Collection: Personalised Pyrenean Mastiff Gifts

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large mountain breed that dates back to the Middle Ages and was a breed prevalent throughout Europe although now considered native to Spain where they are very popular.

A large dog designed to guard and protect, the Pyrenean Mastiff is surprisingly light on his feet. Not seen in the UK at all, in their home country of Spain, the breed is divided into two separate types, the Pyrenean Mastiff which is found north of the Ebro River and the Spanish Mastiff located south of the river.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is descended from the Molossers, an imposing dog bred to protect flocks of sheep. Originally thought to have been brought to Europe from Asia by Phoenician traders, the Pyrenean Mastiff is named after the Aragonese Pyrenees region of Spain. Not much is known about the exact antecedents of this dog and little effort has been made to research and record the breed until the 1970s.

Used as livestock protectors and herders for centuries, the breed was severely reduced in numbers during the 1940s when sheep were moved by rail across large distances rather than on foot. The Second World War also took its toll. However, the breed as it remains today is relatively pure based on the geographical seclusion of the Aragonese region in the Pyrenees. Officially recognised in Spain in the early 1980s, the breed was added to the Kennel Club Register in 2001.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very imposing looking dog but is in reality, a gentle giant. Naturally protective over their owners, they need sufficient space and exercise so suit a country home.

Not always the easiest to train like many working breeds which are characteristically independent decision-makers, the Pyrenean Mastiff makes a loyal family pet but is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner due to their size and training requirements.