UTILIZATION:

Watch and Guard Dog


BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:

Since ancient times, seafaring from East to West in the Mediterranean region has led to the exchange of culture and science between nations. These reciprocal relations, even though mainly of a commercial nature, also gave the opportunity for an exchange of domestic animals. Amongst these were watch an guard dogs which were needed in harbours and coastal settlements as a protection against pirates and robbers coming in by sea. Amongst these mostly large, strong, resistant dogs with large heads and powerful teeth, one type distinguished itself. It was the Mastiff of the Iberian Peninsula, which, in Spain, was used in various areas as a hunting or as a fighting dog against bulls and other dogs. This breed accompanied King Jacob I on his conquests and arrived in the Balearics about the year 1230. In the 17th century, Minorca and others areas came into British possession, following the treaty of Utrecht. The British brought their own fighting and guard dogs with them into the Balearics and crossed them with the native mastiffs of the Iberian Peninsula, which also occured in the Balearic Isles. In the beginning of the 18th century, fights between dogs and bulls (bull baiting) were very popular and the Britons inhabiting the Island looked for a breed which would be well suited to such fights. These circumstances explain the name "Ca de Bou", Bull Dog.

In the Spanish Stud Book for the year 1923, the existence of this breed is already established.

The first official entry was in the year 1928 and in 1929, such a breed was exhibited for the first time at a Dog Show in Barcelona.


GENERAL APPEARANCE:

A typical Molossian of somewhat elongated build, strong and powerful, of medium size.
The difference between the sexes is apparent in the head, whose circumference is definitely greater in dogs than in bitches.


BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT:

Quiet by nature, he can under some circumstances be courageous and brave.
He is at ease with people, faithful and devoted to his master.
As a watch and guard dog, he is unsurpassed.
In quiet situations, he is trusting and self assured.
When roused, his expression is piercing.