Ca de Bo; how Care and maintenance? History of the origin of the Major Mastiff breed, standard Ca de Bo exterior, health and Care, exciting facts, and dog training. Price when you buy a puppy. Major Mastiff, with the original breed name “Ca de Bo,” is a mighty, compact, solid, and brave dog, with a famous fighting past, with all his terrifying appearance a warning that a stranger should not mess with him. At the same time, the happy owners of these relatively rare pets unanimously note their pupils’ unusually complacent and affectionate disposition, which is noticeably different from their intimidating appearance. The considerable dog gets along well with children and pets and shows no unreasonable aggression towards strangers while walking. It is a lovely pet, more reminiscent of a majestic prince in the dog example or a noble knight than an ordinary dog; he is educated, proper, and dignified in behavior. But when needed, Ca de Bou is fearless; like a true knight, he is always ready to come to the rescue of his owners.
The history of the origin of the ca de bo breed.
The story of the origin of the Mastiff Major Ca de Bo breed has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona Jaime I, called the Conqueror, expelled the Moors of the Almohad dynasty from the Balearic Islands. In the archipelago that took over, he created a new vassal state to Aragon, called the Kingdom of Mallorca (Mallorca).
While the Aragonese and later the Castilians, the Spanish, and the British took the Balearic Islands, they brought quite a few representatives of the prominent watchdogs of those years to the archipelago. According to experts, there were many dogs, mainly old Spanish Alano, Pyrenean, Spanish Mastiff, and Spanish and English bulldogs. Other breeds may have been involved in further selecting the new variety of Mastiff.
Be that as it may, in the middle of the 16th century, the Balearic Islands created their breed of fighting watchdog, which the locals called “Ca de Bestiar”(“Ca de Bestiar”). Translated from the Catalan language, this means – “a dog for driving cattle” (and not “the animal,” as it is sometimes translated). However, dog handlers and owners often use several breed names in relation to the Major Mastiff these days. These are: Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Mallorquin bulldog, Dogo Mallorquin, Presa Mallorquin and Mallorca Mastiff. But the most widespread were the names: “Major Mastiff” and “Ca de Bo.”
For centuries, island captains successfully guarded homesteads and harbor depots. They participated in the persecution of wild boars and other wild animals by nobles. Still, their main goal was to protect and drive herds of cattle grazing on the islands. Balearic dogs took part in both bullfights and dogfights (in Spain, such entertainments were banned only in 1940).
Depending on their functions, the mastiffs in those years differed in appearance, proportions, and size. Dog breeders in the archipelago were guided by their priorities when choosing dogs. They followed their characteristics more closely, and only at the beginning of the 20th century did they come to a single external breeding standard.
The first written mention of the Ca de Bou dates back to 1907 when the president of the Bordeaux club characterized Major Mastiffs as very brave and promising dogs to take part in fights with bulls and other dogs.
In 1923, the Ca de Bo breed was officially included in the Spanish Stud Book after receiving the recognition it deserved. In 1928, a worthy representative of this breed first participated in a dog show in Barcelona.
And although the breeding standard for entry into the international community was developed in 1946, the official registration of the Major Mastiff in the FCI took place only in 1964. It was mainly due to the insufficient supply of purebred individuals capable of fully meeting the standard (Balearic dog breeders were even more interested in the dog’s functionality than the exterior). Only thanks to the efforts of many enthusiasts, in 1980, they fully revived the breed.
In the 1990s, dog owners from other countries also became interested in Major Mastiffs. In addition to Spain, the breed began to be actively bred in France, Portugal, Denmark, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Puerto Rico, Poland, and Russia. Moreover, in Moscow alone, there are now about 2,000 purebred individuals from Ca de Bo, while in all of Spain, there are no more than 250 dogs.
Purpose and use of Ca de Bo.
During their lives, Major Mastiffs had to engage in various activities: protecting housing, livestock, and property, hunting large animals, and bloody fights with bulls.
Currently, Ca de Bo only practices cow protection in its homeland – in the Balearic Archipelago. In other countries, the dog works successfully as a bodyguard and guard. Increasingly, it is used to participate in dog shows and live with the owner’s family as a reliable, strong friend and companion.
