Description

Also called the Majorca Mastiff, this Molosser-type breed has a strong, chunky head that is larger in males. Their ears are floppy and surprisingly small. The broad blunt muzzle often sports a slightly undershot jaw, and a soft upper lip that droops down to partly cover the lower lip. The Ca de Bou’s eyes are large, deep-set and oval-shaped.

The thick neck leads down to a powerful body. The Majorca Mastiff has a slightly more rectangular body than most Molossers, but still has the typical deep, broad chest that is characteristic to these dogs. The tail is low set, with a thick base that tapers towards the end. The Ca de Bou’s legs are well muscled, ending with thick, slightly rounded toes. 

Origin: Majorca, Spain

Look

The Ca de Bou has a short, rough coat that is usually brindle, fawn or black in colour. Small white patches on the chest, muzzle, and feet are not uncommon. Black mask markings are also common. As this breed sheds very little, the Ca de Bou needs minimal grooming: a weekly brush and the occasional bath will be enough to keep their coat clean and sleek.   

Health

While the Ca de Bou is generally a healthy dog, they are prone to a few health conditions:

• Hip dysplasia
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat)

At Newdoggy.com, we recommend that you buy your puppy from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. 

Learning

The Ca de Bou is a very clever dog breed. Their intelligence can make them a little difficult to train, as they may stubbornly refuse to do something that makes no sense to them. A firm, patient hand is required to train a Ca de Bou, as they can be cunning and may try to manipulate or bully people in order to get what they want. Consistency is key! Fortunately they are calm and gentle, so with persistence your Ca de Bou will learn quickly; however, this dog is not recommended for an inexperienced owner. 

Temperament

The Ca de Bou is sociable and affectionate. They are happiest with their human family. These dogs tend to be calm and relaxed, but since they are watch dogs, they are usually keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. The Ca de Bou is brave and will not hesitate to defend its home. The Ca de Bou is suspicious of strangers, so socialisation is important to make sure your Ca de Bou is polite to newcomers.

Living with

If you have previous experience with dogs, or are willing to work with a trainer, you’ll find the Ca de Bou challenging but rewarding. Their calm sweet temperament makes them a good family dog, and they are particularly good with older children. 

This breed does need to be exercised properly. They should go for long walks or jogs every day to keep them happy and fit. Despite their heavy build, Ca de Bous are swift and nimble, and have proven skilled at many canine sports.