Libro Razas Españolas

Spanish Mastiff The Spanish Mastiff is probably the most representative dog breed from Spain and also the best known cattle dog in the country, spread throughout and present in our History and Culture from ancient times. Its noble appearance and the image of a lying Spanish Mastiff guarding the flock is an important part of the Spanish traditional imagery. Its main expansion time coincides with the peak of the Mesta and large displacements of migrating shepherding of merino sheep. Big, strong and balanced, its gentle and good-natured character with the family hides a brave dog, resistant and with ferocity enough to fight against wolves to defend the flock. With the abolition of the Mesta in 1836, the breeding of the Mastiff ceased to be officially regulated and lost some importance, but always kept alive its presence, especially in particular areas in León and Extremadura, as faithful guardian and symbol of a pastoral thousand-year-old culture. In 1946, the first standard was drafted and altered later in 1979 by the one that is currently in force and which describes the impressive Mastiff, forged during centuries, as guardian of the migrating flocks against wolves and vermin. Las razas caninas españolas - Spanish canine breeds 95