Characteristics of the exterior of the Mastiff
Ca de Bou belongs to the class of dogs of the Molossian group and fully matches its powerful branch with these giants of the dog world. Although the size of the Mastiff from the Balearic Islands is quite average: height at the withers ranges from 58 centimeters in males and 55 centimeters in bitches. Weight, respectively, from 33 kg to 38 kg.
- The head is large, solid, and massive, firmly on a powerful neck. The animal’s skull is almost square; it is large and wide in the front part. The proximal arch is barely marked. The front is well defined. The nose is broad and tapered. The stop (forehead-muzzle transition) is quite sharp when viewed in the profile. It is almost invisible from the front due to the overlying eyebrows. The bridge of the nose is straight (sometimes even slightly upturned) and wide. The nose is broad, with a visible septum between the nostrils. Her coloring is black. The lips are tight, with a black border on them lips. The jaws are powerful. The teeth are white and firm; the large canines are somewhat spaced between the sides. The bite is a scissor, and there should be no more than a 1-centimeter gap between the teeth.
- Eyes oval, rather extensive, oblique, broad, and deeply set. Eye color: dark (brown or dark brown). The eyelids are framed in black. The eyebrows are slightly marked.
- Ears high, triangular, thin, hanging on cartilage. The shape of the auricles is quite unusual. The ear is pulled back and resembles a rose (so-called rose-shaped ear). At rest, their bill reaches below eye level.
- Neck solid and powerful, firmly attached to the body. A slight suspension is allowed.
- Torso Major Mastiff is robust, powerful, and muscular, quite elongated. The chest cavity is extensive and cylindrical in shape. The stalks are prominent. The back is solid, and the line is straight (almost to the horizon). The loin is short, broad, and intense. The group is robust and slightly inclined (at an angle of 30 degrees). The stomach is moderately sealed but not like a greyhound.
- The tail has a low set, thick at the base, and gradually tapers towards the tip. The bottom is not long (it does not reach the level of the cock).
- Limbs are erect, parallel, muscular, broad-boned, medium, or even shorter in length. The front legs are spread apart (due to an immensely widened chest). Paws are oval, with solid toes, gathered in a ball. The paw pads are thick, rigid, and firm. The nails are strong and well developed. Dewclaws are unwanted.
- Ca de Bou’s coat is thick and tight on the dog’s body; only a slight bump of skin on the neck area is allowed.
- Wool is very short. The subcutaneous tissue is not significant. The hair is hard to touch.
- Color has several varieties: variegated or brown (darker color options are preferred); deer (red, fawn, and various variations of their shades); black. A black “mask” is encouraged for dogs of any color. White spots are also acceptable: on the muzzle, chest, and front legs. The maximum amount of white in the Ca de Bo color should not exceed 30% of the total color.
Character Major Mastiff Ca de Bo
Today, these dogs are not considered a service breed. It is more of a companion dog or loyal friend. However, they remain sharp guards and brave defenders. If a stranger enters the house with the owner, the pet greets him kindly. Anyone entering the area will be immediately attacked when the owner is absent. This “strong man” will protect you even at the cost of his own life. Such losses are calm and impressive. Until nothing has happened, they like to lie on the couch. The display of unprovoked aggressive behavior is alien to these pets. They can only engage in combat in emergencies.
At home, they are charming favorites of the family and ideally find a common language with all its members, especially with the “two-legged puppies.” They are very conscious of their position in the family. Since the emotional mood of the owners and rejoice or mourn with them. They do not choose one owner. If Ca de Bo fell into the “pack of men,” he would love everyone equally. They do not fight with other animals but behave with restraint. Today, he is an ideal and wonderful companion dog in an apartment: short hair, calm, does not require much physical effort, is not capricious about food, rarely sick, and only barks on the owner’s command.
Health Mastiff Ca de Bo
These “strong men” live on average from 10 to 14 years. It is not an easy job to raise a puppy because early in childhood, the correct skeleton and muscles are laid and, most importantly, the dog’s health. You have to blast dust particles out of it. In addition to a well-thought-out diet, a severe vitamin complex is required. Vaccinations done on time will save the pet from infectious diseases. Do not forget to prevent external and internal parasites.
