Pyrenean Mastiff | Breeds A to Z

The Pyrenean Mastiff was once known as the Navarra Mastiff as it was developed in the Pyrenean region between Aragon and Navarra. The breed is of the Molosser family and has always been used as a flock guardian, protecting their herds from predators such as the wolf and bear. To give it some protection in its work, the Pyrenean Mastiff would often wear a heavy spiked collar to protect its neck and throat from assailants.

Like all of the Mollosoid breeds, the Pyrenean Mastiff is large and powerful. Ideal height for males is 81 cm (32 in) with bitches standing around 73.5 cm (29 in). He should be strong, rustic and powerful, with strong bone, deep chest and a large strong head and wide, deep muzzle. The strong neck is protected by loose skin and double dewlaps. The coat is thick, abundant and coarse in texture. The coat colours most frequently seen are white with gold, grey or badger markings on head, ears and neck. The main body colour should always be white. Sometimes colour may be found on the hindquarters.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is remarkably light on his feet for his size. The tail is carried low, and can curl at the tips and should never be carried above the level of the back. He is calm in temperament but can be aggressive when doing the job for which he was bred. Wonderfully loyal to his master and family he had adapted well to modern life and his role of guardian of the home.

Read the breed standard

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The Working breed group

Over the centuries these dogs were selectively bred to become guards and search and rescue dogs. Arguably, the working group consists of some of the most heroic canines in the world, aiding humans in many walks of life, including the Boxer, Great Dane and St. Bernard. This group consists of the real specialists in their field who excel in their line of work.

Breed standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

Grey & White
White Grey & Sand

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed standard colours

Non-breed standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Health (The Kennel Club)

Breed watch

Category 1

Currently no points of concern specific to this breed have been identified for special attention by judges, other than those covered routinely by The Kennel Club breed standard.