Perro de Presa Mallorquin

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66-74 lbs
20-21"
Spain
Ca de Bou, Perro Dogo Mallorquin, Majorica Mastiff, Bull Mastiff, Silverback Mastiff
The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a medium sized molosser with a strong build and deep wide chest. The head is powerful in appearance, especially in the male where the circumference of the skull should exceed the height of the dog. In females, the head is smaller and not quite so blocky. An ancient dog bred to guard and protect, their history includes bull baiting and dog fighting. They need a strong human leader who understands the canine pack ranking and the owner must be the leader, stronger in character than the dog or the dog will become stubborn and dominating. If brought up correctly and socialized while young, they make a loyal and affectionate family member. They are quiet by nature, but are courageous and brave. This dog is at ease with people and devoted to their owner. The Mallorquin is an independent breed that is psychologically well balanced and laid back in nature - unless challenged to protect their family!
purpose Purpose
Guarding, Watchdog, Herding
history Date of Origin
1230
ancestry Ancestry
Mastiff of the Iberian Peninsula

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Health

Average Size
Male Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats
Height: 21-22 inches Weight: 77-83 lbs
Female Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats
Height: 20-21 inches Weight: 66-74 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
Minor Concerns
  • Cherry Eye
  • Skin Allergies
  • Eye Infections
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Occasional Tests
  • Ophthalmic Exam
  • Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
  • Skin Scrapings and Biopsies
  • Hip and Elbow X-rays

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Breed History

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is an ancient dog, originating from those times when seafaring in the Mediterranean region led to an exchange not only of culture and goods, but of dogs as well. Watch and guard dogs were needed in the harbors and coastal settlements as protection against pirates and thieves coming in by sea. The one distinguishing dog of the times was the mastiff of the Iberian Peninsula, which was used as a hunting or fighting dog against bulls (bull baiting) or other dogs. It was this brave courageous dog that accompanied King Jacob I on his conquests, arriving in Balearics about the year 1230. Then, in the 17th century, the British took possession of Minorca and other areas, and they brought their own fighting and guard dogs. The result was a crossing of the British and local breeds to form a new type of dog. While the actual ancestry of the Perro de Presa Mallorquin is not recorded, it is thought to be from these circumstances. In the 18th century, the sport of fights between dogs and bulls was very popular and the name Ca de Bou (Bull Dog) or Perro de Presa Mallorquin made its mark. The first official entry in the Spanish Stud Book was in the year 1928 and in 1929 it is recorded as the Mallorquin's first time being exhibited at a dog show in Barcelona. The Perro de Presa Mallorquin has had a long and courageous past, but the future looks promising for a dog that can now enjoy a quiet and peaceful life.

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Breed Appearance

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a Spanish dog of ancient breed that is strongly built and very solid in the body. The male dog has a broader head than the female, although both have an almost square boxy skull and a broad, moderate length muzzle. The jaws are strong with the incisors in a correct row and the canines well apart - the teeth are undershot in design. The ears are quite small and are held erect but fold over at the top. The nose is black and they have large oval shaped eyes that are slightly slanted. The strong thick neck is supported by the elongated muscular body that has a short narrow loin, deep chest and a slightly tucked up belly. The tail is thick and has a slight curve. The Mallorquin has solid strong legs and large well-padded paws. Their attractive coat is short and rough to the touch, and comes in colors of brindle, fawn and black, with white patches often on the front feet, the chest, and the muzzle. Their coat often is loose fitting around the neck and chest, with a few wrinkles. The Perro de Presa Mallorquin can often have a black mask which gives this dog an overall picture of strength and mystery.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Perro de Presa Mallorquin eyes
Brown
amber Perro de Presa Mallorquin eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Perro de Presa Mallorquin nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Perro de Presa Mallorquin coat
Brindle
fawn Perro de Presa Mallorquin coat
Fawn
black Perro de Presa Mallorquin coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Perro de Presa Mallorquin straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Breed Maintenance

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin requires minimal grooming because of their short hair coat which doesn't require trimming or stripping. They rarely need a bath, as a rub down with a soft damp cloth will remove most dirt and oil and leave their coat gleaming.  A good brushing with a bristle brush will remove most shedding hair. Check their eyes and ears for inflammation as these are areas that can become infected and sore. Regular trimming of their nails will keep them well maintained. It is advisable to teach them as a puppy to have their feet handled and teeth brushed as it's easier to get the habit ingrained since birth rather than wait till later in life. They do need regular exercise and they are a dog who requires training from early in life as they can have a stubborn streak.
Brushes for Perro de Presa Mallorquin
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Perro de Presa Mallorquin requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Temperament

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a laid back dog with a quiet nature but they are also protective and loyal to their family. They are brave, courageous and self-assured by nature. Although they have an independent nature with a streak of stubbornness, they can be trained from puppyhood to have the type of behavior that you want from them. The Mallorquin should be taught obedience and manners in a positive, kind way.  Harsh methods only instigate aggression in this dog. The Mallorquin is not an easy dog for an owner to raise. They do need an owner that they can respect, one that is a leader and sets fair limits for their behavior. They are reasonably active dogs who will enjoy a long brisk walk each day to keep them fit and healthy. Although they mix well with other dogs of the opposite sex, they can be aggressive with other male dogs so always keep them on a leash when out and about. With an attractive coloring of brindle, fawn and black with white patches on the feet, chest or muzzle, the Mallorquin can also sport a black mask that gives them a mysterious appearance. Devoted and loyal to their owner and family, they are gentle and kind with children that they have been raised with. 

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Activity Requirements

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin needs a good walk each day to keep them happy and content. They will be happy to run, jog or walk beside you while out and about. Ensure that the dog walks with you, not in front which is what a leader would do. The leader needs to be you, not the dog. They are quite playful especially when younger, and if brought up with family members they can be a parcel of fun! These dogs do have a stubborn streak, but if they respect you as a leader who keeps their word, it will be much easier. Ideal for an urban or country environment, they can live in the city, preferably in a house with a secure yard. The Mallorquin likes to patrol their boundaries and will keep all uninvited people out! Keep them busy and they will be a happy dog.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Perro de Presa Mallorquin

Similarly Sized Breeds to Perro de Presa Mallorquin

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 23.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs
Female Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 39.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 75.0 lbs
Female Perro de Presa Mallorquin size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 67.0 lbs
author-img

Written by a Golden Labrador Retriever lover Jean Brewer

Published: 06/08/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

Perro de Presa Mallorquin Owner Experiences

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