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Ca de Bou

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Ca de Bou
Last update: 05 July, 2018

The Ca de Bou or Majorca Mastiff is a Molosser of Spanish origin, specifically from the Balearic Islands. They are calm, bold, loyal, and protective dogs. 

Origins of the Ca de Bou

The Ca de Bou is closely linked with herding cattle and other powerful animals. This breed is related to the Spanish Bulldog and other hunting breeds. From 1229-1231, the King of Aragon, Jaime I the “Conqueror,” took these dogs with him during the conquest of Majorca.

On this conquest, the Spanish Bulldogs were crossbred with other indigenous breeds from the islands. After the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, these dogs were crossbred with other hunting dogs that the English brought. By crossbreeding these powerful dogs, the well-known Ca de Bou was born.

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Physical traits of the Ca de Bou

The Ca de Bou is a powerful and strong dog with a proportionate build. According to the official standard published in 1996, their height from the shoulder blades should be 55 to 58 cm in males and 52 to 55 cm in females. Males usually weigh around 35-38 kg and females approximately 30-34 kg.

Ca de Bous have a strong and solid head with a powerful jaw. They generally don’t have any noticeable wrinkles.  Their snout usually is 1/3 the size of their skull. It’s wide cone-shaped snout starts at an interior angle near the eyes; with a straight and slightly upward line that finalizes at its black nose.

The color of their coat is usually brindle, fawn, or black. In competitions, the judges penalize if there are white spots that cover more than 30% of the coat, except for back paws, chest, and snout.

Personality and behavior

As in any other breed, especially in Molossers, proper and healthy socialization is really important. These dogs are calm, friendly, playful, brave, and protective of their loved ones. They show exceptional patience and tolerance with small children.

Care and other things to take into consideration

Although criteria may differ between different regional laws, Ca de Bous are considered to be potentially dangerous dogs in some territories. This means that the owner must have pet insurance; they also must follow a list of recommendations, like using a certain leash or not letting the dogs loose.

This breed has no major medical incidents on record. However, it is a large Molosser, it is good to run periodic veterinary check-ups to prevent cardiovascular diseases, gastric torsion, or joint problems. 

So, if you have a Ca de Bou or you’ve decided to get one, prepare yourself to bring a friendly, calm, adventurous, and extraordinarily loyal companion into your family.

 

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.