Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Majorca Mastiff (Majorcan mastiff dog)" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

The Majorcan mastiff dog, also known as Majorca Mastiff in Catalan or Perro de presa mallorquín in Spanish, is a fairly old dog whose history remains unclear.

It is believed to have originated from a number of races, especially the Spanish Mastiff and the Alano, that crossed over the centuries.

The result of these crosses came to Mallorca in the thirteenth century, specifically in 1229, during the conquest of the island by King James I of Aragon. Some of these dogs remained there and were bred with local dogs.. The resulting individuals turned out to be much less sensitive to heat and adapted very well to local conditions. They began to be used by the local population to monitor houses and livestock.

It was also in the thirteenth century when the butchers of the island found in the dog an assistant for his ability to control livestock, especially bulls, before and during their sacrifice. In fact, his powerful jaw made him able to keep them immobile by holding them firmly by the nose.

At the same time, it was also used by the Knights of Malta in battle and to guard the camps. It also, he was unrivaled in his ability to breach enemy camps, which greatly facilitated the assaults.

In 1713 the Treaties of Utrecht are ratified, which put the island of Mallorca under British rule. The English then introduced their own guard and fighting dogs in the Balearic Islands. Mallorcan dogs were bred with the Bulldog, and the result of these crosses was called “Majorca Mastiff”, which is a translation of the English word “Bulldog” (“bull” means bull) in Catalan. This name reflects the main use given to it. In fact, at the beginning of the 18th century, the bull-baiting, show in which a pack of dogs had to kill a bull, it was widespread and very popular in England, and the English did not stop importing it to Mallorca.

The Majorca Mastiff they also began to hunt wild boar and deer. It was also used for many years as a watchdog on ships, especially in case of pirate attacks, and sometimes you ate when there was nothing to eat.

Following the ban on bull hunting in 1835, was limited to two main functions: watchdog and hunter.

An eventful twentieth century

In the early 20th century, the Majorcan mastiff dog became better known. The first written record of the breed dates from 1907.

In 1923, the first representative of the breed was inscribed in the Spanish studbook. One year later, in Barcelona, made his first appearance at a dog show.

But, its development was greatly hampered by the famines of the decades of 1920 and 1930. Then, like many other breeds, was affected by World War II. Its population declined considerably throughout the period.

However, in 1946 a breed standard was developed, but it was not recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) until about twenty years later, in 1963. But, by then there were probably no more left Majorca Mastiff pure. It also, the interest of breeders and individuals had largely shifted to other breeds that were expanding rapidly at the time, as the Great Dane, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.

In the Decade of 1980, the Majorca Mastiff, as it was known after the war, actually ceased to exist, especially due to the numerous crosses with Mallorcan sheepdogs (Ca de Bestiar). The latter came from the same region as the Majorca Mastiff and they brought their brindle coat. But, these unions substantially modified the characteristics of the Majorca Mastiff, so that it gradually moved away from the description given in the official standard.

But, passionate and determined breeders tried to save the breed and ensure that it kept the characteristics as close as possible to the registered standard. They set out to find individuals as close as possible to their ancestors. Two specimens called Tito and Anastasia (father and daughter, respectively), who were the first individuals considered sufficiently similar to the Majorca Mastiff of yesteryear. Its union and crossing with other crossed dogs on the island helped to resurrect the breed from a solid base. But, the number of breeders is still very low and the breed remains confidential. The specimens obtained did not leave the island and were reserved for the national market., where they were highly coveted for dogfighting.

In 1992 dogfighting was banned in the Balearic Islands, and it was then that the breed began to be exported slowly. The opening to the international market also allowed the introduction of new breeders in the lines, in order to expand the genetic heritage of the breed; they were both subjects of unknown origin with physical traits similar to the race, as hybrids of Majorcan mastiff dog.

These exports gave rise to numerous hatcheries in a wide variety of countries., where the Majorca Mastiff It is used both as a companion dog and as a guard dog.. In fact, it can be said that it was the export of the breed that almost saved it, since in Mallorca itself it is now only present in very limited numbers.

