Ca de Bou

Ca de Bou are great guards and protectors. They are ready to guard their owner and family to the very last; they won’t let strangers near their territory. However, if there is no reason for anger and aggression, they will never show it. They are great with children, active like to walk and play a lot. Never bark for no reason.

Breed Photos

Origin History

In seafaring and discovery days, people shared not only a grain or other material possessions but also domestic animals, especially guard animals, which were used in ports and under ships.

One of these dogs was the Iberian Mastiff, an ancient relative of the Ca de Bou. This fighter breed did an excellent job of defending territory against pirates and brigands.

In 1230 the dogs went on a campaign with King James I as escorts and thus ended up in the Balearic Islands. Soon, the lands came under Great Britain’s possession, which populated the lands numerically and began to cross their dogs with the natives. After that, the breed ca de bos was born.

When the age of bullfighting’s popularity came, there was a need for dogs that would hold the bull before the fight, fighting bulls, and other wild predators. For this purpose, they began to use Perro Dogo Mallorquin, which did an excellent job. Now representatives of the breed are famous all over the world and are used as home defenders.

Appearance

Despite its relatively small stature, the dog’s size is intimidating and formidable due to its robust build and muscularity. There is a sexual dimorphism: the height in males is 55-58 cm, in females 52-55 cm. Also concerning weight: Males can gain weight within the range of 35-38 kg, bitches about 30-34 kg.

The dog has well-defined chewing muscles in the face. The ears are widely set; it is customary not to be cropped. The coat is short but stiff and close-fitting Perro Dogo Mallorquin. Color can be tiger, pale, black, allowed white spots on the chest and paws. A black mask may form on the muzzle.

Character

Ca de Bou are great guards and protectors. They are ready to guard their owner and family to the very last; they won’t let strangers near their territory.

However, if there is no reason for anger and aggression, they will never show it. They are great with children, active like to walk and play a lot. Never bark for no reason.

They are willing to share territory with other animals in the house but will still be leaders and treat them as objects to be protected. Representatives of the breed obey one owner and members of the family in which they live. They are loyal, cheerful, and balanced. Ca de Bou’s move a lot, run a lot, and they always want to be active, so you should be prepared for excessive vigor.

Care

A Ca de Bou can live both in an apartment and in an enclosure on the property. The main thing is that he always has his particular place, where there will be bowls, toys, and a place to sleep.

The main point of caring for a dog is the need for exercise. If the pet will live in an apartment, it needs to be walked outside often and for long periods.

The hair should be brushed every other day with a special brush. During shedding, it is recommended to use a hairdryer for better removal of dead hair.

It is not recommended to bathe often; twice a year is enough. However, the cleanliness of the dog should be taken into consideration. Regularly check the condition of the eyes, watch for redness or tearfulness. Do not allow the Ca de Bou to be in a draught.

Once a week, the oral cavity should be examined, and the teeth should be brushed. Once a month, it is advisable to trim claws. Once a week, the ears should be gently cleaned with an ear wand.

Training

You need to show leadership and not allow your puppy even the slightest caprice from an early age. First of all, you need to accustom the dog to other people and animals, and then you can gradually, unobtrusively try to accustom him to the collar and leash. It would help if you praised your dog when he obeys commands correctly.

Specialists recommend taking an additional course in guard duty, and then the Ca de Bou will be able to fully demonstrate his skills as a territory guard.

Common Diseases

Ca de Bou are in good health, but they can have diseases that are characteristic of the breed: hip dysplasia, dermatitis, stomach disorders.

Nutrition

The owner should choose the best way to eat: food or natural food. The doctor can be consulted.

If the second option, then the basis of the diet should consist of meat. Also, one should give by-products, fish, seasonal fruits, vegetables. The Ca de Bou always has access to clean drinking water.