Spanish Mastiff: Your Complete Guide

The Spanish mastiff is a remarkable breed, known for its size, strength, and lovable nature. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover everything you need to know about these magnificent dogs. Whether you’re thinking about bringing one into your family or just want to learn more, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to find out how much they weigh, how tall they are, what it’s like to care for them, what they look like, and so much more. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have all the information you need about Spanish mastiffs!

It is essential that you have all the knowledge before getting a dog that’s as specialized as a Spanish mastiff. With that out of the way, let’s begin with a brief overview of the breed.

Quick Look at the Spanish Mastiff

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Spanish Mastiffs?

To truly understand the Spanish mastiff, we need to travel back in time. These dogs have a rich history that dates back centuries.

Originally bred in Spain, which is how they got their name, they were primarily used as livestock guardians. Their large size and protective instincts made them invaluable in keeping sheep and other animals safe from predators like wolves and bears.

Over the years, the Spanish mastiff has earned a reputation for being a loyal and dependable working dog.

What Do Spanish Mastiffs Look Like?

You’ll find that there’s a fair bit of variety to the color that a Spanish mastiff’s coat can take on. Some Spanish mastiffs may also have patterns on their coats, which can be bicolor or brindle in nature.

Potential Coat Colors:

What Size Is a Spanish Mastiff?

These dogs are pretty large and heavy. Generally, the size doesn’t vary that much and almost all Spanish mastiffs are big dogs that weigh well over a hundred pounds.

Height: 28 to 35 inches

Weight: 140 to 200 pounds

What Is a Spanish Mastiff’s Coat Type and Length?

Spanish mastiffs tend to have a dense, thick, and straight coat that’s really short in length. Similar to their calm energy and aloof temperament, their coats are also really smooth to the touch.

What Is a Spanish Mastiff’s Temperament?

Spanish mastiffs are big dogs that have interesting feelings and behaviors. They are usually calm and relaxed, but sometimes they can seem a bit distant when they meet new people. This is because they want to make sure their family is safe, so they tend to be a bit cautious around strangers.

However, when they get to know you, they become very loyal and loving. They’re especially good with kids. They might look a little unfriendly at first, but once they become your friend, they’ll be really attached to you and will always be there to protect you.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Good With Kids?

Yes, as mentioned above, Spanish mastiffs are typically very good with kids. They are known for their gentle and patient nature, which makes them excellent family dogs.

These big, lovable furry companions often become protective and caring friends for children in the household. They are generally patient with kids’ playful antics and can form strong bonds with them.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Good With Other Animals?

Spanish mastiffs are pretty well known for their strong protective instincts, which can extend to guarding their home and the animals within it. They are typically good with other animals, especially if they are raised together and have been properly socialized from a young age.

However, their natural instincts as livestock guardians may cause them to be wary of smaller animals, especially prey animals like hamsters or rabbits. To keep everyone safe, make sure you introduce them to other pets slowly and carefully, under supervision, and see how they behave.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Aggressive?

Spanish mastiffs are not inherently aggressive dogs, but their behavior can be influenced by various factors, including upbringing, socialization, and individual temperament. Here’s a breakdown of some behaviors you need to look out for:

Snapping and Growling: Snapping and growling in Spanish mastiffs is only visible when they are under distress or if they’re fearful of something or someone. Proper socialization from an early age can help reduce these behaviors by making them more comfortable in various situations.

Territorial Behavior: Spanish mastiffs can exhibit territorial instincts, which is part of their protective nature. Sometimes they bark or show protective behavior when strangers approach their home, but it would be a bit unfair to label this sort of behavior as aggression. Early training can help them distinguish between genuine threats and everyday occurrences.

Food Aggression: Like many dogs, Spanish mastiffs may show food aggression if they feel their food is at risk of being taken away. To prevent this behavior, make sure there are clear boundaries and practice positive reinforcement during mealtime.

Do Spanish Mastiffs Bark?

Spanish mastiffs bark, and they’re also quite loud when they do it. Their deep, low-pitched bark is actually one of the things they’re known for, and these are some reasons why they do it:

To Alert: They usually bark when they want to alert their owner about danger or an uncertain situation.

When They’re Excited: It is very common for Spanish mastiffs to bark when they are having fun or can’t contain their excitement.

Protecting Their Space: Owing to their protective nature, Spanish mastiffs may bark to protect their space, but it does not happen very often.

Since they’re quite loud, if you live in an apartment and your residential building has noise restrictions, you might run into problems.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Affectionate?

Yes, Spanish mastiffs tend to be very affectionate with their owners and other people they are comfortable with. They are friendly and outgoing dogs and they often express their affection by staying close to their owners and letting them pet them.

They are able to form very strong bonds with their owners and they love to be near them. It might be difficult to carry them around because of their large size, but they absolutely love being near their owners.

The Spanish mastiff loves meeting new people and they are generally very friendly, but they may appear a bit distant sometimes when meeting someone for the first time.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Intelligent?

Spanish mastiffs are smart dogs. They can figure things out and learn commands pretty well if you teach them correctly. They can be a bit stubborn at times and will often prefer to do their own thing. This blend of intelligence and independence makes them great at certain jobs, like guarding and protecting animals.

You do need to remember that they might not always do what you want right away, but with patient and consistent training, they can be really good at their jobs. Since they are smart, it is important to give them things that make them think. This keeps them from getting bored and doing things they shouldn’t (such as barking).

Are Spanish Mastiffs Energetic?