The recognition and popularity of the “Majorcan mastiff dog”

In the last decades, the reputation of the Majorcan mastiff dog has increased and their number has grown in many countries, but there is still a long way to go. In fact, its recognition by the main canine organizations in the world is still very partial, which obviously limits its visibility and dissemination.

In France, in the first decade of the twenty-first century, went from a handful of records a year to about fifty, and then the number skyrocketed in a few years, until exceeding 200 annual births in 2014. Since then, has hovered around this value.

Further east, countries such as Poland and Russia have welcomed a good number of representatives of the breed since the beginning of its international spread. Some even claim that over the years 90 there were more than 2.000 Majorca Mastiff only in the city of Moscow. This is likely to be unfounded, but the fact is that it was quickly appreciated there, and still appreciated.

It is also especially popular in Puerto Rico, where there is a prestigious locally developed lineage, which was created from the Spanish champion Chimo and other quality specimens that were sent there.

There are also several representatives of the breed in Holland, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. But, this is still quite embryonic, as evidenced by the low number of breedings in these countries.

In United States, the Majorcan mastiff dog It was recognized in 2006 by the United Kennel Club (UKC). But, the other reference organization in the country, the American Kennel Club (AKC), has not yet taken the step. Further north, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) he doesn't recognize it either. In fact, in North America, both the reputation of the breed and its diffusion are still very low.

In the United Kingdom, where it was introduced in 2001, it is also not recognized by the prestigious Kennel Club (KC).

In Spain, not only on the island of Mallorca the Majorca Mastiff is discreet. In fact, the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE), the main canine organization in the country, received less than 50 enrollment requests per year to mid-year 2010, figure that was even reduced to less than 20 at the end of the decade.

He has a bulky head, solid and the skull is wide. The eyes are oval and somewhat oblique; in the color, the more dark best. The ears are short and played backwards. The body is a massif with included belly. The forelimbs are strong and the tail reaches to the Hock. The coat is short and rough.

The favorite colors in your order are: the striped, the Fawn and black. In the striped prefer the dark tones in the leonados the intense nuances. The white spots are admitted in the previous members, chest and tolerated up to a maximum of 30 % the surface of the body. The black mask is also supported.

The Ca de Bou or Majorcan Dogo, It is a dog reserved and suspicious with strangers. It has an extraordinary adaptation, but it is not a dog to place in any hand. Their education and socialization should be initiated as soon as possible because the breed is naturally dominant.

The care of the fur is a simple weekly brushing and a regular cleaning of the ears and eyes. It is a rustic dog that adapts well to changes in temperature and withstands inclement weather well..

Although the Majorca Mastiff it has been used in its history for quite violent tasks, like bull hunting, the slaughter of bulls or the fighting of dogs, he is surprisingly very affectionate and has an excellent temperament. In fact, tends to create a very strong bond with his family.

They will do anything to protect their family and are very good watchdogs.. In fact, has a strong protective instinct and is very suspicious of strangers. But, although it can be impressive and dissuasive when needed, he only shows aggression when he feels his family is in danger. On the other hand, when dealing with people you don't know, he is always cautious, but he refers to his teacher to determine whether or not they are to be trusted. If the landlord invites someone you don't know to the house, will normally keep distance, but will not intervene in an untimely or even aggressive way. However, good socialization is necessary from an early age to avoid excessive distrust of all strangers.

Fits well with children, with whom he is patient and kind. He is even-tempered and likes spending time playing with them as much as being quiet on the couch. But, as with any dog ​​of any breed, should never be left alone with a young child without adult supervision. This is especially true because it is relatively heavy and can easily push or knock over a young child..

On the other hand, the Majorca Mastiff tends to get along very well with other dogs, both with those who share their home and with those who are on a walk. But, if the dog is a male and is in the presence of another male with a dominant temperament, a rivalry relationship may develop. So, it is better to avoid this type of coexistence and to take precautions to avoid any fight when you meet other dogs, in particular doing gradual introductions.

As they don't have a strong hunting instinct, his relationships with small animals, as cats, rodents or birds, they are usually quiet. If you have to live with them on a daily basis, the ideal is to present them as soon as possible, but his great sociability makes it possible to integrate newcomers into his house even if he has always been the only animal.

