At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives no weight. Wikipedia lists 60-90 kg; DogTime lists 130-220 lb (about 59-100 kg), males 140-200 lb and females 130-180 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense, medium-length double coat
A very large, powerful but well-balanced mountain mastiff that should never look clumsy. Its thick, bristly coat is about 6-9 cm long, fuller around the neck, shoulders, legs and tail.14
Personality what they are like
A composed, kind and very intelligent giant that is affectionate with its people and generally easy-going with other dogs. It stands its ground confidently with strangers, reflecting its long career protecting flocks.154
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: daily walks and some playtime rather than intense exercise.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush weekly and expect heavier grooming, or a professional blow-out, during seasonal shedding. Early socialisation and consistent, positive training suit its independent streak.3
Home where they are happiest
Best with plenty of space, such as a rural property or a home with a large secure garden; it can cope with time alone when its needs are met.13
Company who they like around
Loving with family and usually friendly with other dogs; early socialisation helps it settle well with children and other animals.13
The story where it all began
For centuries these dogs travelled with sheep on seasonal migrations to high Pyrenean pastures, guarding them from wolves and bears. After wolves vanished from the range in the mid-20th century the breed declined, and a breed club founded in 1977 revived it.125
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Working dogs often wore a spiked iron wolf collar called a carlanca.2
- 2
Three of the dogs were exhibited in Madrid as early as 1890.2
- 3
The breed was listed in Spain's first official dog registry in 1912.2
- 4
The FCI standard sets minimum heights but no upper limit, and the UKC prefers the larger dog when quality is equal.4
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 92, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, Mountain type; standard dated 30.08.2002. Fully accepted in 1954, per Wikipedia.1
- UKC
- Guardian Dog Group; recognised 1 July 2006.4
- AKC
- Listed on the AKC website as a rare livestock guardian breed.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pyrenean Mastiff. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 92 Mastín del Pirineo fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Pyrenean Mastiff - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, history, facts
- Pyrenean Mastiff - DogTime dogtime.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming
- Pyrenean Mastiff - UKC ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Pyrenean Mastiff - AKC akc.orgused for history, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.