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PYRENEAN MASTIFF |
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Massive flock-guarding dogs arrived on the Iberian Peninsula over 30 centuries ago. Cargos of Assyrian and Sumerian-type dogs were traded around the Mediterranean by the Phoenicians. Many of these dogs were left in Spain, where they found ample employment with the great flocks. As they spread throughout the peninsula, the dogs developed several regional variations. Moving north into the ancient kingdom of Aragon, the Pyrenean Mastiff was born. Until nearly
1500, Spain was divided into several small, ever-changing, often warring,
principalities. But a most civilized system of sheep raising developed
that transcended political and economical uncertainties.
The Trashumante,
or the formal mass migration of flocks to and from grazing grounds,
paralleled the history of the Pyrenean Mastiff. The Visigoth King Eurico
created the first regulations for these migrations in 504 AD, which continued
through the 18th century. The routes (always north and south from the
mountains to the lowlands) for each grand flock were formally delineated,
and the shepherds, sheep and sheepdogs were allowed to cross political
barriers and to supersede wars in then-search for grass. The sheep
were divided into herds of 1,000 head, each assigned a shepherd and five
mastins—no more—with the canines each receiving the same food allotment
as each human. The dogs protected the flocks from wolves and bears and
were highly esteemed.
Named for
the area of the Trashumante source, dogs coming with flocks from Aragon
were called Mastin d'Aragon. Those accompanying the migration from Navarre
were dubbed Mastin Navarro, etc., with minimal type variations.
It wasn't
until 1946 that any attempt at consolidation occurred. At that time,
the smooth-coated, heavier headed, more solid-colored dogs from La Mancha,
Extremadura, Castille and Leon were lumped together under the name Spanish
Mastiff (Mastin de Espariol). The longer coated dogs with more white
from the north and northeast were grouped as the Pyrenean Mastiff.
The Pyrenean
dogs, once in danger of extinction, are now benefiting from a resurgence
of pride in Spain for the native dogs of that country. They are magnificent
companions and guardians, a living piece of Spanish history.
A proper
Mastin del Pireneo should be distinctly different from both the Spanish
Mastiff and the Great Pyrenees. The Spanish Mastiff is smooth-coated;
has lower set, larger ears and more stop; and has more color—often
solid-colored. Differing by his much more refined head, the Great
Pyrenees is also rangier for his size and is all white. The Pyrenean
Mastiff carries a very deep head frequently accompanied by a considerable
wealth of dewlap, as well as "showing the haw." His ears
often fold back into his neck ruff, like so many dogs in this group.
His temperament
is benign, even with other animals, as long as property and beings
under his watchful eye are not threatened—then he can be formidable.
Owners say he has a "clear concept of his strength" and
doesn't need to show it off. The breed has a good many proponents
at home, with a fair amount of interest established in Sweden, Norway
and Finland.
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