Perro de Presa Mallorquín

Breed History:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín, better known as the Ca de Bou (meaning "Bull Dog" in Catalan), is a powerful mastiff-type breed originating on the island of Mallorca in the Spain. The breed was developed between the 17th and 19th centuries by crossing native Spanish mastiffs with bulldog-type dogs brought by the British during their occupation of the Balearic Islands.

Originally bred for bull-baiting, cattle handling, and guarding farms and estates, the Ca de Bou later became a dependable watchdog and livestock protector. After bull-baiting was banned, the breed's popularity declined significantly, nearly leading to its extinction. Dedicated breeding programs in the 20th century successfully revived the breed while emphasizing its stable temperament and guarding abilities.

Today, the Perro de Presa Mallorquín is recognized as a loyal guardian, working dog, and family companion.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	55–58 cm	35–38 kg
Female	52–55 cm	30–34 kg

Size: Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Breed Appearance:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín is a muscular, compact, and powerful mastiff.

The breed commonly features:

Large, broad head
Strong square muzzle
Dark oval eyes
Small rose-shaped ears
Deep chest and heavily muscled body
Thick tail tapering toward the tip

Its coat is short, dense, coarse, and close-fitting.

Common coat colours include:

Brindle
Fawn
Black

A black facial mask is common, particularly in brindle and fawn dogs. Small white markings on the chest or feet may also occur.

Breed Type – Guardian and Working Dog:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín is a confident, courageous, and dependable guardian.

It is known for being:

Loyal and devoted
Calm and self-confident
Protective and watchful
Intelligent and trainable
Affectionate with family

The breed forms strong bonds with its household and is naturally reserved around unfamiliar people while remaining stable and composed when properly socialised.

Training:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín is intelligent and eager to work but benefits from experienced handling.

Training should focus on:

Early socialisation
Positive reinforcement methods
Basic obedience
Impulse control
Consistent and confident leadership

The breed responds best to fair, patient, and consistent training.

Harsh corrections should be avoided.

Health & Care:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín is generally healthy but may occasionally be prone to:

Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Joint disorders
Obesity if under-exercised

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín is best suited to homes with adequate space.

Ideal environments include:

Houses with secure fenced yards
Rural or suburban homes
Experienced dog-owning households
Active families

Apartment living may be possible if the dog receives sufficient daily exercise, although a home with outdoor space is preferred.

Exercise:

The Perro de Presa Mallorquín has moderate exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

Daily walks
Obedience training
Hiking
Interactive play
Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and mental stimulation help maintain a balanced temperament.

Grooming:

The short coat is easy to maintain.

Weekly brushing
Occasional bathing as needed
Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming
Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

Loyal and devoted family guardian
Calm and confident temperament
Intelligent and trainable
Low-maintenance coat
Courageous and dependable watchdog
Generally healthy and robust

Disadvantages:

Strong protective instincts require early socialisation
Needs consistent training and experienced handling
May be reserved or suspicious around strangers
Potential joint and orthopedic issues
Requires regular exercise and mental stimulation
Not ideal for inexperienced owners
Can become territorial without proper guidance