Did you know that there is a breed of Molossian dog from the Balearic Islands called dogo mallorquín or ca de bou? In Catalan, ca de bou means 'bull dog' and they received this name because in the past, these dogs faced bulls in fights organized by humans, if they can be called that. Fortunately, today those sadistic and cruel customs have disappeared and the cans de bou are some very good guard dogs, super loyal to their owners and very brave
With proper socialization from puppyhood and good education, the Majorcan Mastiff will become a very familiar pet that will love spending a lot of time with its family and taking long walks every day, since he needs a good dose of physical and mental activity to perform and be a he althy and happy dog. Read this breed file on our site and find out everything you need to know about the ca de bou before adopting it and being a responsible owner.
Origin of the ca de bou
In 1232 King Jaime I conquered the archipelago of the Balearic Islands. Traveling with the king were several dogs of great size and strength, among alanos and mastiffs from the Iberian Peninsula. These dogs would give rise to the current Majorcan dogo or ca de bou.
In 1713 through the Treaty of Utrecht, the Balearic Islands became English colonies. During English rule over the islands, dogfighting and dog-bullfighting, common "sports" in England at the time, were encouraged.
It was at that time that the existing dogs on the islands began to be crossed in order to obtain the most suitable fighting dog for the high temperatures of the Balearic Islands. Of course, bulldogs and other English molossoids were also used in those crosses.
The result was the Majorcan mastiff. Dog and bull fighting occurred not only in sports arenas, but also because dogs were used by butchers to control and help kill cattle. Hence the name Ca de Bou, which in Catalan means 'bulldog'
Years later. With the return of the Balearic Islands to the Spanish Crown and the ban on dogfighting, Majorca mastiffs continued to be used as guard dogs and as assistants to butchers.
Today the breed is little known outside the archipelago where they were born, and even in Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands their population is small.
Physical characteristics of ca de bou
This Majorcan mastiff is of medium height, but so robust and muscular that he can intimidate even the bravest. The height at the withers of the males is from 55 to 58 cm and of the females it ranges between 52 and 55 c. The ideal weight for males is between 35 and 38 kg and for females, between 30 and 34 kg.
The head is strong, solid, large and tends to be square. The naso-frontal depression (stop) is well marked, as is the frontal groove. The jaws are strong and prominent. The nose is black and wide. The eyes are large, oval and dark in color. The ears are set well above and laterally on the head, and are small, set back, and curved ("pink" ears).
The body of the Majorcan mastiff is slightly longer than it is tall, robust and muscular. The topline rises slightly from the withers to the croup. The chest is broad and deep. The tail is set low and reaches the hock.
The coat is short and rough to the touch. Can be brindle, fawn or black. White spots on forefeet, chest and muzzle are admitted. The black mask is also allowed in dogs of any color.
Bou ca character
The modern ca de bou retains the temperament of its predecessors. He is a tough, brave and determined dog. Like many Molossian dogs, the Majorcan Mastiff is also calm and balanced, and very faithful to his own, making him an excellent guardian and protector of his family.
Does not usually bark for no reason but is very suspicious of strangers and tends to be aggressive towards other dogs if not well socialized, just like other breeds. On the other hand, if he has received proper socialization from puppyhood, the ca de bou will be a leisurely and very homely dog who will really like home life with his human family.
Ca de bou care
Caring for the ca de bou's coat does not require great effort. Brushing once or twice a week is more than enough. It is neither necessary nor advisable to bathe this dog very often. You just have to bathe him when he gets dirty.
These dogs need a good dose of daily exercise Daily walks can provide much of that exercise while helping to maintain dog socialization. Although they are not very tall dogs, they do not adapt well to life in small apartments or in densely populated urban areas, so it is advisable to provide the dog with ample space to live and, if it is outdoors, much better.
The Majorcan Dogo can be an excellent family companion if it is treated with respect, affection and love, and it is trained correctly, but generally it is not the dog suitable for a novice owner because it is not easy to train.
Education of ca de bou
Due to their natural characteristics, it is evident the importance of socializing these dogs from an early age and starting dog training even when they are puppies A Majorcan mastiff that does not have proper socialization and training can become a destructive dog. However, if well educated and socialized, the Majorcan Presa Dog can be a good pet, as long as its owner understands the breed.
As a general rule, these dogs are very friendly with the members of their families, even if they are aggressive towards strangers, but they tend to be independent and not very affectionate.
Like all animals, ca de bou do not tolerate well training based on punishment and abuse (which can hardly be called training), but they respond well to positive training. A Ca de bou will hardly be a canine obedience champion, but there is no impediment for it to be an exemplary and well-behaved pet, although as we have already mentioned, it is better that its owner is an experienced person who knows the behavior and care well. of the dogs.
He alth of ca de bou
There are no official data on the most common diseases in the breed, and this could be because it is a very he althy breed or very little known. However, due to its stocky build and similarity to other Molossian dogs, it is worth paying attention to problems such as:
- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia
- gastric torsion
- ectropion
- entropion
- respiratory problems
