Libro Razas Españolas

Spanish Mastiff F.C.I. Standard No. 91 / 30. 08. 2002 / GB Origin: Spain Publication of the original valid standard: 26.05.1982 Utilization: Guard and defence. The breed is closely related to the seasonal moving in the livestock, and especially the Merino livestock which he already accompanied at the time of the “Mesta” (association, in the Middle-age, of breeders of the wandering herds) by defending them from wolves and other predators, all along their journey from one location to other and on the grazing pastures, in all seasons and sites. Actually he accompanies numerous herds, whether sedentary or wandering by fulfilling his ancestral task. He performs in the same way the function of guard and protection of farms, people and properties in general. Classification F.C.I.: Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid breeds- Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds.Section 2.2 Molossoid breeds, Mountain type. Without working trial. I. General Appearance It is a dog of great size, hypermetric, of medium proportions and of sub-long line structure. Well balanced, very powerful and muscular. Compact bone structure. Massive head and a body covered with a semi-long coat. Most important are balance and functional harmony in the dog standing as well on the move. His bark is raucous, low pitched and deep, very sonorous, audible from a considerable distance. II. Important Proportions The length of the body exceeds the height at the withers. The relation between the length of the skull and that of the muzzle must be 3/2. III. Behaviour / Temperament It is a very intelligent dog, not without beauty, whose expression manifests both these qualities. Rustic, affectionate, kind and noble, he is very determined when facing dangerous animals and in front of strangers, especially when he has the opportunity to defend and protect farms or cattle. In his behaviour, one can see it is a dog sure of himself, determining his strength because he is aware of his enormous power. IV. Head In general: Big, strong and shaped like a truncated pyramid with broad basis. The whole of the skull and muzzle, seen from above, must be square and well linked, without a very marked diminution of width between the base of the muzzle and the temporal bones. The facial-cranial axes are moderately divergent. CRANIAL REGION: Skull: Broad, strong, profile sub-convex. The width of the skull should be equal or superior to its length. Frontal sinus accentuated. Occipital crest marked. Stop: Slightly sloping, not very accentuated. FACIAL REGION: Nose: Black, wet, big and broad. Las razas caninas españolas - Spanish canine breeds 102