Ca De Bou Dog Breed

The Ca de Bou isn't recognized by a lot of major kennel clubs, but is in the Guardian Dog group of the United Kennel Club. Through the centuries, these dogs have been used for hunting and shepherding, as livestock/property guardians, and as fighting dogs. This bold, powerful breed is best for experienced owners in need of a good protection and general working dog.

Some general Ca de Bou facts: they're large-sized, averaging 22 inches at the shoulders in height and 75 pounds in weight; they have short, smooth coats that don't shed excessively; and they have superb watch- and guard dog skills.

A few advantages and drawbacks to owning this protective but friendly breed:

The Ca de Bou is a Molosser-type breed, one of many that also includes Bulldogs and Mastiffs. It's no surprise, then, that the Ca is big and muscular and has a history of fighting. The breed is believed to have originated on Majorca (an island off the coast of Spain, and the reason this dog is sometimes called the Majorca Mastiff), where it was used for bull-baiting in its early days.

It's that type of lineage that makes the Ca such a fabulous guard dog. Dogs of this breed are calm, watchful, and affectionate and loving with their human family members--but if they perceive an unknown sight or sound they'll instinctively investigate, and they're able to neutralize most potential threats with their size and strength alone. It's because of this protective instinct that the Ca must have obedience training and socialization starting as early in puppies' lives as possible. And since the breed can be stubborn, that training will need to include firm, consistent, reward-based methods.

Of course, no Ca de Bou info would be complete without a mention of the dog's pure physical gifts. The Ca is very strong, surprisingly fast, and blessed with plenty of agility and stamina--all of which means the dog will need plenty of physical activity on a daily basis.

The Ca de Bou is very healthy overall, but may suffer health issues including gastric torsion (bloat), hip dysplasia, cancer, and various eye issues. As with any dog, it's recommended that owners ask their breeders for any of the Ca's health screenings--or have a veterinarian do the screenings.

Life expectancy for this breed is 10-12 years.