Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss mountain dogs |
| Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | 40–55 kg |
| Height | 63–74 cm |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years |
Temperament
Brave, protective and independent, it guards flocks and property with great determination. It needs space and a firm owner.
History
A livestock guardian dog from northern Portugal, in Trás-os-Montes, used to protect flocks from wolves.
Fun facts
It is one of the Portuguese livestock-guardian breeds, alongside the Rafeiro do Alentejo and the Estrela Mountain Dog.
The Transmontano Mastiff coat
A coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer layer. It sheds a lot, especially during the moult.
A guardian breed with a dense coat and undercoat; the moult is significant and shaving is not recommended.
What we do in the salon
We bathe with a suitable shampoo, remove the dead hair from the undercoat, then dry and brush thoroughly. We do not recommend shaving this type of coat: it protects against cold and heat and may not grow back the same.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult) |
| Cut / upkeep | Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). |
Special attention
A large breed: when booking, tell us your dog’s size so we can prepare.
Care at home between visits
- Brush 2 to 3 times a week, and every day during the moult.
- Use a slicker or undercoat rake, always down to the skin.
- Do not shave: the undercoat helps regulate temperature.
- Dry the undercoat well after a bath to avoid damp and odour.
Frequently asked questions about the Transmontano Mastiff
Does the Transmontano Mastiff shed a lot?
It sheds a lot, especially during the moult (spring and autumn). Regular brushing and a bath with dead-hair removal help a great deal.
How often should I bring my Transmontano Mastiff to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult). Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Can I shave the coat in summer?
We do not recommend it: the undercoat helps regulate temperature and the coat may not grow back the same. It is better to remove dead hair with a bath and brushing.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.