Pyrenean Mastiff vs Korean Mastiff - Breed Comparison

The 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.

This large breed dog is also known as the Mee Kyun Dosa. In spite of his huge size, he isn’t aggressive at all and is bred to be a companion dog.

He was originally developed to be a working dog. The dog was developed in the late 1800’s from European and Asian working breeds. Those interested in dog breeds suspected that a crossing of the Japanese Tosa-Inu with the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Dogue de Bordeaux brought about the breed. They also thought that the Saint Bernard and English Mastiff were brought in later on as well.

These large molosser dogs have been developed through years of inbreeding. It is one of the biggest dogs in Korea.

This 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.

You can’t help but stare at the Korean Mastiff because of his strong, muscular neck of loose skin that forms dewlaps. His face is wrinkled and he has a cumbersome, sluggish gait.

He is a large dog standing at anything between 59 to 76cm in height, both male and female. He can weigh between 65 to 74kg. He is noticeable because of his fairly loose fitting coat, which is short and smooth and which is a rich, shiny reddish, orange or brown colour.

The nose of the dog is broad and dark, the ears soft and floppy and he has eyes which are set wide apart.

Temperament:

The Korean Mastiff is reserved with strangers but he is friendly and even tempered with his human family, making an ideal pet.

He is looked upon as a gentle giant, being an oversized playmate for children and he also tolerates other pets in the home.

He isn't an overly energetic dog, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be exercised. He will need long walks to avoid him putting on weight.

These 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.

Your huge Korean Mastiff is a good natured dog who isn’t aggressive. He loves being with his human family and makes a particularly good pet when he has been trained and socialized.

He likes a firm but fair owner who takes a leader-of-the-pack role. In spite of his largeness and sluggishness, he can be quite agile and makes a good watchdog too.

All round, the Korean Mastiff, known as a gentle giant, is capable of making you a splendidly friendly, loving canine companion.

This 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.

Treat your big Mastiff dog like the wonderful fur-child he is and make sure your attend to all his medical needs to avoid pain and discomfort for him.

Cherry Eye:

Cherry eye is a fairly common health issue with this breed. It affects the tear gland of the third eyelid, and if left untreated, can lead to ongoing eye problems.

All dogs have a third eyelid, as well as two tear producing glands to lubricate the eyes. Its an important protective component to eye health in dogs. When the connective tissue that holds the gland in place is damaged or weak, there is a red protrusion of the gland from the lower eye. This is a congenital disorder. Don’t ignore it, but get your pet to the vet so you can catch it early.

Bloat:

Canine bloat, known as gastric dilatation and volvulus can be a killer disease for your pet, more so with deep-chested, large breeds.

Gas accumulation is known as bloat, and its the accumulation of gas which can cause the stomach to rotate. A dog can go into shock from bloat. The reason for this is that the stomach expands, putting pressure on veins. Blood can’t flow as it should and the blood supply gets cut off to the stomach.

Your dog could be vomiting, restless, the stomach hard and bloated or he may be drooling. Dogs who gobble their food down and eat just one large meal a day have an increased susceptibility to GDV than other dogs.

The wrong ingredients of a dog’s diet can also contribute to bloat. High quality food and feeding your pet smaller meals can help.

Spay or Neuter:

Have 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.

Grooming:

A Korean Mastiff is an easy dog to groom with his short smooth coat. He is a moderate shedder so a brush twice a week will be sufficient to maintain the shiny, smooth condition of his coat.

Because the dog has lots of skin and folds, these folds will need to be washed and kept clean as grime can collect.

While you're busy attending to his skin check his nails too and check inside and outside his ears for signs of redness and irritation.

Diet:

Puppies use up more energy than mature adults, requiring a diet of good quality protein. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered will require less calories as will senior dogs.

Korean Mastiffs require high quality nutrition, and if its dry kibble, make sure its the best brand. Mix in some home-made food such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables from time to time as well as some raw meat occasionally.

Protein and fat from good sources are top ingredients for your Korean Mastiff. Avoid food with allergens such as corn and wheat, sweeteners, preservatives and colorants.

Make sure your large pet has constant access to fresh water.