Gran Mastín de Borínquen

Gran Mastín de Borínquen is known by many names, some of which include Becerillo de Borínquen, Perro Barsino de Hacienda, Mastín Borincano and Puerto Rican Mastiff. Gran Mastín de Borínquen is the only breed of dog to have originated in Puerto Rico. The Gran Mastín de Borínquen has been developed by cross breeding Spanish War Mastiffs, Latin American Molossers and Perros Jibaros (traditional dogs from the island of Puerto Rico. All these breeds of dogs were used to play a significant role in the protection of the indigenous people.

In 1979, the Gran Mastín de Borínquen was recognized as a rare breed, given its complete absence outside its native island, and even there, the numbers are not great. It was only towards the end of the late nineteenth century that the Gran Mastín de Borínquen came to be recognized locally as a separate breed by plantation owners and overseers in the island. Until then, the breed was simply considered one of the ‘old traditional breed’ of dogs. The dog was considered to be so hardy and strong and so well suited to the terrain and weather of the island that people from far and wide came to get themselves a pup of the Gran Mastín de Borínquen breed. However, the numbers have dwindled along with the dwindling country and rural spaces. However, recently, a lot of work is being done to restore the original breed.

The history of the Gran Mastín de Borínquen breed is deeply rooted in the history of the people themselves. These dogs played an important and significant role in the culture and the rule during the time of the Spanish Conquest. These magnificent dogs were usually kept by noblemen and landlords, who used them for their own protection as well as the protection of their lands. However, they had one more use for them. They enjoyed involving the dogs in blood sports. They would employ the dogs to bring down medium to large games all by themselves. The Gran Mastín de Borínquen were capable of killing bores, steer and other dogs. Most of the times, the dogs were ordered away once the prey was felled, but many a times, the dog fought till it was killed in the fight.

The worst phase on the history of Gran Mastín de Borínquen was when they were used to fell and kill humans. In early 16th century, landlords and noblemen let their Gran Mastín de Borínquen lose on people who were in their disfavor and ordered the dog to tear them apart. The dogs did so on their master’s command, but there were times, when some dogs just turned ‘bloodthirsty’ and attacked humans on their own.

The most glorious part of the history of Gran Mastín de Borínquen was perhaps their role in the Indian Spanish wars. There are many heroic tales of dogs fighting against hordes of Indians to save the lives of their masters, getting themselves killed in the process.