Perhaps because it has been used to being used in so many ways and in so many different environments throughout its history., the Majorcan mastiff dog is generally very adaptable, so much so that it is possible that he lives in a flat. But, for your well-being, it is better that I live in a house with a garden, since he likes to run and exercise a lot. To feel good on its legs and on its head, usually needs an hour of activity a day, which can consist of walks or games in the garden. In any case, long daily outings are essential if you don't have access to a garden. They are always happy to accompany their owners on walks, and are well suited to active and sporty families. An elderly or very sedentary person, on the other hand, may not satisfy your need for activity and would be better off with another breed.

In addition to participating in the activities of their owners, can, of course, distinguish yourself in various dog sports such as agility, el cane-cross, The tracking, the RCI or the ring. It can even be made to pull a light trolley that the children sit in..

In any case, considering his past as a working dog, to the Majorca Mastiff he likes to be assigned tasks. These may include, takes his role as guardian very seriously: although it is not necessarily obvious at first glance, always watch out for the slightest noise or movement, and shows great reactivity. In general, Giving him chores to do and keeping him busy is the best way to ensure he thrives..

Once you are in your right mind, the Majorcan mastiff dog it is quiet and very quiet. He is not one of those who annoys the neighbors, he just barks in his role as guardian, that is to say, when a stranger enters your territory and tries to show you that you better leave.

Nor is he one of those who let themselves be heard when their owners are not: although he especially likes to be in contact with them, knows how to stay alone without suffering separation anxiety.

In summary, as long as he is well socialized and educated, and as long as you have enough opportunities to exercise, the Majorcan mastiff dog it is a fairly easy dog ​​to carry. It is even an ideal breed choice for those who wish to acquire their first Molossian type dog., since it does not constitute a danger for his family and he is also very sociable with other animals in general.

But, this is only possible if the dog's place in the family hierarchy is perfectly clear and, Therefore, if he has a master who knows from the beginning how to position himself as a leader and how to be strict when necessary. Although the Majorca Mastiff it is quite easy to train and handle compared to other similar breeds, still a giant, so it is better that it is in the hands of a person who already has some experience in dog training.

The Majorcan mastiff dog is an independent and determined thinker. So, can be very overbearing if not confronted by an experienced dog training person, who knows how to show both firmness and consistency to behave as a leader and make his dog understand who is the master.

So, your education should start at an early age, when it is still more impressionable, to lay the foundations on which the coexistence will be based throughout his life. As such, you have to be firm, but also soft, at the risk of antagonizing him or damaging the quality of his relationship with his owners.

The latter must also show some coherence: the rules should not only be fixed in time, but also from one person to another, that is to say, everyone should be in phase on what the dog is or is not entitled to do. The dog did not understand why one person allowed him to get on the sofa when another had strictly prohibited it the previous time.

As long as these conditions are met throughout the education of the Majorcan mastiff dog, things are going well; it is easy to carry and learns quickly.

This is even more true if your teacher is in charge of organizing small training sessions and asking you to do various things.. In this way, stays focused all the time, instead of boring you and losing your attention with long and repetitive sessions.

Learning is also easier and more enjoyable for everyone when the owner opts for methods based on positive reinforcement., that is to say, rewarding (with a word of encouragement, a caress, a treat…) good behavior and ignoring bad. In fact, punishment-based techniques quickly frustrate the dog, and an operation based on the constraint, although it may work in the short term, usually limits the prospects for evolution, or even counterproductive - or even dangerous- long-term. The Majorca Mastiff he is not one of those who turn against his master, but if he is brutal with him and uses bad methods, You may end up responding to what you perceive as assault with an equally violent reaction.

Last, all dogs benefit from being socialized as soon as possible, but this is especially true for the Majorcan mastiff dog. In fact, his developed instinct for protection generally leads him to distrust strangers and, Therefore, to be especially reserved with them. Not the type to get unnecessarily aggressive towards them, but it is preferable to ensure that you do not show an excessive reserve every time a visitor arrives at your house. As such, nothing like making him meet a wide range of people in all kinds of situations from his first months, so that little by little you will better accept the confrontation with strangers. The same goes for exposure to other dogs and animals of all kinds, as well as to all kinds of environments and stimuli (noises, smells, etc.). The sooner and more intensely a dog is socialized, the easier it will be for you to move around in the human world, whatever the circumstances.