The “bloodsuckers” are mainly active at the end of April. The tick is a dangerous animal enemy and a carrier of dangerous diseases, including piroplasmosis. You may not notice anything for a whole week, but your pet’s body temperature rises considerably (up to 42 degrees). In later periods, depression and lethargy may occur, and anemia or whiteness of the mucous membranes and blood may appear in the urine. One bite and your pet can not only end up in a hospital bed but even die.
Veterinarians advise treating dogs with particular aerosols and drops, using deterrent collars or pills that save your pet from danger. After walking, check and pay your four-legged friend. If you still find marks on the dog’s body, go to the hospital immediately. The doctor takes a blood sample from the animal. If the diagnosis is confirmed, drops and injections await the pet.
Tips for maintaining and caring for Ca de Bo.
- The large dog’s coat is short. Of course, we must comb it more often during the molting season. It is done with a brush with thick, natural bristles. Handling is best done outdoors so as not to collect “eyelashes” on the carpet or floor. Pets are bathed with animal shampoo no more than once every two weeks unless it is filthy. Choose the route for “bathing procedures” carefully. It is better if they are gentle with PH balance. It will save your friend from unnecessary skin problems like dandruff. Please do not attempt to walk with it on the street until your Ca de Bou is dry. A draft should also be in the room where the dog is after a bath.
- Ears are cleaned regularly, once a week. The problem is serious if you find your dog shaking his head and it hurts to touch his ear. You should contact your specialist immediately.
- Eyes only need to be wiped if foreign particles get there. Soak a cotton pad in soothing lotion and wipe any excess towards the inner corner of the eye.
- Ca de Bou’s teeth be taught to be clean by a puppy boy? They give gnawing cartilage or pressed bone bought from pet stores to prevent dental plaque. It is also suitable for the dog to have unique prevention toys made of environmentally friendly rubber. If the pet eats dry food, its solid particles also help remove excess plaque from the teeth.
- Claws, when they grow back, you need to cut them off. If the pet keeps them for a long time, it will be difficult for him to walk. The gait can change, and even the toes can be deformed. The treatment is done with a nail clipper, or you can cut a “manicure” with a not fil.
- Feeding adults take place twice a day. The amount of food increases in the winter, as the short-haired dog needs the energy to heat its body. What to give? It depends on the breeder’s wishes and the peculiarities of your Ca de Bou. Some people feed their dogs mixed. That is, they provide a portion of dry food in the morning and meat in the evening. Well, they naturally enrich the diet with vitamins and minerals. Four-legged pets should have clean drinking water freely available.
- A walk should be at least twice a day for an hour. Do not assume that laying large dogs should not move. During the walk, the dog must get the necessary balance. Of course, walking should be regular; you don’t have to run next to a bike with them.
Interesting facts about Ca de Bou
The defense gene is inherited. It is so distinctive that no special weapons are needed at Ca de Bou. Almost all breeders notice that males of this breed, who grow up in a year and a half, never try to take a leadership position. Therefore, such dogs can be started even by those without previous experience with dogs.
Major Mastiff training
No matter how professional the breeder is, he gets real value for his work at shows. It is where you can demonstrate your breeding success. In addition, the competition is also a bright show, but the spice is fierce competition. Preparing future champions is not an easy job. Dogs are handled by handlers – experts in show training. They teach the animal to move and stand correctly in the circle. It seems that all this is very simple, but much work is behind it. And the first thing that plays a vital role in the event’s success is establishing a relationship between the pet and the handler.
Cost of a large Mastiff puppy Ca de Bo.
Good breeders do not allow all individuals to breed. In addition to external merit, the animal must have a breeding certificate. It is given to puppies after a special examination. Then the boy is given a name and his number, stamped in the form of a brand in the groin or on the ear.
The Ca de Bo breed in America is becoming more and more popular. The demand for these dogs is growing year by year. Robust, powerful, and at the same time incredibly sensitive, they win people’s hearts and bring joy to their homes. The price of a mastiff puppy ranges from 300$ to 400$.