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The Spanish Mastiff, or Mastín Español is a large breed of dog, originating in Spain, originally bred to be a sheep dog and a guard dog whose purpose is to defend livestock from wolves and other predators.
Roots and History
The Spanish Mastiff is thought to have descended from Greek dogs brought to Spain via Greek and Phoenecian maritime traders starting around 1000 BC. The Greeks used similar dogs in battle because of their strength.
During the conquest of the Americas, Spanish conquistadors used Spanish Mastiffs and other Molossers in battle against Native Americans, like the Aztecs or Mayans. These specially trained dogs were feared by the Indians for their strength and ferocity.
Appearance
The Spanish Mastiff is a very large and powerful dog, similar in appearance to the other Mastiff breeds. They have a large powerful head, with loose folds of skin and a double dewlap on the neck.
Males in this breed are at least 77 cm (30 in) tall at the withers, and range from 50–65 kg (110-140 lbs). Females are at least 72 cm (28 in), and weigh 50–60 kg (110-130 lbs). but some individules weigh up to 120kg
This dog has a long muzzle compared to many other mastiffs. It has small eyes and drop ears resembling triangles. This dog's coat is most often reddish or fawn-colored, but can also be brindle, black or 'wolf' colored .
Roots and History
The Spanish Mastiff is thought to have descended from Greek dogs brought to Spain via Greek and Phoenecian maritime traders starting around 1000 BC. The Greeks used similar dogs in battle because of their strength.
During the conquest of the Americas, Spanish conquistadors used Spanish Mastiffs and other Molossers in battle against Native Americans, like the Aztecs or Mayans. These specially trained dogs were feared by the Indians for their strength and ferocity.
Appearance
The Spanish Mastiff is a very large and powerful dog, similar in appearance to the other Mastiff breeds. They have a large powerful head, with loose folds of skin and a double dewlap on the neck.
Males in this breed are at least 77 cm (30 in) tall at the withers, and range from 50–65 kg (110-140 lbs). Females are at least 72 cm (28 in), and weigh 50–60 kg (110-130 lbs). but some individules weigh up to 120kg
This dog has a long muzzle compared to many other mastiffs. It has small eyes and drop ears resembling triangles. This dog's coat is most often reddish or fawn-colored, but can also be brindle, black or 'wolf' colored .
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