Alano Español
Also called Spanish Alano, Spanish Alaunt, Spanish Bulldog
From Spain. Modern breeding stock was found mainly in the mountains of the Basque Country and neighbouring areas such as Las Encartaciones and Valle de Mena.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
English Wikipedia gives males 30-40 kg and females 25-35 kg; Spanish Wikipedia gives males 35-40 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, thick coat
A strong, athletic molosser-type dog with a large, square head and a short muzzle. The coat is short, dense and slightly coarse rather than silky, and the face often carries a dark mask.12
Personality what they are like
A composed, noble dog that stays quiet and confident around the home and is deeply attached to its owner and family. It barks rarely and tends to be reserved with people it does not know. Its pack-hunting background makes it generally sociable with other dogs.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A capable working and hunting dog, it benefits from regular vigorous exercise and a job to do.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to care for with occasional brushing.1
Company who they like around
Strongly family-oriented and typically comfortable with other dogs thanks to its history of working in packs.12
The story where it all began
The Alano is thought to descend from dogs linked to the Alans, a nomadic people who reached Iberia in the 5th century, and Spanish hunting texts mention it from the 14th century. For centuries it worked with cattle and hunted big game such as boar and deer, and it travelled with Spanish expeditions to the Americas. After nearly vanishing in the 20th century, enthusiasts rebuilt the breed from the 1980s using surviving dogs from northern Spain.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Alanos appear in Francisco de Goya's 1816 print series La Tauromaquia.1
- 2
Velázquez painted Alano-type dogs in La Tela Real, now in the National Gallery in London.2
- 3
Two dogs of this type, Becerrillo and Leoncico, became famous companions of early Spanish explorers in the Americas.2
- 4
The breed is naturally a quiet dog that seldom barks.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE) / Spanish government
- Recognised as a Spanish breed in 2004.1
- FCI
- Not recognised by the FCI.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Alano Español. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Alano Español, and at what times?
Feed your adult Alano Español at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.3
What should an Alano Español eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality commercial dog food suited to their age and activity level is a great choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.4
How often should I bathe an Alano Español?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their short coat clean and healthy.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Alano Español need brushing?
Brush your Alano Español weekly to remove loose hair and keep their short coat looking neat. Furry Diary's starting plan is a weekly brushing session, which is simple and quick.5 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Alano Español's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Furry Diary's plan suggests this frequency, and your vet can show you the technique.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an Alano Español need?
This active breed thrives on daily vigorous exercise and a job to do, such as running or training. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.21 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Alano Español's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth at least two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and daily is ideal. Check their ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does an Alano Español live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for typical expectations for your dog. Good care and regular vet checkups help them live a long, happy life.
Is an Alano Español good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are deeply attached to their family and generally sociable with other dogs thanks to their pack-hunting background. Early socialisation helps them get along well with children and other pets.21
Can an Alano Español be left alone?
They are calm at home but very attached to their owner, so long periods alone may cause stress. Provide toys and a comfortable space, and gradually get them used to short absences.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Alano Español en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, history (secondary)
- Wikipedia (Spanish): Alano español es.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, recovery regions, art and historical facts (secondary)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.