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UTILIZATION:
Guard dog used for protection of cattle.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
A molossoid type dog, originating from Tenerife and Gran Canaria ( Canary Islands ).
It appears to be the result of matings between the “majorero”, a prehispanic dog indigenous to these islands, and other molossoids introduced to the Canary Islands.
These matings produced an ethnical group of mastiff-type dogs, of medium size, brindle or fawn with white marking, with a specific molossoid morphology but yet agile and powerful, having a strong temperament, robust and lively, loyal character.
During the XVI and XVII centuries, the number of these dogs increased considerably and numerous references to them in pre-Conquest historical texts, especially in the “ Cedularios del Cabildo ” (municipal registers), which explain their duties essentially as guard dogs and protectors of cattle.
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A medium sized molossoid, with a rectilinear profile and black mask.
Robust and well-proportioned.
The body is longer than the height at the withers; this characteristic is more noticeable in the female.
BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT:
Calm appearance; attentive expression.
Especially suited to guarding and traditionally used for herding cattle.
Balanced temperament and very self-confident.
Low and deep bark.
Obedient and docile with family members, very devoted to its master, but is suspicious of strangers.
Confident attitude, noble and a little distant.
When alert, the stance is firm with a vigilant attitude.
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