Pyrenean Mastiff vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Mastiff is originated from Spain but Pugnaces Britanniae is originated from United Kingdom. Pyrenean Mastiff may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Pugnaces Britanniae. Pyrenean Mastiff may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Pugnaces Britanniae. Both Pyrenean Mastiff and Pugnaces Britanniae has almost same life span. Pyrenean Mastiff may have less litter size than Pugnaces Britanniae. Both Pyrenean Mastiff and Pugnaces Britanniae 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.

Pugnaces Britanniae is a dog which is now extinct. There isn't certainty surrounding the origins of the dog but it is thought they descended from dogs brought to Britain way back in the 6th century BC already.

These are ancient dogs, and when you do research you find references dating back to centuries ago. In fact when you read of the Roman conquest of Britain you read of huge dogs, which the Romans referred to as Pugnaces Britanniae.

It is believed that the English Mastiff descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae and that the dog was used as a war dog.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae was a huge dog standing at roughly 67 to 75cm and weighing 52 to 110kg.

He was a heavily built dog, a Mastiff type dog that had a large head, broad muzzle with fairly loose skin around the mouth, brown eyes, a broad back and rump, muscular legs and floppy ears with a long tail. In fact the Mastiff, thought to have descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, gives you an idea of what the dog looked like. He no doubt has a short, smooth coat available in fawn, tan or brindle and with the black mask.

Temperament:

The Pugnaces Britannia was a naturally aggressive dog so it is to be expected that he wouldn’t automatically have been a good family dog, possibly being aggressive around children and other dogs. They were intelligent and were no doubt taught some simple commands.

They were also very territorial dogs, wanting to instinctively chase and attack unknown people and animals. They were strong minded, confident, loyal ad loving dogs towards their owners, being protective of them, wanting to please them.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae may well have been a large dog and quite imposing to look at but he was in all likelihood a good-natured pet who got on well with his family members, being loyal and loving if brought up correctly.

Long ago dog training and socialization didn’t exist but a large dog like this would have to be socialized and trained to become obedient and an amicable all-rounder.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae could live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age with good care. Large Mastiff type dogs like this would have had to watch out for common canine diseases such as hip dysplasia, cancer and bloat.

In those days, no screening tests were available for health problems like this. Gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat is a common health issue with large, deep chested dogs where the stomach fills with gas and the stomach twists. Its a life threatening disease.

Canine heart disease is another serious health issue with these mastiff type dogs. Early stages with heart disease show there may well be no symptoms at all. However, as the heart disease progresses towards congestive heart failure, the dog will have symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty with breathing, weight loss, a distended abdomen and coughing.

A dog with symptoms like this would have to see a vet immediately.

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:

The diets of ancient dogs were different to what they are today, as in those days there were no commercially manufactured dog foods. Dog owners in all likelihood tossed scraps to them which included starch.

Today a large dog such as the extinct Pugnaces Britannia would have no doubt been fed a high quality kibble from a leading brand and packed with minerals and vitamins specially formulated for a large dog breed.

Homemade food is also important, but not any kind of food – it has to be food which doesn’t upset the dog’s digestive system. Simple but nutritious food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach is ideal for a dog, and when it is chopped up can be added twice a week to the dry kibble for a tasty, healthy treat.

Raw meat added in occasionally is also hugely beneficial. No dog should ever be without fresh, cool water constantly available.

Grooming:

As a short haired dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have required a brushing twice a week to rid the dog of loose hairs. Maybe in those days they didn’t check their dogs over to see that all was well, but today you would need to check the inside of the ears. If the insides were red, it could be a sign of an ear infection brought on by dampness, excess wax and dirt.

The eyes would need to be checked for discharge and the teeth checked a well. One rotten tooth can cause a lot of havoc. The nails of the dog would have had to be checked and clipped as well.

Exercise:

As a war dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have been fit. He is a big dog and while they require exercise such as walks and hide-and-seek type of games, he isn’t the kind of dog that would go running with you on a jog, as large, heavy dogs can overheat easily.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
Spain
United Kingdom
Height Male:
75 - 82 cm
29 - 33 inches
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
Height Female:
75 - 82 cm
29 - 33 inches
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 100 kg
154 - 221 pounds
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
Weight Female:
70 - 100 kg
154 - 221 pounds
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
10 - 15
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
None
War Dog of Britannia
Colors Available:
tan, White with large markings of reddish brown, grey or black.
brindle, tan, Fawn
Coat:
Longish, thick double coat
Short and smooth
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, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Sindh Mastiff vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  22. Tamaskan vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  23. Tosa vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  24. Wolfdog vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  25. Samoyed vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  27. Saluki vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  28. Rough Collie vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  29. Rajapalayam vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  30. Schnauzerdor vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  31. Pyredoodle vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  32. Saarlooswolfhond vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  34. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  35. Rampur Greyhound vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  36. Sage Koochee vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  37. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  38. Pugnaces Britanniae vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  40. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  41. Pugnaces Britanniae vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  42. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  43. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  44. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds