Ca de Bou or Dogo Mallorquín: imposing but sweet
With an aguerrida, strong and muscular appearance, this is recognized in society to dogs Ca de bou, also known as Dogo Mallorcan or Mallorcan dam dog. These great courage canines have a very interesting story.
- Size: Medium.
- Weight: Between 30 and 38kg.
- Hair type: Short and dense.
- Character: Balanced, strong and brave race.
- Health: Healthy but with probability to suffer common diseases in moolous dogs
- Life expectancy: 12 years of life avera.
Originally from the Balearic Islands, this race did not have a very successful start, since its recognition was due to its participation in fights between bulls and this breed. From there comes the name CA of Bou, which in Catalan means «Bull dog«For these clashes.
However, over time this was changing and the Dogo Mallorquín went from being a fighting animal, to become an excellent guardiann, affectionate and above all loyal to your family environment, as it is known until now.
It is also an athletic and intelligent dog. But it is important to know much more of these canines before welcoming our house. Needs, health, behavior and origin are some of the most prominent themes.
That is why this time, we will dedicate this article to study everything related to the CA de Bou race, since staying informed about it will make you become a responsible owner, who knows how to take care of this beautiful copy.
ORIGIN OF THE RACE
The offspring of This race dates from approximately 1232, time in which the conquest of the Balearic Islands by King Jaime I was given. Its arrival in this territory accompanied by moleous dogs and alans of the Iberian Peninsula is the key reference point for its origin.
Years later, the islands became part of English lands, a product of the Trecht treaty, a fact that was not very positive for these canines. The English, at that time, used the fights between animals as entertainment. The confrontation between bulls and dogs was one of the most popular "sports", it was so where these canines began to be used for this purpose.
The need to look for a powerful animal, fierce and with sufficient strength to impose itself before the bull and also capable of supporting the temperature of the islands gave way to different crosses. Different Molososo, among them the bulldog, were used in this process until they reached the Mallorcan dam dog.
His name is translated as «Bull dog»In Catalan, mainly awarded to its beginnings in the fights. And, in addition, for being an animal used by butchers to kill the cattle and control their cattle.
The return of the islands to Spanish territory ended what would be bulls and dogs. The Bou CA race then began to be seen in another way, standing out as an excellent guard dog and butchers' assistant.
The Mallorcan Dogo, as it is known today, is an imposing but very loyal dog to its ownersThat is why he has not hesitated to be considered a pleasant option if a protective and balanced partner is sought.
However, they require great socialization at an early age, otherwise it can become an aggressive animal.
Physical characteristics of the Mallorcan Dogo
When we observe a dog from the CA de Bou race, we can notice its robust, muscular and strong texture. This is what mainly characterizes the specimens of this species.
We talk about a medium height animal with a thick and heavy body, longer than wide, deep and obviously well formed chest. Let's look more details in relation to its physical appearance next:
Weight and height
According to the data of the International Cinological Federation, whose formalization of the race was made in 1996, the weight of this breed remains at 35 to 38 kilograms for males and in the case of females, from 30 to 34.
The standard also highlights the height according to sex, males stand out to measure between 55 and 58 centimeters, and females from 52 to 55 cm properly.
Head and face
The head of this race is proportional to your body, that is, large, robust and generally. Its skull is large, as is the front or Stop of his face, which is quite remarkable.
He has an intimidating look, emphasized by his large eyes in the form of oval and dark color. His nose is medium, black, and his snout is wide, with large teeth, which shows a quite strong bite.
The ears on the other hand are very high insertion, but located well separated on the sides of their head. They are small, triangular and giving a way of being placed backwards.
Line
The Mallorcan Dogo has a thick tail but profiled from its beginning to the tip. Commonly, of low insertion.
Fur
Attached, grown or black. This breed has a dense, although very short and dense. In some specimens, white spots on the chest and legs are admitted. While in others it is common to find the black spot that covers the face and gives that even more dominant and intimidating appearance for many.
Character and behavior
As a good guardian dog, and also honoring his past, This breed is very balanced, strong, brave and above all determined. That is, he will not hesitate to attack whoever he considers that he represents a danger to him or his family.
However, not for this reason should be characterized as a dangerous animal. The Mallorcan Dogo, when well socialized, It can become an ideal company for outdoor activities.
