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The Ca de Bou or Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a Spanish breed of catch dog from Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands.
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| Origin | Spain (Majorca) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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History
editThe Ca de Bou was historically kept on the island of Majorca for the blood sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting.[1][2] The breed may have developed during the period of Catalan influence over Majorca between 1270 and 1570 AD, depriving from mastiff-type dogs used on the island for controlling cattle.[1][2] By the time of the British occupation of Majorca in the 18th century, both bull-baiting and dog fighting were well established on the island, and the Ca de Bou were favoured by the locals for these blood sports, being renowned for their ferocity and bravery.[1][2]
With the outlawing of bull-baiting and dog fighting on Majorca in the 20th century, the Ca de Bou lost favour and their numbers dwindled to the brink of extinction.[1][2] The breed was saved by enthusiasts from mainland Spain who began exhibiting it; eventually it was recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España.[1][2][3] It is known as the Perro de Presa Mallorquin in Spanish, in English as the Majorcan Bulldog or occasionally the Majorcan Mastiff; Ca de Bou is the Catalan language name.[1][2]
The first breed standard was drawn up in 1932.[citation needed] The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1963.[4]
Description
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The Ca de Bou is a very muscular dog of medium size. It typically stands between 52 and 58 centimetres (20 and 23 in). The breed standard states dogs should stand between 55 and 58 centimetres (22 and 23 in) and bitches between 52 and 55 centimetres (20 and 22 in); dogs weigh between 35 and 38 kilograms (77 and 84 lb), bitches between 30 and 34 kilograms (66 and 75 lb).[1][2][3] The short and rough coat is typically brindle, fawn or black in colour.[1][3]
The head is large, with a broad and powerful jaw well suited to gripping a bull or another dog in the fighting pit.[1][2]
Life expectancy is some 10 to 12 years.[1]
Character
editSelective breeding for the show ring has softened the Ca de Bou's temperament, and they are now biddable and affectionate, although they retain the tenacity and alertness of their forebears.[1][2]
References
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Fogle, Bruce (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog. New York: DK Publishing. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-7566-6004-8.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Morris, Desmond (2001). Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing. p. 351. ISBN 1-57076-219-8.
- ^ a b c "Real Sociedad Canina de España breed standard: Majorca Mastiff" (PDF). Real Sociedad Canina de España. 13 June 1997. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
- ^ FCI breeds nomenclature: Mallorca Mastiff. Thuin, Belgium: Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed February 2024.