The Majorcan mastiff dog generally in very good health and predisposed to few problems., it is a very resistant dog in general.

This also applies to temperatures., used to the quite hot climate of the island of Mallorca, it is very resistant to high temperatures., not very sensitive to cold either, although this is really not a common thing in his homeland.

Among the diseases to which you are particularly predisposed, we can mention: brachycephalic syndrome, which affects dog breeds with flattened nose and short nose. In effect, This anatomical peculiarity notably translates into narrow nostrils and an excessively narrow nasal cavity, which implies respiratory failure, manifested especially during physical exertion and / or in case of strong heat. It can also be the cause of various digestive problems (vomiting, etc.). If the most serious cases must be treated by means of a surgical act to increase the respiratory capacity of the animal, most of those affected live in a more or less normal way as soon as their owner saves them from too intense physical effort (above all, especially when it's hot or humid) and carefully monitor your diet to avoid being overweight (a problem the breed is not particularly prone to).French Bulldog or the Pug;

• The Hip Dysplasia, joint malformation in which the femur is not correctly positioned in the pelvic cavity of the hip joint, causing pain and lameness, as well as osteoarthritis as we age. Is problem, whose appearance is often favored by a hereditary predisposition, can be treated or alleviated by surgical intervention;
• The dilation-torsion of the stomach, a problem that particularly affects medium-large dogs. It can happen especially when the animal ingests large amounts of food too quickly. It consists of sudden and excessive swelling of the stomach, that folds on itself;this blocks the evacuation of gases and interrupts blood circulation. Without prompt medical intervention, dog death occurs quickly;
• The entropion, where the lid of one eye turns inward in contact with the eyeball. This problem can be inherited and causes severe irritation to the eye.. It is quite possible to remedy this by surgery;
• The ectropion, corresponding to a curl defect of the lower eyelid. Then, the eye is no longer adequately protected, causing more or less severe irritation and conjunctivitis. Once again, this condition can be inherited and can be cured with surgery.

Although the breed is not predisposed to a large number of diseases, it is important to go to a breeder of Majorcan mastiff dog serious and competent. In effect, this allows the adopted puppy to have benefited from a good living environment and good socialization from its first weeks, but also and above all to maximize the chances that you enjoy good health and the rest. In fact, a serious breeder avoids breeding a dog with a hereditary defect such as Hip Dysplasia., because there would be a significant risk of transmission to young people. If you do not present them spontaneously, as should be the case, you should be asked for the results of the corresponding tests carried out on the parents or the puppy.

You must also always be able to provide a certificate of good health of the puppy prepared by a veterinarian, as well as a health or vaccination record, that proves that the child has received all the necessary vaccines. Once the animal has returned to its new home, should never be forgotten, during the following months, that is still growing and, therefore, particularly fragile. Thus, until I am about a year and a half, it is important to avoid any physical exercise that is too intense or too long, otherwise your joints or bones could suffer seriously. Or even end up presenting developmental defects that can incapacitate him throughout his life. This is all the more true as Majorca Mastiff is predisposed to Hip Dysplasia.

Last, even once this growth period has passed and the animal has become an adult, it is important to always pay attention to your health. As such, nothing substitutes for a complete check-up at a vet at least once a year, to ensure that no problem appears that cannot be detected by an inexperienced person. These regular appointments also offer the opportunity to be reminded of your vaccinations., so you never stop being protected. It should also be used against internal and external parasites, so it is up to your teacher to renew your antiparasitic treatments whenever necessary, throughout the year.

11 years

The Majorca Mastiff it is an easy breed to care for, and this is especially true for their fur. A weekly brushing is more than enough to keep it in good condition. But, not so during moulting periods, in spring and autumn: much more must be done each day, to allow good removal of dead hairs.