Spanish mastiffs are very laid-back and calm dogs. They love doing activities with their owners, but not as much as other dog breeds do because they are more relaxed in nature. You will have to make sure they get enough exercise, though, so they stay healthy and happy.

Energy: Spanish mastiffs are generally known for their lower energy levels compared to some other dog breeds. They prefer taking things easy instead of playing all the time.

Need for Exercise: When it comes to exercise, they need daily physical activity to stay healthy and happy. All you’ll need is a daily walk with some playtime in the yard and you’re good to go.

Playtime: Spanish mastiffs often enjoy interactive games and spending time with their owners and companions, so a little bit of that will keep your pup smiling and wagging their tail.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Easy to Train?

Training a Spanish mastiff might not be super easy because they can be a bit stubborn. They’re smart dogs, but they like doing things at their own pace. With the right kind of training though, you can teach them what you want them to do pretty easily.

It’s important to start training early, and be patient and consistent – use rewards like treats and praise them when they do what you want them to do.

Even though they can be a bit challenging, Spanish mastiffs are loyal to their owners, and they want to protect them. This loyalty can help with training if you do it the right way. If you’re not sure how to train them, it’s a good idea to get help from a professional dog trainer who knows what they’re doing.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Good Watchdogs?

Spanish mastiffs are excellent at watching out for their homes since they have a big, strong bark that can scare away anyone who shouldn’t be there. These dogs are always paying attention and are quick to let their owners know if something unusual is happening.

They take their job of protecting their family seriously and are naturally cautious and brave around people they don’t know. This means they’re good at keeping an eye on things and making their owners feel safe.

As with any watchdog, though, it’s important to teach them when it is okay to be protective and when it is not. Training helps them understand what to do in different situations so they can be both great protectors and well-behaved companions.

Are Spanish Mastiffs Good Service Dogs?

Spanish mastiffs make great service dogs because of their large size. They’re also great at being an emotional support animal (ESA) thanks to their affectionate nature. They do require extensive training to become a service dog, though.

To become a service dog, the dog would require thorough training, socialization, and assessment to determine if it can meet the specific needs of a person with a disability. Due to their size and strength, they can be trained to assist in mobility-related tasks. We would recommend having them take the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.

Spanish mastiffs are generally calm and can be loving and supportive, making them suitable ESAs if they receive proper training and socialization from a young age. This also makes them great therapy dogs, whose roles often overlap with ESAs and can let them perform both duties simultaneously.

Just keep in mind that they’ll need an ESA letter to qualify for being an emotional support animal.

How to Care for a Spanish Mastiff?

You should take your Spanish mastiff for a walk every day and play with them regularly. Make sure you brush its fur at least once a week to keep it nice and neat. You may have to brush it more often if your dog has been shedding a lot.

Spanish mastiffs are smart dogs and they need something to keep them mentally stimulated. Get them toys that make them think and keep them mentally active by regularly training them new and complex things, like agility.

Another thing you should do is give them as much love and attention as you can. The Spanish mastiff is an affectionate dog, so you will have to spend a lot of time with it.

It needs to start socializing at an early age, so make sure you introduce them to different people and animals when they are young. This will make it easier for them to feel comfortable around new faces.

Do You Need to Groom a Spanish Mastiff?

Grooming is important for almost every dog. For a Spanish mastiff, you’ll need to brush it every week. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also an essential part of grooming a Spanish mastiff.

Do Spanish Mastiffs Shed?

Spanish mastiffs shed pretty often, and unfortunately, they do not have any hypoallergenic qualities. This means that their double coat, which sheds, can spread dander around and trigger allergies for someone that is sensitive.

What Health Problems Do Spanish Mastiffs Have?

Spanish mastiffs are prone to a number of health issues. Here are some of them:

Hip Dysplasia: Their hips can sometimes be a problem. To avoid this, get your dog from a good breeder who checks for hip issues. Make sure they eat well and don’t get too heavy.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion): To minimize the risk of bloat in your Spanish mastiff, make sure you give it small meals regularly.

Heart Problems: Some Spanish mastiffs can have heart issues. Regular vet check-ups can catch these problems early. Feeding them right and helping them maintain a healthy weight can keep their hearts strong and healthy.

Obesity: They can become overweight because they’re big dogs. Keep them on a good diet, make sure they exercise, and keep an eye on their weight.

Eye Problems: They can have eye issues, like eyelids rolling in or out. Regular eye check-ups can find these problems early.

How Long Do Spanish Mastiffs Live?

Spanish mastiffs have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. Of course, it usually depends on how you care for your dog and its overall health. If your Spanish mastiff is healthy and exercises regularly, then it can easily live a longer life.

What Should a Spanish Mastiff Eat?

Look for food with meat as the main ingredient and some protein, around 18-22%, for strong muscles. Keep fat in their diet at about 8-12% to prevent them from getting overweight. Don’t feed them too much food and make sure to avoid dog foods with lots of fillers like corn, soy, and wheat.

Is a Spanish Mastiff the Right Dog for Me?

Whether a Spanish mastiff is the right dog for you depends on various factors. They are large, gentle, and protective dogs, which can make them great family pets for the right owners. If you have space for a big dog, appreciate their protective instincts, and are willing to invest time in their training and care, a Spanish mastiff can be a loving and loyal companion.

However, as you’ve learned in this article, they’re not really suitable for apartment living, and their grooming needs and potential health concerns should also be considered.

It’s essential to thoroughly research the breed, meet with reputable breeders or rescue organizations, and assess whether their temperament and care requirements align with your lifestyle and preferences before making a decision.