Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed ComparisonPyrenean Mastiff is originated from Spain but Cao de Gado Transmontano is originated from Portugal. Both Pyrenean Mastiff and Cao de Gado Transmontano are having almost same height. Pyrenean Mastiff may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Cao de Gado Transmontano. Both Pyrenean Mastiff and Cao de Gado Transmontano has almost same life span. Pyrenean Mastiff may have more litter size than Cao de Gado Transmontano. Both Pyrenean Mastiff and Cao de Gado Transmontano requires Low maintenance.

History

pyrenean mastiff - historyThe Pyrenean Mastiff originates from Spain, descending from ancient livestock guardian-type dogs.

They have always been used as guardians, looking out for livestock and warding off predators.

When you do research you find that there is little information on the exact origins of the dog. It was only in recent years that the dog was taken out of its native region and sent to the USA, but it isn’t recognized by the AKC.

The dog was however recognized by the FCI in 1982.

cao de gado transmontano - historyThe Cão de Gado Transmontano which is also known as the Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog is a large dog – in fact a giant dog breed. This is a rare molosser working dog, hailing from the region of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province in Portugal.

The large dog has always been used to herd livestock and to also ward off wolves. It is believed that the dog’s roots come from the Tibetan Mastiff as well as a Portuguese cattle dog known as the Rafeiro do Alentejo. The dog also shares some similarities with the short-haired Estrela Mountain Dog.

In 1995 the breed was still exclusive to Portugal, but now the breed has been imported to Oregon, USA to be part of an experiment to document bigger breeds and their role in protecting livestock from wolves. They were re-introduced to north-east Oregon from 2008.

Description

pyrenean mastiff puppy - descriptionThis is a beautiful big dog, strong and muscular. He stands at between 75 and 82cm in height and weighs between 70 and 100kg, males and females.

He has a thick double coat which is fairly long and which also sheds regularly. The coat is essentially white in color with large markings of reddish brown, tan, grey or black.

The Pyrenean Mastiff has a large head with a black nose, small, dark eyes, floppy, medium sized ears and a long tail with lush hair growth.

Temperament:

Large he may be, but the Pyrenean Mastiff is a docile dog that gets on well with children as well as with other pets. He is intelligent but also strong willed and independent, making him a little bit difficult to handle if he chooses to ignore your commands.

Training and socialization will be required if you want him to be obedient and well mannered. He can do well with you as a novice pet owner, so long as you are firm, consistent, kind, patient and fair in your handling of the Pyrenean Mastiff.

Even with socialization, he tends to be wary around strangers and becomes quite protective around his human family.

He is a calm dog that doesn’t require a whole lot of exercise, but he isn’t suited to life on a small property in the city as he needs a lot of space to feel content and at ease.

cao de gado transmontano puppy - descriptionThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a large dog, believed to be the biggest of the Portuguese dog breeds. He is powerful and muscular with a large head and can stand up to 83cm in height and can weigh up to 65kg.

He is tough, and is quite comfortable living outside. He is a long-legged dog with a wide chest with medium length floppy ears and a long tail. The coat is fairly short although it can be in a variety of lengths. It is the medium length coated dog with the right coloring that is looked upon as a pure breed. The dog is white with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades.

Temperament:

The Transmontano Mastiff is an intelligent, obedient dog who is also independent and stubborn. As with all dogs, it is important to have him trained and socialized as this makes him obedient and eager to please. He loves to be patted by his owners and is a dog which is easy to train, responding well to firmness and fairness.

He is calm and somewhat docile but at the same time he is energetic and alert, making him a good watchdog. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny space. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home.

Characteristics

pyrenean mastiff dog - characteristicsThese beautiful dogs have always been extraordinary guarding dogs, but he has some other excellent characteristics that make him such a great companion.

He is a loyal, loving dog and easy to train.

You just have to think twice before you take such a large dog into your home, as he doesn’t like to be cooped up in small spaces. He will also eat a lot too.

You want to know that you can provide the Pyrenean Mastiff with all these things. If you have the means to keep such a large pet, then he will make you a splendid canine companion.

cao de gado transmontano dog - characteristicsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano may look like a fairly formidable dog but they aren’t aggressive. They are full of courage and are above all, loving and loyal to their human family.

When you choose to have one of these large dogs as your pet, it is important to make sure he knows that you’re the leader. With training and socialization this dog is a gentle giant who makes an exceptional family pet.

Health Problems

pyrenean mastiff puppies - health problemsThis is a fairly healthy dog breed, particularly when you consider what a big dog he is. There are always some health concerns to watch for so that you can take steps to get your pet well again.

