Mallorquin Mastiff

History

Originating in the largest of 11 islands off the coast of Spain, is the rare breed we know of today as the Mallorquin Mastiff. Dating all the way back to the early 1200s, the first of its bloodlines were created. The Mallorquin Mastiff is made up of the Iberian Mastiff, Alanos, English Bulldogs and local heard dogs of the present time. This breed was used for hunting, herding, and bull baiting. An interesting trait to this breed is the fact that it is written in history that the Mallorquin Mastiff was used to hold wild Bulls as butchers would proceed with their duties. This breed faced many challenges with keeping their population relevant and competing with other known dog breeds by popularity such as the German Shepherd and Rottweiler. Today, the breed does still exist and is a wonderful guardian.

Appearance

Both males and females measure an average of 22-25 inches in height and weigh an average of 65-75 pounds in weight. Generally this breed is built solid, with somewhat loose skin covering their body, a square shaped skull tapering into a rectangular muzzle. Their two triangular ears are folded 3/4 of the way to their head and should hang along side of their face. With two almond shaped eyes only available in brown or black. This single, short and dense coat is available in fawn, black and tan, brindle, different shade variations of these colors as well as white markings included. Appearing short to the ground, bulky and somewhat similar to the English Bulldog, this breed makes quite an intimidation factor when it comes to his or her appearance.

Temperament

The Mallorquin Mastiff is a very smart, courageous, determined breed that is not meant for everybody. Potential owners of this breed should all have previous experience working with a Bulldog or Terrier breed of this size for reassurance in proper handling and care. It comes highly recommended that potential owners also arrange professional training courses for the Mallorquin Mastiff at the very early stages of puppy-hood to ensure manners and a dog that is able to obey. This breed requires a firm, confident and consistent owner who only uses positive reinforcement. Recommended for households without other non canine pets, and dogs preferably the same size as this breed. Early socialization and proper introduction to other dogs is critical to ensure a dog friendly household and correct "pack" leadership within the household. This breed does well around children although older children are recommended. A long daily walk along with other outdoor activity both physical and mental are required to keep a calm, happy and healthy dog inside at the end of days. This breed is okay for apartments and country living as long as proper exercise is provided dail

Grooming

Daily brushing required and bathing when needed. This breed is an average shedder.

Special Notes

Please fully educate yourself about the Mallorquin Mastiff prior to adding one to your family to ensure you are able to make a life long commitment to your new addition and that you are able to provide proper training, care and an environment to raise a well mannered dog who can understand rules and boundaries. A properly fenced in area is highly recommended for this breed. Do not add a new dog to your household unless you are able to provide both physical and financial care for the life of your new pet. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.