Puerto Rican Mastiff AKA Gran Mastin de Borinquen

History and Origin of the Puerto Rican Mastiff

The Puerto Rican Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog dating back to at least the 1500s. This breed is native to the island of Puerto Rico and known by many names; the names include El Gran Mastin de Borinquen, Mastin Borincano, Perro Barsino de Hacienda, and Becerillo de Borinquen. The Puerto Rican Mastiff is considered to be a mix of different breeds including: Latin American Molossers, Perros Jibaros (native island dogs), and other Spanish War Mastiffs.

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. People would come from far and wide to trade chickens, goats, hogs, or even produce in exchange for a Puerto Rican Mastiff puppy.

The dogs were considered especially helpful during the Spanish Conquest because landlords and noblemen kept these dogs for centuries to use them for bloodsport and protection. Rumor has it that these men would use the dogs as a weapon on the people they did not like. This in turn helped the breed develop a bad name because the dogs became aggressive and “blood thirsty” toward humans. Perhaps one of the most famous Puerto Rican Mastiffs is from 1513 and was possibly owned by Ponce de Leon. According to the story, cannibals attacked plantations situated along the river and the attack was so violent that many people were killed with the cannibal’s arrows. One man, named Don Sancho de Arango was captured until his Puerto Rican Mastiff began attacking the captors. In the end, the cannibals were forced to free the man, but the dogs (the dog and the dog’s son – Leoncillo) both fought until the end but were killed by the cannibal’s poisonous arrows.

Appearance

This is a Molosser breed that has a robust build and stately manner. The dogs can grow to be 22 to 28 inches tall, and weigh between 90 to 150 pounds. 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. The dogs have a muscular build and have an appearance similar to a Bullmastiff.

Puerto Rican Mastiff Temperament and Personality

The Puerto Rican Mastiff, like any other mastiff breed requires early socialization to ensure a happy, healthy adult dog. These dogs accrued a bad reputation for turning-on and attacking humans. There has been recent work done to preserve the breed and make it what it was meant to be. However, if you are an experienced dog owner and looking for a breed that will protect you until the end, this could be the breed for you; just remember, you should always conduct plenty of research before buying one.

Something you may not know about the breed…

The El Gran Mastin de Borinquen is the only breed of dog that is native to Puerto Rico. The dogs are quite rare and hard to find today.

Puerto Rican Mastiff AKA Gran Mastin de Borinquen