Gran Mastin de Borinquen

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Gran Mastin de Borinquen is a large and massive dog originating in Perto Rica. Also known as Puerto Rican Mastiff, Mastin Borincano, Becerillo de Borinquen and Perro Barsino de Hacienda, this dog is the only breed native to Puerto Rica. This breed is said to have descended from the Spanish War Mastiffs, Latin American Molossers and the traditional island dogs known as Perros Jibaros. The breed is ferocious to intruders and is an excellent protective dog. Historically, during the 16th century, at the time of the Spanish Encomendado, the dogs were utilized to enforce the reign of terror of the Spanish colonizers. These dogs were brought to the island during the 20th century to aid in protection. The dogs were used to guard precious crops and farmland such as tobacco, coffee, and sugar cane. These dogs are considered 'Old Country' dogs that were able to adapt to different regions like the hot 'campo' hills, tropical valley lands, or the cold rain forest mountain region of Puerto Rico.

The Mastin is noble, courageous, hardy, strong and loyal dog very suited to the various terrain of the island. This large and heavy dog breed stands between 24-28 inches and weighs between 90 to 150 lbs. The dog has a majestic demeanor but it will never fail to intimidate people because of its fear inspiring appearance.

It has a broad head with moderate muzzle. Large nose is black with straight nose bridge. Smallish brown eyes hold dignified expression. High set, small and rather thin ears hang down the skull. Neck is moderately long and muscular. This breed has high withers, a level and straight back and muscular broad loins. The broad and deep chest has well sprung ribs. The tail that is thick at the base and slightly tapers to the tip almost reaches the hocks. The tail is either carried straight and level with the body or curled and held high over the back. The dog has rather hard and harsh short to medium coat that comes in bone white, black, fawn and brindle colouring.

This is a rare breed and a very few numbers of this dog remain although efforts are underway to save this magnificent breed from extinction.

This dog is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

The dogs have a typical mastiff coat that comes in colors such as brindle, fawn, black, or bone white. Patches of white are permitted and not restricted in any way on this breed.

Coat

The short to medium coat is a typical mastiff coat that is hard and dense.

Personality

Known for its loyalty and protective nature, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen is eager to please it master that forms an strong bond with its human family. Its massive size and rather uneven temperament makes it unsuitable as a pet for families with small children. Also this breed needs an experienced and strong owner who can understand the dog behavior and establish himself as this dogs' strong and dominant packleader. Obedience training and early age socialization is must for this dog as it tends to be aggressive towards other dogs. It has natural protective instincts and will protect its family till the last. Since these dogs were used in bloodsports as well as to capture and maul runaway slaves, it has very strong protective instincts and further training to be a guard dog will not be needed unless the dog becomes too aggressive. Not recommended for families with small children or first time inexperienced owners, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen is an excellent protection dog for experienced and strong owners that will be a natural deterrent to intruders with its fear-inducing appearance.

Care

This breed is rather easy to groom with its short to medium coat. Weekly brushing will take care of the dead hair and keep the coat clean and healthy.

Training

Training can be a difficult task to accomplish with this breed as it has a streak of stubbornness. The owner should display a true packleader skills and train this dog in a firm yet gentle manner. Harsh or heavy-handed training methods can backfire with this massive breed.

Activity

Relatively lazy and laid back, the Gran Mastin de Borinquen is a typical mastiff with its slow and indolent movements. The owner, however, should make sure that this dog gets a fair amount of exercise. This dog is best suited to rural or suburban setting as it does not like to be confined in an apartment.