Majorcan Shepherd Dog (Ca de Bestiar): description of the breed, character

The hero of this article will be the Majorcan Shepherd. It is also called "Ca de Bestiar", or a Majorcan shepherd dog. These beautiful and stately animals are distinguished by their good working qualities and, of course, strength and endurance. At the moment there are two types of this shepherd - short-haired and long-haired. It is worth noting that the Majorca sheepdog with short hair is more popular and is more common than with a long one. Therefore, if you prefer that the dog needs less care, then it is better to take a short-haired sheepdog.

Originally from Castile. History and origin of black shepherds

The Majorcan Shepherd first appeared on the Balearic Islands. The first mention of it dates back to the sixteenth century. It was in that era that dogs brought to these islands from Castile began to live with peasant dogs. Therefore, it became necessary to find a suitable occupation and field for them.

Since the dogs on the island were most often used as a shepherd's assistant in pastures, the main emphasis in breeding was made on the working qualities of the animals being hatched, and not on their appearance. Preferences were given only to dark color, as it is almost invisible in the dark. Regardless of which herd was to be guarded, the Majorcan Shepherd, whose price currently fluctuates within twenty thousand rubles, coped well with her difficult duties. The herd could consist of sheep, pigs, and cows! Everywhere the Majorcan Shepherd was well.

Distribution of rock

After a while, people found other uses for these dogs. Unfortunately, the Majorcan Shepherd was used as a fighting dog. However, later this gambling was forbidden by law. Despite their dark wool, these dogs tolerate high temperatures very well. For this reason, some of the sheepdogs were taken to South Africa. There, animals were used as watchmen on local livestock farms, which had to be guarded, first of all, from attacks of coyotes. Later, thanks to her excellent working qualities, this black sheepdog began to work in the police, helping to catch criminals.

During the war

At home, this breed was once very popular. But during the war in Spain, Ca de Bestiary almost disappeared. However, enthusiasts could by means of long searches of surviving animals restore their already small population.

In 1975, the breeders finally approved the first breed standard. But at the present time these dogs remain quite rare animals. Even on the Balearic Islands themselves, the total number of dogs with a pedigree is very small.

Majorcan Shepherd Dog. Description of the breed

The head of this dog is small. The length of the neck is equal to the length of the skull. The length of the cranial part of the head with the length of the muzzle correlates in the same way. The muzzle of the sheep dog is wedge-shaped and quite strong. The forehead is flat and wide. The disadvantage is too massive head.

Eyes of a medium-sized dog, almond-shaped. The color of the iris can be amber or honey. Eyelids with a pigment of black color should fit snugly against the eyeballs.

The black sheepdog's nose is blunt and straight. Together with the skull, it must form parallel lines. Profile of a neat triangular shape, but the nose of the nose is square. The nostrils are large and open.

The dog's ears are triangular and small. Must be planted high. Despite the fact that for a long time the Majorcan sheepdog was used in battles, her ears do not stop.

Molars should be developed, teeth white and strong. The bite should be a scissor. The lips of this dog are dry and black in color.

The neck should be proportional to the body. Its shape resembles the right cylinder. In addition, the neck of the Majorcan Shepherd must be strong and muscular, and the skin is elastic and dense.

The height at the withers should be equal to the length of the dog's body. The chest cell of the dog comes to the elbows and is distinguished by its good width and depth. The croup in the dog is slightly sloping, sturdy and wide. The musculature of the dog is well developed.

The legs should be long and, of course, strong. The elbows of the animal should be tightly pressed to the body. Paws wide with very flexible fingers. The disadvantage will be considered to be the dewy fingers.

The tail of Ca de Bestiar is straight, thick and long. At the base it is thick and tapers towards the end. Planted low. It can not be cured.

The coat should be smooth, thick and shiny. In short-haired black sheepdogs, its length should not exceed three centimeters and is adjacent to the body. But on the back, its length can be up to seven centimeters. Sometimes the coat can be wavy. In winter, Majorcan sheepdog overgrown. Coat appears even on the dog's ears. However, its quantity and quality largely depends on the climate of the area where the black sheepdog lives.

The most prized of this breed is black color. Small white spots on the neck, as well as the chest and lower part of the paws are also allowed.

Character of the Majorcan Shepherds

Majorcan Shepherd is distinguished by its indefatigability. She is strong in spirit and body. This kind of character will be enjoyed even by a puppy. Majorcan Shepherd was for these qualities was valued not only as a good shepherd dog, but also as a wonderful friend and a great companion.

The Majorcan Shepherd is a wonderful runner, a brave defender of his territory and his home. Very often the dogs of this breed find out their leadership and superiority among other animals. Therefore, the future owner should be ready for that, then his pet will pick up other dogs and even try to fight with them.

Attitude towards your host

With his master and his family, this dog will be very calm, friendly and affectionate. She is very patient and keeps her self-control in critical situations. Majorcan Shepherd is quite independent and, as a rule, chooses one owner for whom she is very attached and remains faithful for the rest of her life. Strangers people Ca de Bestier are received with rather great reluctance. These dogs are very intelligent, easily manageable and obedient. But, like all representatives of such working breeds, the Majorcan Shepherd needs some use of its energy. Idleness for her will be very ruinous. But in any case, the black sheepdog will be a great companion and watchman on your farm and in your house.

How to maintain and maintain

This dog needs a lot of space. For this reason it is necessary to walk with her often and for a long time. The Majorcan Shepherd should run well on the street and splash out some of his ebullient energy. A country house will be an ideal option for keeping dogs of this breed. Majorcan Shepherd well tolerates both frost and heat. They can be kept on the street, in a box, without forgetting, of course, about long walks. Short-haired dogs do not require special care. From time to time they should be combed with a brush. In addition, it is necessary to treat the dog from ticks and worms in time. Compulsory hike to the doctor once a year.

How to bring up a puppy. Helpful Tips

Majorcan shepherd is recommended to start either for office work or for a sports career. For these activities, these powerful and agile dogs have all the possibilities.

As for the upbringing, it is little different from the upbringing of any other service dog . It is necessary to observe discipline right from the puppy's age and show who is in charge at home. In case of problems, it is better to contact a professional.

Feeding the Shepherd

Feed your pet one to three times a day. The amount of feed depends on the age of the dog. In addition, you should not give the animal food from the table, so that it does not develop bad habits. First there must be people, and then their dog. At the same time during a meal, the dog should not stand at the table and beg.

You can feed the animal with both dry and wet food. Always in its bowl should be present pure water. If desired, the Majorcan Shepherd can be transferred to a natural feed (raw or boiled meat, eggs, milk, cottage cheese).

Once a few days a dog can be given boiled bones. Too often this should not be done. Otherwise, the animal may appear constipation.

Dimensions and weight of black sheepdogs

Height at the withers in males is seventy three centimeters, and in bitches sixty-eight centimeters. The average weight of a dog is from thirty-five to forty kilograms.