Spanish Mastiff Characteristics And Personality Traits

February 23, 2023
/ BREEDS
/ By Joycey

The Spanish Mastiff, also known as Mastín Español, is a large breed that is native to Spain. Here are some of the unique characteristics and personality traits of the Spanish Mastiff:

Large Size: Spanish Mastiffs are one of the largest dog breeds, with males typically weighing between 145-220 pounds and standing 28-35 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 120-180 pounds and standing 26-31 inches tall.
Protective Nature: Spanish Mastiffs are highly protective of their family and property, making them excellent watchdogs. They are known for their courage and willingness to confront intruders, but they are not aggressive by nature and are usually calm and patient with children and other pets.
Independent and Stubborn: Spanish Mastiffs have an independent nature and can be quite stubborn at times. This can make them challenging to train and requires an experienced dog owner who can establish firm leadership.
Affectionate and Loyal: Despite their independent nature, Spanish Mastiffs are known to be very affectionate and loyal to their family. They crave human companionship and are happiest when they are spending time with their owners.
Low Energy: Spanish Mastiffs are not very active dogs and tend to be quite lazy. They don’t require a lot of exercise, but they do need regular walks to keep them healthy and prevent obesity.
Heavy Shedding: Spanish Mastiffs have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting.
Health Issues: Like all breeds, Spanish Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. It’s important to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian to catch any potential health issues early.

How Often Should You Screen Your Spanish Mastiff For Health?

As with all breeds, it is recommended to screen Spanish Mastiffs for common health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, heart issues, and allergies, on a regular basis. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate screening schedule for your individual dog, based on their age, health history, and other factors. Generally, regular check-ups with a veterinarian, annual blood work, and screenings for breed-specific health issues are recommended.

What Are More Common Health Issues For A Spanish Mastiff?

Like other breeds, Spanish Mastiffs can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the more common health concerns for Spanish Mastiffs include:

Hip dysplasia: A common genetic disorder that can affect many breeds, hip dysplasia is characterized by abnormal hip joint development that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the elbow joint, causing pain and lameness.
Bloat: Also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach, bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.
Heart disease: Spanish Mastiffs can be prone to various forms of heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Eye problems: Some Spanish Mastiffs can develop eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to a variety of health issues, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.

Regular health screening by a veterinarian can help catch these health issues early and ensure your Spanish Mastiff stays healthy.

What Do Spanish Mastiffs Like To Eat, How Much And How Often Per Day?

Spanish Mastiffs are large dogs that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain good health. The amount of food and frequency of feeding depends on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. As a general guideline, adult Spanish Mastiffs should be fed twice a day.

It’s essential to choose high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Spanish Mastiffs can also benefit from a diet rich in protein, with moderate fat content. You should avoid overfeeding your Spanish Mastiff, as they are prone to obesity. Feeding them table scraps or human food should be avoided.

Consulting with your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate amount and type of food to feed your Spanish Mastiff. They can also provide advice on feeding schedules based on their individual needs.

How Often Should You Groom Your Spanish Mastiff?

The Spanish Mastiff has a thick and dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding season. It is recommended to groom your Spanish Mastiff once a week to remove loose fur, prevent matting, and promote healthy skin and coat. During shedding season, you may need to groom your dog more frequently, such as twice a week.

In addition to brushing, you should also check your Spanish Mastiff’s ears regularly for wax buildup and clean them as needed. Trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth at least two to three times a week to prevent dental problems.

How Often And Long Should You Exercise Your Spanish Mastiff?

As with all dog breeds, the exercise needs of a Spanish Mastiff can vary based on factors such as age, weight, and overall health. However, as a large and active breed, Spanish Mastiffs require a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Adult Spanish Mastiffs should ideally receive at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can include brisk walks, jogs, or play sessions in a securely fenced area. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Spanish Mastiffs are not generally high-energy dogs and may tire quickly. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your dog’s energy levels and adjust their exercise routine accordingly.

It’s also worth noting that Spanish Mastiffs are prone to joint and bone problems, so it’s important to avoid excessive exercise or activities that may put undue strain on their joints. In addition, because they are a large breed, it’s important to be mindful of their exercise needs from a young age to help prevent weight gain and related health issues.

How Important Is Obedience Training And Early Socialization For Spanish Mastiffs?

Obedience training and early socialization are important for all dog breeds, including Spanish Mastiffs. It helps to ensure that they become well-behaved and socialized adult dogs, who can adapt to various situations and people.

Since Spanish Mastiffs are large and strong dogs, obedience training is particularly important to teach them basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” Training also helps them learn boundaries and appropriate behavior, as well as how to interact with other dogs and people.

Early socialization is also critical for Spanish Mastiffs to help them learn how to behave in different environments and around various people and animals. Early exposure to different sounds, smells, and textures can help them feel more comfortable and confident in new situations, reducing the risk of fear-based aggression or anxiety.

Overall, obedience training and early socialization can help Spanish Mastiffs become well-adjusted and obedient dogs, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.

About the Author Joycey

All my life I've been in love with one big dopey Mastiff family member after another. No other breed has given so much pleasure, so it's a joy for my team and I to research everything there is to know about them in this blog. We hope you enjoy the reading as much as we enjoy the writing :)

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