Flask Web Development

Colophon

The animal on the cover of Flask Web Development is a Pyrenean Mastiff (a breed of Canis lupus familiaris). These giant Spanish dogs are descended from an ancient livestock guardian dog called the Molossus, which was bred by the Greeks and Romans and is now extinct. However, this ancestor is known to have played a role in the creation of many breeds that are common today, such as the Rottweiler, Great Dane, Newfoundland, and Cane Corso. Pyrenean Mastiffs have only been recognized as a pure breed since 1977, and the Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America is working to promote these dogs as pets in the United States.

After the Spanish Civil War, the population of Pyrenean Mastiffs in their native homeland plummeted, and the breed only survived due to the dedicated work of a few scattered breeders throughout the country. The modern gene pool for Pyreneans stems from this postwar population, making them prone to genetic diseases like hip dysplasia. Today, responsible owners make sure their dogs are tested for diseases and x-rayed to look for hip abnormalities before being bred.

Adult male Pyrenean Mastiffs can reach upwards of 200 pounds when fully grown, so owning this dog requires a commitment to good training and plenty of outdoors time. Despite their size and history as hunters of bears and wolves, the Pyrenean has a very calm temperament and is an excellent family dog. They can be relied upon to take care of children and protect the home, while at the same time being docile with ...