Spanish Mastiff Breed Information Puppies and Breeders Australia

He's distinguished, noble and above all loyal. If you're after a big dog with loads of personality, and have ample space for him, a Spanish Mastiff might just be worth getting to know.

The Spanish Mastiff is one breed of the Mastiff family, originating in Spain. It's a large, heavily built working dog whose original purpose was to act as a guard dog for livestock. Mastiffs can be traced back to ancient Europe and Asia and throughout history have often acted as guardians or fighting dogs (they've been to war on more than one occasion in ancient times).

The Spanish Mastiff does have a similar look to other Mastiff breeds. It has a large, broad head, small eyes and large, drooping ears. Its muzzle is broad and dark, but does differ from other mastiffs in that it tends to be slightly longer. Spanish Mastiffs are distinguished by their loose skin and in particular, the layers of folds around the neck and the jowls. He may be fit but he doesn't always look it!

On average, male Mastiffs reach around 77cm tall and weigh 50-65 kg. Females are likely to be around 72cm, and weigh between 50 and 60 kg. Their coat is generally a fawn colour, sometimes with a red tinge, but they do occasionally pop up with black, grey or brindle colouring. The life span of Mastiffs averages 8 to 10 years.

If you're looking for a dog as a jogging companion, a Spanish Mastiff perhaps isn't your best option. While they can be fast when they want to, they tend to enjoy a leisurely walk where they can mosey along at their own pace. They will probably appreciate a big grassy yard though, so that when the mood strikes, they can run around and play.

Space does suit the Spanish Mastiff. They can also be loud so are probably better suited to larger or rural properties where they have the space to be themselves without worrying about disturbing the neighbours.

The Spanish Mastiff is something of a gentle giant. It looks strong and powerful but tends to be quite gentle with people (although they can lose their temper with other dogs). They have a noble appearance, and are generally calm and dignified. And don't let their droopy mouth fool you. They're not a silly dog, and show plenty of signs of being very intelligent. Above all, Spanish Mastiffs love their human families, and are very loyal. Treat them well and they'll give you plenty of love in return.

In short, if you're looking for a large, loyal and lovable member of the family, and have the space for them, the Spanish Mastiff might just be your ideal animal companion.