Although a less popular breed than some of the other bulldogs, the Ca de Bou or Perro de Presa Mallorquin can impress anyone with its strength as well as its loyalty and bravery. An ancient molossian-type dog bred for guarding and protecting livestock, the Ca de Bou’s lineage also includes dog fighting and bull baiting.
It is always at ease with its human family, especially affectionate towards its master. The Perro de Presa Mallorquin, however, can be strong-willed at times and may retain the bull-baiting tenacity of its ancestors. If you are a novice dog owner, this is not the breed for you.
Mastiff-type dogs used for guarding, hunting, and bull-baiting were brought to the Balearic Islands by the Spanish during the reign of King James I of Aragon
The British took over Minorca, bringing their own hunting and guarding dogs and crossing them with the local Iberian Mastiffs, Ca de Bestiar, and Alano Español
The sport of bull baiting was introduced in the islands and continued to flourish until it was banned in 1883 in Spain
First written reference of the Perro de Presa Mallorquin
Enlisted in the Spanish breed registry
First displayed to public at the Barcelona Dog Show
Recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Pure specimens mostly disappeared, and the remaining dogs were crossed with Ca de Bestiar to bring the breed back to life
It was first taken to the UK by Mr. Williams, a Gloucestershire-based breeder
Whether you give your Ca de Bou homemade food or commercial dry dog food, adding a balanced proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients is necessary to keep it in good health.
If you want to buy your dog’s food from a pet store, we recommend brands like Merrick Real Texas and Blue Buffalo Life Protection.
Because of its playful and energetic demeanor, your Ca de Bou needs about an hour of activity per day to keep it happy and content. You could keep it busy by allowing it to walk, jog, and run beside you when out and about.
Although it can adapt to both urban and country environment, it would be more than happy to have a household with a fenced yard where it could romp and play.
You do not have to work too hard in keeping your Ca de Bou’s short, rough coat healthy and shiny. A weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush is enough to get rid of most of its shedding hair. The Perro de Presa Mallorquin does not need frequent baths, as a gentle rub down using a damp cotton cloth removes most of the dirt and oil that has accumulated.
The Cao de Bou may display independent behavior and sometimes has a stubborn streak, which means you should handle it carefully. Since it is an intelligent breed, your dog would get bored if you keep the training repetitive. So, introduce variety and keep its training sessions short (not more than 12-15 minutes).
Teach it to be obedient so that it learns to respond to basic commands, which would make it easier for you to handle its occasional stubbornness. Early socialization would also help in making it a well-behaved family companion.
