dog to view strangers as threats.

Common Health Problems

The Spanish mastiff is generally a healthy breed. It is not prone to any known hereditary health issues, though it still can face common health concerns that affect many dogs as they age, such as arthritis.

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water available for your Spanish mastiff. And feed it a quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day to ensure that your dog is getting the correct amount. Moreover, the Spanish mastiff might benefit from a dog food that’s formulated for large breeds. So be sure to discuss both the type of food and the amount with your veterinarian. Also, be mindful of treats and other extra food to help prevent excess weight gain, which can put too much stress on this big dog's joints.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish mastiff is a rare breed. So it’s unlikely but not impossible to find one available for adoption. You might have to wait some time and travel a great distance, depending on where you live. Breeders also can be difficult to come by. For a puppy from a responsible breeder, expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,800 on average.

For more information to help you find a Spanish mastiff, check out:

• Mastiff Club of America 
• Mastiff Rescue
  

Spanish Mastiff Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any dog breed, do thorough research on the Spanish mastiff to make sure it’s right for your lifestyle. Talk to Spanish mastiff owners, reputable breeders, rescue groups, and veterinary professionals to learn more. 

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Bernese mountain dog
• Great Pyrenees
• Mastiff

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!