Why Pyrenean Mastiffs?Here at Shangi-Baa, we are investing in Pyrenean Mastiffs because we believe that they will be THE ideal livestock guardian dog for many small farms. As you may have seen on our "FAQ's about LGD's" page, we believe the Pyrenees breeds are the best fit for small farms for many reasons. But why might the Pyrenean Mastiff be an even better choice than the beloved Great Pyrenees? We had a Great Pyrenees and loved him deeply but he did bark A LOT, and he was also stubborn and loved to dig. We wondered if it might be possible to find a breed with all the great qualities of the Great Pyrenees with less of the drawbacks. Read further and see if you agree.
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Everything that is great about the Great Pyrenees, plus... |
Pyrenean Mastiffs come from a similar lineage as the Great Pyrenees, but developed on the Spanish, rather than the French, side of the Pyrenees Mountains. In their native Spanish they are called Mastin del Pirineo. Like the Great Pyrenees, they are dogs who love their humans while also being devoted to the livestock in their care. When well trained, both breeds are wonderful with children as well as cats and other small pets. They will sound terribly ferocious to strangers, but will rarely attack a human unless those in their care are in imminent danger. They are exceptional multi-purpose dogs who will care for the entire farm or household.
However, like the Great Pyrenees, this is not a breed that you can just stick in a field with livestock and ignore. They are a human oriented breed who will want and need to have some significant human interaction every day. And why have such a magnificent breed if you aren't also going to enjoy them as companions? |
Less barking |
Great Pyrenees rely heavily on extensive barking not only when a predator is present, but also proactively. Many will bark extensively throughout the night, which can be difficult when your pastures are near your house or near neighbors. Pyrenean Mastiffs do also bark a good bit at night, but somewhat less, and usually only in the presence of some kind of stimulant.
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Less prone to hip dysplasia
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In general, Pyrenean Mastiffs are unusually healthy dogs in comparison to many other purebred dogs. Because of their rarity, they haven't been bred to excess with all the attendant problems that come with overbreeding. The main issue they face is one faced by most of the giant breeds, gastric torsion, which can be fatal. We recommend a simple, laparoscopic surgery which can tack the stomach to help prevent this danger.
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Longer life expectancy |
While a larger dog, the average life expectancy of a Pyrenean Mastiff is 12-14 years vs. the Great Pyrenees 8-12 years.
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Less digging and fence climbing |
We don't know about other GP's, but ours was a digging fool. He dug a new pit every time he went outside. And we're talking about actual pits - pits that he could fit his large body into. PMs will dig dog sized pits, but the Pyrenean Mastiff is a less prodigious digger and climber. Our two have shown zero interest in climbing out or wandering.
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May have better heat tolerance |
Historically Pyrenean Mastiffs were used in a greater variety of climate conditions that the GP and therefore may have slightly better heat tolerance. Pyrenean Mastiffs were used to move flocks between very hot and very cold climates, so they are no strangers to heat. Many are successfully living in Florida today. Nevertheless, they definitely appreciate some excellent shade and maybe even a kiddie pool in the hotter months.
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Less stubborn |
Pyrenean Mastiffs are noticeably more trainable and eager to please than the other LGD breeds. They are a keenly intelligent breed and respond incredibly well to clear rules applied consistently and a few minutes of training daily.
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Good with poultry
The opportunity to promote a rare breed |
Finding a LGD who is good with poultry can be very difficult. Most of these breeds were bred for centuries to work with larger livestock, and there is something about flapping birds that is apparently very enticing. Our dogs are both excellent with chickens, but if you are going to use PM's with chickens, you should be aware that you will need to spend more time preparing your dog to work with poultry than to work with livestock.
Pyrenean Mastiffs have been bred and refined for centuries to work with humans as livestock guardian dogs. Hopefully the points made above have convinced you that it would be tragic for the world to lose this breed who embodies so many exceptional characteristics. As small farms begin to return to the American landscape alongside movements such as "eat local" and "farm-to-table," the Pyrenean Mastiff could play a key role IF people step forward to support the breed. It exciting to be on the leading edge of helping to bring this breed to America, and you could be a part of that. |
But wait, there's more! |
Visit Pyrenean Mastiffs USA: http://pmusa.pyreneanmastiffclubs.org/
This book is also wonderful: Pyrenean Mastiff |