The Sage Mazandarani is an ancient breed originating from northern Iran, and it is believed that the breed has been around for more than four thousand years. It is also known as the Iranian Bear Dog or the Mazandarani Mastiff. Enthusiasts say that the dogs are descendants of the Old Hyranian Mastiffs of Persia and that they have been crossed with different hunting and guard dogs.
The Sage Mazandarani is used to hunt bears, leopards and panthers in its native land.
There are two known existing varieties of the breed, the plain type and the mountain type. The plain type is lighter boned and leaner, and is used for hunting leopards or other big cats, while the mountain type is well boned, stronger and slightly larger, and is being used especially for hunting bears.
Both of the breed variations have a large head, with a strong muzzle and powerful jaws that meet in a scissors bite. The dogs ears are usually cropped and the tail docked, although it is not always required. When the tail is not docked, it is rolled on the dogs back.
The dogs have two types of coating, depending whether there is a plain type or a mountain type. The mountain type has a dense and long coat, which provides protection against the harsh mountain weather. The plain type has a shorter coat, helping the dog to regulate its body temperature in the hot Iranian plains weather.
The most common color seen in Mazandarani Mastiffs is white with dark patches. Other colors include black and tan combinations as well as solid black. These coat colors are very rare and are highly valued by breed enthusiasts. This Molosser type breed is an able and very efficient hunter and it can overcome any medium or large sized game. Despite its aggressive temperament as a hunter, the dog can be a loving, gentle family member. It is very alert, calm, friendly, loyal and courageous.
Although the canine is not too active indoors, it is on constant watch and will stop at nothing if it perceives any kind of threat to his family. It makes an excellent guard dog or watch dog with its high protective instincts and territorial nature.
It is necessary to introduce the young dog to other pets as well as other dogs in order to improve its social behavior. It is a good breed around children, but it is called for supervision because of the dogs size. Training is easy with these dogs and must begin at an early age, with a consistent, firm trainer. The Bear Dog will also need a strong owner who will dedicate time and care in training it.
The Mazandarani Mastiff is not a dog suited for indoor living, because of its great size and its high energy level. It requires a lot of space to play and run, as well as a daily dose of exercise.
The Sage Mazandarani is a dog that symbolizes force, but has a lot of love to share with its family.