It also, as it is not dirty or smells bad, rarely need a bath. Unless it was especially dirty during an outing or in contact with toxic material, do it 2 or 3 times a year is more than enough. It may also be wise to do this at the same time as your seasonal shedding to save time during these periods., since it removes a good amount of dead hair. In any case, always use a shampoo specially developed for dogs, since the pH of your skin is different from that of human skin.

It also, although their ears are not especially prone to infection, they should be checked and cleaned once a week to prevent dirt or moisture from accumulating that could cause infection.
Your eyes are also not immune to infection, so you also have to check and clean them weekly to prevent dirt from accumulating.

Brushing your dog's teeth is also a good habit that should be established at least once a week, making sure to use a dog-specific toothpaste each time. This helps prevent plaque formation., which can cause serious health problems when it turns into tartar. If possible, it is advisable to opt for an even higher frequency, even daily.

As for the claws, this adaptable dog wears them down to a greater or lesser extent, according to the activity level of your family and your living environment. A dog that walks and spends a lot of time a day does not need to have its nails trimmed manually, since they file themselves, especially if it is on a hard surface like asphalt. But, if the dog lives in a flat and is not very active, it needs to be trimmed regularly. Too long claws can be very annoying for the dog, especially when traveling. It also, if they break, they can hurt the dog. In fact, as soon as the friction with the hard ground is heard, they have become too long and have to be cut.

Whether the fur, the ears, the eyes, teeth or claws, grooming your dog requires a minimum of precision and vigilance. If you don't, not only can you fail in grooming your dog, but it can hurt you, or even injure it. So, the first time it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian or professional dog groomer, and learn from him how to take care of his Majorca Mastiff.

The sooner you train your dog, the better it will be for the rest of your life.

Feeding a Majorcan mastiff dog it is not an arduous task: is perfectly fine with a balanced, quality industrial diet. Homemade rations are another perfectly adequate option, as long as they are well composed and, Therefore, are able to meet your nutritional needs. As such, should consist mainly of meat, but they can also contain large bones, remains, vegetables and rice.

In any case, the amount given must be consistent with his age, your health and the amount of physical exercise you get on a daily basis.

It also, the fact that it is prone to dilation-torsion of the stomach means that some precautionary rules should be observed when feeding the Majorcan mastiff dog. So, it is essential to divide your daily ration into at least two meals, and that these be taken in stride. It also, should not be preceded or followed by any intense or prolonged activity for an hour.

Although this breed is not very prone to obesity, it is important to regularly monitor the dog's weight. In fact, no one is immune to sudden and significant weight gain, especially after sterilization. Weighing your dog about once a month will allow you to quickly spot any unexplained deviations, so that you can take your dog to the vet if the deviation is confirmed or even increased during the following measurements. In fact, only a health professional can make a reliable diagnosis and indicate how to remedy the problem, because diet and lack of activity are not the only possible causes of being overweight: it can also be caused by illness or a reaction to treatment.

Last, like all dogs, the Majorca Mastiff a bowl of clean, fresh water should always be available to you.

The Majorcan mastiff dog can be found at various prices. In all cases, the latter depend, in particular, of the reputation of the kennel, from the line the pup came from, but also of its intrinsic qualities, in particular of their physical qualities, especially of its greater or lesser conformity and its color.

In fact, the brindle color is the most sought after in this breed, what can explain the price differences, sometimes substantial, even within the same litter.

In Spain, the average price of a companion puppy is around 700 EUR. Obviously, like in other places, can be much higher for the best subjects. Those sold with a confirmation guarantee, whose attributes will allow them to be exhibited in dog shows or used as breeders, can reach much higher sums, up to several thousand euros.

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Federations:

FCI ⓘ, UKC ⓘ

FCI - Majorca Mastiff (Majorcan mastiff dog)

1. Mallorquin Mastiff, Mallorquin Bulldog, Silverback (English).
2. Dogue de Majorque (French).
3. Ca de Bou (German).
4. Ca de bou, Dogo maiorquino (Portuguese).
5. Dogo mallorquín, perro de presa mallorquín, Presa mallorquín (español).