Gran Mastins de Borinquen are large dogs that originated in Puerto Rico where they were commonly used in bloodsports and as fierce guard dogs. They are known by several different names including Gran Mastins de Borinquen, Perro Barsinos de Hacienda, Puerto Rican Mastiffs, Becerillos de Borinquen, Borinquen Mastiffs and Mastins Borincano. It is believed that the Gran Mastin de Borinquen has been in existence since the 16th century and descended from various native island dogs and Spanish Mastiffs. In its early years, it was used mainly for bloodsports and as guard dogs. However, it was also occasionally used to hunt wild boars.
Gran Mastins de Borinquen are large dogs that can weigh as much as 90 to 150 pounds. They have short hair that can come in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, black, cream and white. Splashes of white on any solid-colored dogs and a black muzzle on fawn, cream and white dogs are both permissible. This is a massive dog with a large head, thick body and strong, muscular legs. The eyes of the Borinquen Mastiff should be round and light to dark brown in color. The muzzle is broad, and the nose should always be black. The floppy ears hang down to just above the cheeks, and the tail is thick and long with a slight curve near the end. Gran Mastin de Borinquen are large dogs that are native to Puerto Rico. They have muscular frames with strong legs and bodies. Their muzzles are broad and they have medium-sized ears that are pendant. Their coats are short and coarse. It's easy to groom this breed; occasional brushing will suffice.
Personality
Gran Mastins de Borinquen are extremely loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are also very protective and will become aggressive if they feel like they or their owners are being threatened. Borinquen Mastiffs do not interact well with other dogs or any other types of household pets. Due to their large size, strength and aggressive temperament, they are not recommended for children or frail adults. The Gran Mastin de Borinquen is an affectionate, loyal and protective dog. They are fearless when it comes to protecting their human family and are eager to please their owners. They are fond of children, but may not be the best playmates for them due to their size. They need to be taken for daily brisk walks. They may be aggressive when they feel the need to protect their families.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 9-12 years |
| Nicknames: | Gran Mastins de Borinquen, Perro Barsinos de Hacienda, Puerto Rican Mastiffs, Becerillos de Borinquen, Borinquen Mastiffs, Mastins Borincano |
Gran Mastin De Borinquen Build Information
Gran Mastins de Borinquen are large dogs that can weigh as much as 90 to 150 pounds. They have short hair that can come in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, black, cream and white. Splashes of white on any solid-colored dogs and a black muzzle on fawn, cream and white dogs are both permissible. This is a massive dog with a large head, thick body and strong, muscular legs. The eyes of the Borinquen Mastiff should be round and light to dark brown in color. The muzzle is broad, and the nose should always be black. The floppy ears hang down to just above the cheeks, and the tail is thick and long with a slight curve near the end. Gran Mastin de Borinquen are large dogs that are native to Puerto Rico. They have muscular frames with strong legs and bodies. Their muzzles are broad and they have medium-sized ears that are pendant. Their coats are short and coarse. It's easy to groom this breed; occasional brushing will suffice.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
Gran Mastins de Borinquen are extremely loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are also very protective and will become aggressive if they feel like they or their owners are being threatened. Borinquen Mastiffs do not interact well with other dogs or any other types of household pets. Due to their large size, strength and aggressive temperament, they are not recommended for children or frail adults. The Gran Mastin de Borinquen is an affectionate, loyal and protective dog. They are fearless when it comes to protecting their human family and are eager to please their owners. They are fond of children, but may not be the best playmates for them due to their size. They need to be taken for daily brisk walks. They may be aggressive when they feel the need to protect their families.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Borinquen Mastiffs require little grooming other that an occasional brushing with a bristle brush or hound glove. They should not need a bath unless they become particularly dirty. However, you will need to check your pet's ears a few times per month and clean out any excess wax using the tip of a damp cloth. Additionally, when the nails become too long, you can trim the tips of them with a pliers-type nail clipper. When trimming the nails, take extra care not to cut into the tiny veins that grow inside each nail. If you do cut a vein by accident, place a small amount of styptic powder on the nail to stop any bleeding.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Gran Mastin De Borinquen Common Health Conditions
The average lifespan for the Gran Mastin de Borinquen is anywhere between nine and 12 years or longer. Being an extremely rare breed, there are no genetic health issues reported for these dogs. However, due to their massive size, they may be vulnerable to such issues as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and arthritis.
Gran Mastin De Borinquen Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Have you been searching for a large dog that will make a great companion and an excellent guard dog? If so, you should consider a Gran Mastin de Borinquen. Not only are these dogs very loyal to their owners, but they are also some of the best protection dogs available today. This is an extremely rare breed that is seldom seen outside of Puerto Rico. The Gran Mastin de Borinquen needs a large yard where it can get sufficient exercise. These dogs can be quite stubborn at times. As such, you will need to start training your Borinquen Mastiff while it is still a young puppy.
| Training: | Moderately Easy |