We also talk about a reserved animal, that is, it will not bark excessively not to consider it necessary. But any activity that see suspicious and will protect above all its usual environment will be maintained.
They get along with their family environment, but do not usually give frequent signs of love. In fact, they are very independent and not very affectionate, so many "pampering" by their owners can generate some discomfort.
On the other hand, these animals are quite athletic. In other words, which require frequent exercise to keep fit and emotionally stable.
Living with them
The coexistence with these dogs is not such a simple issue to handle, since we talk about an animal distrustful by nature, difficult to adapt to the presence of strangers in a simple way. On the contrary, he will be intimidating to these people.
With respect to other animals it happens the same, it can even attack other dogs if you feel that they are invading their space.
In relation to the family, These dogs are loyal, patients and especially protectors. In case of homes with children, surveillance must be maintained to avoid unexpected incidents.
On the socialization that is provided to the dog, it will largely depend its behavior at both people and animals. A proper education will define the bases for this friend Fortachón to behave properly and remain even more balanced.
Training of the Mallorcan Dog
The education of a CA of Bou is imperative since the first weeks of life of these canines. Constant and persistent, although very patient, it must be the training that this breed receives. Because by its nature, They require more socialization than some other races.
It is essential to initiate training as soon as possible and do so with socialization in the first place. These animals require learning to behave in the family environment and coexistence with other animals, so that it is easy to make it part of any home.
Although it is not a really obedient dog in the first instance due to its independence and impetus, these animals can receive orders, as long as they are given in a good way.
Like many breeds, they do not respond to screams or abuse, so the positive reinforcement should be considered from the beginning as a more ideal measure of carrying out training.
It will hardly learn basic orders with speed, but the constancy and Patience will be decisive for training of these animals.
It is important that the person in charge of training has control and knowledge about the race. In this way, it will be known how to carry training properly and positive results will be obtained for the canine and his family.
Bou health health
Particularly, there are no diseases associated with these dogs. This could translate into that it is a very healthy race, with a life expectancy that averages 12 years and even a little more.
However, there are some common pathologies in Molososo Dogs which, due to their physical context, can also affect these dogs. These are:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- ECTROPION
- Entropion
- Respiratory and cardiac deficiencies
It is worth noting that some of these diseases can be hereditary. However, according to the care and attention provided to this race, an optimal state of health can be maintained.
Care you need
The Bou CA is a race that does not demand special or forced care by its owners. Just be attentive to some details and it will be enough to keep this canine calm and healthy.
First, it must be considered that it is not a demanding dog with rigor. It has a very short fur, so two brushed per week will be enough for him. Like the bathroom, whose frequency must be monthly (if he lives in an apartment or floor) or when he is really dirty. Otherwise, it is not necessary.
On the other hand, the issue of exercises and food is, in short, one of the most important. These dogs are quite athletic, it means that they require at least three daily walks, accompanied by physical activity, to stay fit and also emotionally calm.
As for food, the exercise must be complemented to avoid obesity in the canine, provide adequate nutrients through feed and take care not to exceed food And treats will make the dog maintain its ideal weight.
They are not ideal pets for small spaces. These animals require a considerable amount of land to play, run and maintain. If you are locked in a place too small, it can become destructive.
Finally, although it is a robust dog, the care and control of vaccines, deworming and visits to the veterinarian are indispensable to maintain its adequate state of health.
Conclusion
Bou CA is a special pet. In other words, it cannot be for anyone. While it does not require much care to stay, its owner must have knowledge of the race, in this way he can control and act properly in case the dog becomes aggressive.
Recall that, although it is not a potentially dangerous animal, the nature of these canines has forged a special character in it that needs to be socialized to act in a balanced way.
For everything else, we are facing a loyal, protective and permanent guard, intimidating for its physical appearance, but of noble heart with its direct environment.
Will protect yours from any unforeseen, then courage is part of its natural character, and will undoubtedly attack whether perceives danger or risk.
It is a dog that requires a lot of physical activity, so small places are not indicated for their coexistence. And, although it does not require greater care, keeping it in shape and well fed must be the main thing for these animals.
Consider every aspect read before deciding if the Mallorcan Dogo is the ideal partner for your home.
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