Ca de Bou

A male Perro de Presa Mallorquin

A young Perro de Presa Malloquin with a black mask living in France

The Balearic Islands are an archipelago of four large islands and 11 small islands in the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain. Its culture and language are Catalan-based. The largest of these islands is Majorca (Mallorca).

It was probably in the 19th century that the Ca de Bou acquired its look and typicity. The sport of bull-baiting was an expensive one, and the new sport and trend of dog fighting was spreading across Europe and the colonies. Different areas and countries had their fighting dogs. Their shape and sizes would depend on taste, climate, or surroundings. Even still in recent times, some people have said this breed is stronger than any other.

In England where the sport began, they preferred bull and terrier crosses and liked them small; in the U.S. they liked them bigger (i.e., pit bulls). In France they liked big dogs to fight such as the Dogue de Bordeaux, which was three types back in the 19th century; Parisian (mastiff-type), Bordelais (Bullmastiff, dogue-type), Toulousain (Spanish bulldog-type, longer muzzle; some believe the last type to be the Perro de Toro, as Toulouse is next to the Spanish border).

In Spain they had Perro de Presas, of different types: the Spanish Alano, the Perro de Toro (Spanish bulldog, heavier version of the Spanish Alano), and Perros de Tierra (low-to-the-ground dogs). In the Canary islands, they had the Perro de Presa Canario. In Majorca, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou) had been perfected for the climate and many functions, including that of fighting. Dog fights were not banned in Spain until 1940.

The first written mention of the Ca de Bou was in 1907, suggesting that the race was well known in the 19th century. The president of the Dogue de Bordeaux club spoke of them when the best of each breed met in Madrid, for a fight match in the 1920s.

By 1923, the breed was registered in the Spanish stud book, the first official entry was in 1928 and in 1929, the first Ca de Bous were shown at the Barcelona Dog show.

The famine of the 1920s and 1930s did not help the breed. In 1946, the standard was created, but it was not recognised by the FCI until 1964. By 1964 there were no pure specimens left, the trend for new breeds like German Shepherd Dogs, Great Danes and Rottweilers did not help the cause either. The breed was brought back to life in the 1980s. It had been crossed with the Ca de Bestiar; the Majorcans were still producing dogs based on functionality. Both Ca de Bous and Ca de Bestiars have their special qualities, so to cross them was not rare. From such specimens, they managed to find those that seemed to be more Ca de Bou than Ca de Bestiar.

In the 1990s, other nations took interest in the breed. In Poland and Russia they found a lot of success. There were rumours of more than 2,000 Ca de Bous in Moscow. There are only around 250 in Spain. The breed is well-appreciated for its function in Puerto Rico, where the champion Chimo was sent to, and other famous Spanish Ca de Bous. Other nations, including France, Holland, Denmark, Finland and Sweden, also have breeders but not many, and the breed is pretty well unknown. The first Ca de Bou was introduced to the UK from France in 2001 by a Mr. Williams of Gloucestershire.

In the 21st century, the Ca de Bou's future looks good. There is a bigger interest in the breed, with other names such as Mallorquin Mastiff, and thanks to the Internet, a closer link between Ca de Bou owners, breeders and passionate people, who love this breed. The increased interest carries with it potential pitfalls, however, as with the rapid development of other breeds when breeders try to match increased demand.

A 2-year-old black male Perro de Presa Mallorquín

According to the FCI standard, this dog should be a medium-sized, typical molosser with a slightly rectangular build. It is strong and powerful, with a deep and wide chest and a somewhat slimmer croup. The skin is thick and somewhat loose, but must not form folds except for a minor one on the throat.

The head is powerfully built and in males, the circumference of the skull should exceed the height of the dog. They have strong jaws with a very mild underbite, and widely spaced canines. The tail is set low, thick and is carried in a slight arch when the dog is moving.

Height and weight is for males 55–58 cm and 35–38 kg, for females 52–55 cm and 30–34 kg. It is a rather medium-sized dog, but can because of its mass appear larger than it really is. The colors are fawn (light brown, often in deep tones), brindle, and black (often with tan markings). White markings are permitted, but must not exceed 30% of the full coat of the dog.

The size, shape and temperament varies greatly between lines. In central Europe, a far stockier dog with a shorter, slightly wrinkled face is more common. While in Spain, Scandinavia and other countries, the original, taller, leaner and more functional dog is most common.

This is an intelligent dog who needs an owner who can understand and handle it. Owners should work with their Perro de Presa Mallorquin from puppy hood to teach obedience and manners in as positive a way as possible but correcting any unwanted behaviour from the beginning. Working with knowledgeable trainers is critical.

The large Perro de Presa Mallorquin needs several long walks daily to stay physically and mentally sound. It is critical that it be properly socialized from puppyhood during these outings so that, as it grows and continues to be exercised. Participating in obedience classes and competitions is a great way to work with a Perro de Presa Mallorquin while exercising it.

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