Ca de Bou

Ca de Bou means bull dog in Catalan, a word formation identical to that of bulldog in English. Indeed, the breed was used to catch the bull by the muzzle during slaughter, to immobilize it (the containment methods we know today were not present in the past). The Majorcan Mastiff was born from crosses between mastiffs brought by the Spanish (Iberian Alans catch dogs) during the conquest of Majorca, crossed with indigenous shepherd dogs from the island (Ca de Bestiar among others). Later, when the English landed on the island to amuse themselves, they organized dog fights or fights between dog and bull (bull baiting) but their bulldog (not the ones we know now but their taller and more athletic ancestors) being poorly suited to heat, they crossed them with the ancestor of the Majorcan Mastiff to create the breed we know today (despite other contributions from other breeds over the years). In France, the year 2013 marked 181 births

It is a peaceful dog that barks little, very affectionate and loyal with its masters for whom it has unwavering admiration. Of balanced character which makes it a pleasant family dog. It is a very obedient dog and an excellent guardian, confident, dissuasive with strangers and without any gratuitous aggression. Its training should be firm but gentle, it will be necessary to ensure it is well socialized with other dogs to avoid any accident in case of escape. It can be sensitive or reactive toward its peers of the same sex, particularly between males.

Since 2001, a new standard has been adopted by Spain and is awaiting FCI approval. By 2020 the standard should then be slightly different, tending to describe Spanish dogs, less typical than Eastern European dogs.

It is a short-haired dog, simple weekly brushing is sufficient. Rustic, it tolerates bad weather well from the moment it reaches adulthood. Dysplasia is frequently encountered: work is ongoing throughout Europe to improve the bone-articular condition at this level. Certain short-muzzled lines may present soft palates or stenosis of the nostrils. However, a dog in the standard (not in hypertype) will have a muzzle of sufficiently good length not to be affected. Having the hindquarters higher than the withers, the Majorcan Mastiff in growth possesses more fragile ligaments at the level of the knees. However, if no violent effort is carried out in growth and if the dog is sufficiently warmed up, the risk is greatly reduced.