At a glance the quick version
FCI standard figures.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, rough
A short coat that feels harsh to the touch over a strong, slightly longer-than-tall body, topped by a broad head and powerful jaws.12
Personality what they are like
Generally quiet and relaxed, but brave when it matters. It is strongly attached to its owners, and generations of show breeding have made it biddable and affectionate while keeping its alertness.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily walks and play to keep its muscular body in shape.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only occasional brushing.1
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family and does best living as part of the household.1
The story where it all began
Its ancestors were Iberian mastiffs that reached the Balearic Islands in the 13th century, later mixed with dogs brought by British forces in the 1700s. Its name means 'bull dog' in Catalan. The breed became scarce in the 20th century until Spanish enthusiasts revived it through dog shows, and it was first shown in Barcelona in 1929.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 249 (Majorca Mastiff), Group 2 Section 2.1 Molossian, Mastiff type; standard dated 13.06.1997; definitively accepted 1963.1
- Real Sociedad Canina de España
- Recognised; first standard 1932 (official recognition 1928 per FCI history). Listed as a vulnerable Spanish breed.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ca de Bou. 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 8every year
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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.
- FCI Standard No. 249 Majorca Mastiff (Perro Dogo Mallorquín / Ca de Bou) fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Ca de Bou - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, lifespan, history, revival, temperament
- RSCE Ca de Bou standard (English) rsce.esused for national recognition (cited via Wikipedia)
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.