Frequently Asked Questions

The Pyrenean Mastiff has a long lifespan for a giant breed. They typically live for 10 to 13 years, however keep in mind working dogs seldom reach their maximum lifespan.

As a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD), the Pyrenean Mastiff has a very low prey drive. They love to protect all kinds of animals, two legged and four legged, hairless, furred and feathered; their protective ability is unmatched! We have pups, who like our dogs, ward off bears, wolfs, coyotes and other predators with unmatched ferocity.

Pyrenean Mastiffs love children and will welcome friends and family that you welcome. They only respond to and protect against real threats. These dogs truly excel in LGD work, as well as therapy! Some breeders have lines that are well known for companion service work. Our lines are mainly for LGD work and family protection, however we have some pups that would do amazing in a show ring!

Unlike many other breeds of Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs), the Pyrenean Mastiff is not known for being an incessant barker. It will do its job and alert for strangers or animals that approach the property, but does not bark much in addition to those special situations. However, don’t be misled by other breeders and opinions, they do bark 5x more then say your average golden retriever, for example.

The Pyrenean Mastiff (PM) may not be the breed for you if you can't stand drool. While some PMs may not drool as much as others, for example, females with a tighter face will typically drool less, they all still drool. In the hot summer months it is often worse, because of panting, however it does become a fun game of, "where did the drool go" after a good head shake!

Our PMs are 100% pure. We opted to continue with the traditions of Spanish breeding. Some of the US breeders have opted to use a farm line of PM's where the purity percentage ranges from 60 - 80% pure PM.

A traditional bred PM is slightly line bred with only using 100% pure genetics. The farm line dogs are not pure PMs, they are mainly used for helping lower the inbreeding co-efficiencies which test 60-80% pure, though through Ack import rules were allowed pure bred paperwork in which the resulting offspring will test as not pure but will be papered as pure.

Chow Chows are one of the most ancient dog breeds, thought to be originally from Northern China where they guarded temples in China, Tibet and Mongolia.

Actually, we find Chows relatively easy to groom. They have a thick double coat that sheds in clumps rather than falling as individual hairs. Their thick coat means they resist dirt well and a good brush is normally all it takes to get a Chow clean again. Chows like to stay clean and they will often clean their paws and wipe their chops after meals. Chows do not need frequent bathing and indeed this can be detrimental to their skin as it can cause irritations and dryness.

Chows are characteristically aloof and independent - we liken them to being almost cat-like in that respect. You have to earn their respect and they can bond closely often to one person in the family, though this isn’t the case for magnificent she loves the whole family and acts like any of our other dogs. They do need a strong leader as an owner that will guide them in a happy and positive way, but also just like any dog breed, they need to be able to give correction if negative behaviors do arise, it is important to correct at a young age to ensure they grow into great well-mannered dogs.

They live by the philosophy of 'if you throw it, you can fetch it too!' They can be difficult to train, but it's essential you get the basics down. They do, however like a good chase round the garden and a bit of rough and tumble!

Chows can be discerning about strangers and like to take their time to size someone up before getting too close. It's really important to consistently and positively socialize a Chow in their first few months to make sure they are confident and comfortable around new people and other dogs. Taking them out to public spaces to meet new people and get them used to being groomed and examined so they are at ease when visiting the vet. Making these fun and positive experiences will help your Chow be their charming selves. Our Chow, Magnificent, has always been friendly and will happily stroll up to strangers to say hello. Chows like you to be confident and casual as you approach them. Always introduce yourself with the back of your hand to their nose first and try not to stare them in the eyes as it makes them nervous.

All dogs are different, but generally we have found the Chows have sensitive tummies and prefers to use a salmon based kibble our choice is, Purina Pro Plan salmon and rice.

100% yes! We've had no issues, however it's helpful to start with a puppy and teach both the kids and pup manners. Remember, older dogs who have had no exposure to kids in the home, may struggle to adjust to a crazy kid's household, but for a pup raised in it, 'it’s just another day at home'.