Mary Allen
In its homeland, the Balearic Islands, the Ca de Bou was used in the now-banned “disciplines” of dogfighting and bull biting. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the Ca de Bou dog breed in the profile.
The origins of these dogs date back to the time of the Mediterranean seafaring when people sought protection from pirates and corsairs using large, hardy, and strong dogs. Since these were mainly kept near the harbor as pets and thus also as guard and protection dogs, there was a lively exchange between the seafarers passing through. The Great Dane of the Iberian Peninsula proved to be particularly suitable for their tasks. It was also used as a fighting dog against bulls in Spain – hence the name Ca de Bou, a bulldog. This dog arrived in the Balearic Islands as early as 1230. When Menorca came under the rule of the English in the 17th century, they crossed their own fighting and guard dogs with the Iberian mastiffs. In 1923 the existence of the resulting breed, which was still used for bullfights, was recorded in the Spanish studbook. A Ca de Bou was honored for the first time at a dog show in Barcelona in 1928.
General Appearance
The Ca de Bou, also known as the Mallorca Mastiff, is a Molosser – and you can tell by looking at him. His medium-sized build is strong, almost powerful. His head is particularly massive – even more so in males than in females. The large, oval eyes have a dark shape that must match the coat. They are far apart. The rather small rose ears are set high and at the side. The neck is strong and thick, as is the tail, which tapers towards the end and reaches the hock. The short, coarse hair should be black, fawn or brindle in color.
Behavior and temperament
The Ca de Bou is considered an extremely sociable fellow. He has strong nerves, but can certainly let his temperament flash when the opportunity arises. He is loyal and affectionate towards his owner, he loves his family and pleases them with his cheerfulness. However, he is also considered brave when the occasion calls for it and very alert. He is characterized by a great deal of self-confidence with which he completes the tasks assigned to him. As a guard and protection dog, he is considered unsurpassed. He shows a certain reserve towards strangers and does not allow himself to be taken in.
Need for employment and physical activity
The Ca de Bou is a guard and protection dog and as such is of course happy about a species-appropriate task. He would like to take care of something and get a meaningful job. If he is sufficiently busy, he is also good to have as a family dog. He should be allowed to live out his temperament with sufficient exercise and exercise. When it comes to dog sports, there are disciplines that suit him and give him pleasure.
Upbringing
Since the Ca de Bou is loyal to its owner, it is easy to train if there is enough consistency, as it wants to please its master or mistress. With proper training, he obeys well and with pleasure. He likes going to a good dog training center to learn the basic commands.
Maintenance
The short, rough coat is very easy to care for. It should be brushed regularly – the Ca de Bou does not make any more demands when it comes to caring.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
Although considered healthy, joint problems can still occur due to weight. Also note the problems of short-snouted (breathing, teeth) dog breeds.
Did you know?
In its native Balearic Islands, the Ca de Bou was used in the now-banned “disciplines” of dog fighting and bull biting. In the latter, a dog’s job was to bite down an adult bull.