Ca de Bou
Other namesPerro de Presa Mallorquin
Majorcan Bulldog
Majorcan Mastiff
OriginSpain (Majorca)
Traits
Height Males 55–58 cm (22–23 in)
Females 52–55 cm (20–22 in)
Weight Males 35–38 kg (77–84 lb)
Females 30–34 kg (66–75 lb)
Coat Short and rough
Colour Brindle, fawn or black
Life span 10–12 yrs
Kennel club standards
RSCFRCE standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Ca de Bou, also known as the Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Mallorca Mastiff or the Majorcan Bulldog, is a breed of bulldog type dogs from Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands.

History

The Ca de Bou was historically kept on the island of Majorca for the blood sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting.[1][2] The breed likely developed during the period of Catalan influence over Majorca between 1270 and 1570 AD, their ancestors were likely mastiff-type dogs used on the island for controlling cattle.[1][2] By the time of the British occupation of Majorca in the 18th century, both bull-baiting and dog fighting were well established on the island, and the Ca de Bou were favoured by the locals for these blood sports, being renowned for their ferocity and bravery.[1][2]

With the outlawing of bull-baiting and dog fighting on Majorca in the 20th century, the Ca de Bou lost favour and their numbers dwindled to the brink of extinction.[1][2] The breed was saved by enthusiasts from mainland Spain who began exhibiting it in conformation shows, eventually it was recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España.[1][2][3] The breed is known as the Perro de Presa Mallorquin in Spanish, whilst in English they are known as the Majorcan Bulldog or occasionally the Majorcan Mastiff, Ca de Bou is their Catalan language name.[1][2]

Description

Massive head with a broad and powerful jaw
The coat of the Ca de Bou can be red, auburn or black.[4][5]

The Ca de Bou is a medium-sized extremely muscular breed. It typically stands between 52 and 58 centimetres (20 and 23 in). The breed standard states dogs should stand between 55 and 58 centimetres (22 and 23 in) and bitches between 52 and 55 centimetres (20 and 22 in).[1][2][3] The breed standard states dogs should weigh between 35 and 38 kilograms (77 and 84 lb) whilst bitches should weigh between 30 and 34 kilograms (66 and 75 lb).[3] The breed standard states the breed's short and rough coat is typically brindle, fawn or black in colour.[1][3]

The breed's massive head has an extremely broad and powerful jaw that is well suited to gripping a bull or another dog in the fighting pit.[1][2]

The breed has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.[1]

Character

The Ca de Bou is a peaceful dog who barks little, very affectionate and faithful to his masters, for whom he has an unfailing admiration. They have a balanced character which make them a pleasant family dog. This breed is now respected as a good guard dog and a loyal family pet. Furthermore, they are a very obedient dog and an excellent guardian, sure of themself, dissuasive with strangers and without any free aggressiveness.

Training must be firm but gentle; it is necessary to socialize them well towards the canine species to avoid any accident during a possible runaway.

They can be sensitive or reactive towards fellow dogs of the same sex, especially between males.

Selective breeding for the show ring has softened the Ca de Bou's temperament, and they are now biddable and affectionate, although they retain the tenacity and alertness of their forebears.[1][2]

Other names

  • Perro Dogo Mallorquín
  • Perro de presa Mallorquín
  • Mallorca Mastiff
  • Mallorca Bulldog

Classification FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale)

Group II

  • Section 2 :
    • no 249

The first standard was redacted in 1932. In 1964, The FCI approved his racial prototype and internationally recognize the race.[6]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Perro De Presa Mallorquin.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Fogle, Bruce (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog. New York: DK Publishing. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-7566-6004-8.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Morris, Desmond (2001). Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing. p. 351. ISBN 1-57076-219-8.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Real Sociedad Canina de España breed standard: Majorca Mastiff" (PDF). Real Sociedad Canina de España. 13 June 1997. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  4. ↑ "Ca de Bou: All about this breed - DogsPlanet.com". www.dogsplanet.com/en/. Retrieved 2022-10-12.
  5. ↑ "Frenchies for Sale". Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  6. ↑ "FCI Standart" (PDF).
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.