The Mallorquin Mastiff (or Perro Dogo Mallorguín) is an ancient breed originating from the Balearic Islands, Spain. This robust and powerful dog descends from the Iberian mastiff, introduced to the island by Catalan and Spanish sailors. Originally, the Mallorquin Mastiff was used for hunting and as a fighting dog, particularly in confrontations with bulls. It is also known as Ca de Bou, meaning "bull dog" in Catalan, due to its historical use in dog fighting.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Balearic Islands (Spain)
- Type: Working dog, molossoid
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 35-38 kg
- Female: 30-34 kg
- Height:
- Male: 55-58 cm
- Female: 52-55 cm
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Exercise needs: 1 to 1.5 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not suitable, prefers a house with a large garden)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (May be reserved, but gets along well with children)
- Other animals: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (May have difficulties with other animals, requires early socialization)
- Strangers: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Wary of strangers, requires socialization)
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Needs space, prefers a house with a yard)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderate maintenance, requires regular care)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Relatively affordable, but veterinary care and food can be expensive)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: Weekly to maintain its short, dense coat
- Other care: Ear cleaning, general care such as bathing and nail trimming
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 1000-1400 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food):1000-2300 €
🏡 Important note
The Majorca Mastiff is a powerful and athletic working dog that requires sufficient space to exercise. It is not suited for apartment living and prefers to live in a house with a large fenced yard where it can move freely. This dog, both protective and independent, is an excellent guardian but requires socialization and firm training to avoid undesirable behaviors. It may be reserved towards strangers and other animals, but with proper management, it can be a loyal companion and an excellent guard dog.