Dental Disease:

There is tartar build-up on the teeth and this can lead to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Rotting teeth can cause pain, but more worrisome they can cause damage to the heart and kidneys as well as the dog's joints. The vet or professional pet groomers can keep your pet’s teeth clean. They can advise you on how to take care of your large pet’s teeth.

Bacterial and Viral Infections:

Diseases such as rabies and parvo can be prevented by means of vaccine.

Obesity:

You can’t afford for a big dog like this to become obese. It’s a serious disease and can put pressure on your dog’s joints and also cause back pain and digestive disorders.

Parasites:

Your dog can be infected with all kinds of worms and bugs such as ticks d and fleas as well as mites. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you. Your vet can talk about preventive medication.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, commonly referred to as bloat often occurs in dogs with deep chests.

The stomach twists and fills with gas,and blood to the stomach is cut off. Left unattended to, your dog can die, sometimes within half an hour. His stomach is hard and swollen, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

cao de gado transmontano puppies - health problemsThe Cão de Gado Transmontano is a tough dog, used to spending long hours outside guarding sheep. These days however, he is also a companion dog and you’ll want to be aware of some common dog ailments that can strip him of his health and his joy of life.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a looseness with the hip joint, and while it can occur with all dogs, it is more common in large dogs. It’s a disease which can lead to arthritis, pain and also joint degeneration. It’s a disease which can be debilitating for the dog and you will need to get your dog to the vet.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This is a heart disease seen in large breed dogs and where the heart becomes weak and can’t properly pump blood throughout the body. Symptoms include coughing, weakness, difficulty with breathing as well as a fluid-distended abdomen.

Caring The Pet

Spay or Neuter:

pyrenean mastiff dogs - caringHave your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. Spaying or neutering also decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers.

Diet:

Nothing but a top quality diet is good enough for your pet. Commercially manufactured dog foods are a convenient means to feed your pet, and there are some excellent brands.

Look out for the ones for extra large dogs and avoid the ones with low quality ingredients. The dry kibble you give your big pet can be made more tasty when you add some homemade food to it about twice a week.

Dogs thrive on simplicity, so boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be wonderful for him when you chop the food up and add it into the dry kibble. Its such a tasty, wholesome treat for your pet.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Brush his coat at least twice a week. Check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an ear infection.

He’s an intelligent pet with lots of energy, so you will need to keep his mind and body active by ensuring he enjoys walks every day. He isn’t a dog that requires running with you on your jogs or cycles.

Diet:

cao de gado transmontano dogs - caringJust because this is a large dog, doesn’t mean you need to over-feed him. He is muscular and athletic, and by watching his diet, he’ll continue to be strong, lean and healthy. You can feed him a top quality pet-food brand and include boiled chicken, rice and vegetables. Every now and then mix in some raw meat with his dog food to ensure that his skin remains free of rashes and itchiness. Fresh, cool water must be available to him day and night as he drinks abundantly.

Grooming:

Some dog breeds need to be trimmed or stripped to look good, and dog owners often invest in expensive equipment to groom their pets themselves, Fortunately the large Cão de Gado Transmontano is a low maintenance dog and all you’ll need to do is give him a good brush-down twice a week.

Check his eyes, ears, teeth and nails regularly. Remember that dental hygiene is imperative and special canine toothbrush and toothpaste is available to brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3x a week to get rid of plaque and to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Spain
Portugal
Height Male:
75 - 82 cm
29 - 33 inches
73 - 83 cm
28 - 33 inches
Height Female:
75 - 82 cm
29 - 33 inches
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 100 kg
154 - 221 pounds
55 - 65 kg
121 - 144 pounds
Weight Female:
70 - 100 kg
154 - 221 pounds
45 - 62 kg
99 - 137 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
3 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
None
Transmontano Mastiff or Transmontano Cattle Dog
Colors Available:
tan, White with large markings of reddish brown, grey or black.
White with large patches of brown, fawn, grey, brindle and black shades
Coat:
Longish, thick double coat
Short to medium length
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  13. St. Bernard vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  15. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  19. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  20. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  21. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  22. Gaddi Kutta vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  23. Nebolish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  24. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  25. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  26. Broholmer vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Dane vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  28. Newfoundland Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  29. Leonberger vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Wolfhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  31. Francais Blanc et Orange vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  32. Mountain Burmese vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  34. Moscow Watchdog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  35. Scottish Deerhound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  36. Shiloh Shepherd vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  38. Spanish Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  39. St. Bernard vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  40. Kars Dog vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds