Perro de Presa Mallorquin

Information and Pictures

Front side view - A tan with white Perro de Presa Mellorquin is sitting in front of a gate and it is looking down.

7-month-old Jokey Club Osanna, photo courtesy of The Westside Kennel

Other Names

Ca de Bou
Perro Dogo Mallorquin
Mallorquin Bulldog
Mallorquin Mastiff
Majorca Mastiff
Mallorca Mastiff
Presa Canario Mallorquin
Majorcan Bulldog
Bull mastiff
Silverback Mastiff
Silverback
Silverbacks

Description

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a strong, powerful, medium-size typical Molossian of somewhat elongated build. The difference between the sexes is apparent in the head, the circumference of which is definitely greater in males than in females. The head is large, broad and almost square. Its circumference, especially in males, is greater than the chest measurement taken at the withers. Forehead is broad and flat. Frontal furrow is well defined. Seen from the front, due to the shape of the skull, back of skull is not visible. Upper planes of skull and muzzle are almost parallel, lightly converging. The stop is seen from side, strongly defined and protruding; seen from front, it is only noticeable because the eyebrow arches form a definite frontal furrow. The jaw muscles are strong, protruding, well developed and reach to the middle region below the eye. Even though there are some folds which occur sideways over the chewing muscles, there are altogether no folds in the skin of the head. The nose is black and broad. The philtrum between the nostrils is well defined. The muzzle is set at inner corner of eyes, broad and conical, in profile reminiscent of a blunt cone with a broad base. The nasal bridge is straight, rising slightly. Length of muzzle is in proportion of 1 to 3 to length of skull. The upper lip covers the lower lip to the middle part of the muzzle, where the corner of the mouth appears. The upper lip is rather taut, whereas the lower lip is folded in its middle part, so that in a closed muzzle, the lips are not noticeable. The completely red mucous membrane of the mouth cavity has distinct transversal ridges and the rims of the gums have black pigment. The jaws are strong, incisors in a correct row and canines well apart. The mouth is complete, teeth white and strong. The bite is undershot; the gap of the not exaggerated undershot bite should not be more than 1 cm. When the muzzle is closed, teeth must not be visible. Eyes are large, oval in shape, lids wide open, clearly outlined and slightly slanting. Eye color should be as dark as possible and according to coat color. Conjunctiva not visible. Looked at from front, white of eyes should not be visible. The eyes are deep set and far apart. Ears are set on high and to the sides, rather small, with inner ear opening visible and drawn backwards in a curve; it is a so-called “rose ear.” In repose, the tip of the ear is below the line of the eye. The neck is strong, thick, in harmony to the whole. At set on, roughly the diameter of the head; fitting well into withers. Skin slightly loose; thin dewlap permitted. The body is short, relatively narrow, with definite arch towards croup. The croup is 1 to 2 cm higher in position than withers, slanting to horizontal at an angle of 30 degrees and slightly narrower than chest. The rib cage is somewhat cylindrical, deep and reaches to the elbows. As the tops of the shoulder blades are wide apart, the chest is broad at the height of the withers. The chest line runs parallel to the ground. The belly line rises and is tucked up lightly, not Greyhound-like. The tail is low set and thick at root, tapering towards the tip. Hangs naturally in repose; in action it forms a slight curve and is raised to height of the topline. Shoulders are moderately short, slightly, slanting, hardly protruding. Upper arms are straight, parallel, set well apart. Elbows stand away from the chest because of width of breast but in no way turn out. Forearms are well muscled, straight, with strong bone structure. Front feet are strong with thick, close together, lightly rounded toes. Pads are slightly pigmented. The hindquarters have broader muscles than the forequarters. Upper thighs are broad, naturally angulated. Hocks are short, straight and strong. Dewclaws are not desired. Hind feet are strong with thick toes which are longer than those of front feet, but altogether oval in shape. Pigmented pads are preferred. Skin is rather thick. Close fitting to body except on neck, where a slight dewlap may occur. The coat is short and rough to the touch. Colors include brindle, fawn and black, preference in this order. In brindle dogs, dark tones are preferred; in fawn, the deeper shade is preferred. White patches are permitted on front feet, on chest and on muzzle up to a maximum of 30% of the whole coat. A black mask is also permitted.

Temperament

Quiet by nature, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin can under some circumstances be courageous and brave. He is at ease with people, faithful and devoted to his master. As a watch and guard dog, he is unsurpassed. In quiet situations, he is trusting and self-assured. When roused, his expression is piercing. Were one to find a purebred Mallorquin Bulldog one would possess a guard dog of unsurpassable ability—a dog that would require discipline and leadership. This breed is strong-minded but obedient if the owners are stronger minded than the dog. If they are not, they will find a dog that will test them every step of the way. These dogs adore children. They remain formidably powerful and alert, and retain the tenacity of their bull-baiting past. This breed is not for the casual pet owner. Makes a good watch and guard dog. Needs an owner who understands a dog's natural "pack order". Proper human to canine communication is essential.

Height, Weight

Weight: Males 77 - 83 pounds (35 - 38 kg) Females: 66 - 74 pounds (30 - 34 kg)
Height: Males: 21 - 22 inches (55 - 58 cm) Females: 20 - 21 inches (52 - 55 cm)

Health Problems

Living Conditions

This breed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do alright without a yard provided they get enough exercise.

Exercise

This breed needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Life Expectancy

10-12 years

Grooming

This breed requires minimal grooming.

Origin

Since ancient times, seafaring from east to west in the Mediterranean region has led to the exchange of culture and science between nations. These reciprocal relations, even though mainly of a commercial nature, also gave the opportunity for an exchange of domestic animals. Amongst these were watch and guard dogs which were needed in harbors and coastal settlements as a protection against pirates and robbers coming in by sea. Amongst these mostly large, strong, resistant dogs with large heads and powerful teeth, one type distinguished itself. It was the mastiff of the Iberian Peninsula, which, in Spain, was used in various areas as a hunting or as a fighting dog against bulls and other dogs. This breed accompanied King Jacob I on his conquests and arrived in the Balearics about the year 1230. In the 17th century, Minorca and others areas came into British possession, following the treaty of Utrecht. The British brought their own fighting and guard dogs with them into the Balearics and crossed them with the native mastiffs of the Iberian Peninsula, which also occurred in the Balearic Isles. In the beginning of the 18th century, fights between dogs and bulls (bull baiting) were very popular and the Britons inhabiting the Island looked for a breed which would be held suited to such fights. These circumstances explain the name “Ca de Bou,” (Bull Dog). In the Spanish Stud Book for the year 1923, the existence of this breed is already established. The first official entry was in the year 1928 and in 1929, when such a breed was exhibited for the first time at a dog show in Barcelona.