Ca de Bou
The Ca de Bou or Perro de Presa Mallorquín is a Spanish breed of catch dog from Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands.
History
The Ca de Bou was historically kept on the island of Majorca for the blood sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting. The breed may have developed during the period of Catalan influence over Majorca between 1270 and 1570 AD, depriving from mastiff-type dogs used on the island for controlling cattle. By the time of the British occupation of Majorca in the 18th century, both bull-baiting and dog fighting were well established on the island, and the Ca de Bou were favoured by the locals for these blood sports, being renowned for their ferocity and bravery.With the outlawing of bull-baiting and dog fighting on Majorca in the 20th century, the Ca de Bou lost favour and their numbers dwindled to the brink of extinction. The breed was saved by enthusiasts from mainland Spain who began exhibiting it; eventually it was recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España. It is known as the Perro de Presa Mallorquin in Spanish, in English as the Majorcan Bulldog or occasionally the Majorcan Mastiff; Ca de Bou is the Catalan language name.
The first breed standard was drawn up in 1932. The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1963.
In 2026 it was among the sixteen Spanish breeds considered by the Real Sociedad Canina de España to be vulnerable.
Description
The Ca de Bou is a very muscular dog of medium size. It typically stands between. The breed standard states dogs should stand between and bitches between ; dogs weigh between, bitches between. The short and rough coat is typically brindle, fawn or black in colour.The head is large, with a broad and powerful jaw well suited to gripping a bull or another dog in the fighting pit.
Life expectancy is typically 10 to 12 years.