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The Pyrenean Mastiff, a molossian-type dog, orginated in northeastern Spain as a guardian of livestock, people and property. This breed is charming, docile and sweet to its owners and friends, but aggressive with strangers, warning them off with its deep, intense bark. Although it was brought back from near extinction in the mid-fifties, the Pyrenean Mastiff is still rare in Spain and the United States. The calm, self-reliant Pyrenean Mastiff is well-muscled, sporting a massive, broad head, a thick skull and strong bones. Its muscular neck bears loose skin with hanging double dewlaps, sometimes called a "gill." The breed's long, fringed tail curls at its tip. Intelligent, dark eyes sparkle in an expressive face with a black nose and pointed, pendulous ears. The Pyrenean Mastiff's thick, weather-resistant, medium-length coat grows longer on its throat and neck. This coarse coat must be white with a well-defined mask of deep gold, dusk, black, light tan, sand, brindle, red or any shade of gray, that extends over its ears. Totally white or tricolor coats are undesirable. This breed moves in a purposeful, straight trot with a featherlight step. Although it has no height limits, males must be a minimum of 30.5 inches tall at the withers; females, 28.5 inches tall. Ideally, males are 32 inches tall; females, 29.5 inches. Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.

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