Majorca Mastiff
mah-YOR-kah MASS-tiff
Spain· Majorca, Balearic Islands
The Majorca Mastiff, or Ca de Bou, is a stocky, black-coated Spanish molosser from the island of Majorca.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
10-12 years
Town or country
Either, with enough exercise
Garden size needed
Medium or larger, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Majorca Mastiff
On the Balearic island of Majorca, farmers bred a solidly built black mastiff, the Ca de Bou, to guard isolated farmsteads and drive stubborn cattle across the dry, rocky countryside. Its bulldog-like build likely reflects historic crossing with English bull-baiting stock brought to the island by traders.
- Region
- Majorca, Balearic Islands
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm Mediterranean island climate
- Original job
- Guarding farms and livestock, driving cattle
The long read
About the breed
Its role guarding property and controlling cattle shaped a powerful, broad-headed dog with a calm confidence and strong protective drive.
Owners find a loyal, watchful companion that is generally good with its own family but wary of strangers, requiring solid training and socialisation from an early age.
Today it works chiefly as a guard and family dog in Spain, with a small international following among molosser enthusiasts.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Majorca Mastiff greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Majorca Mastiff is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Majorca Mastiff's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1700s
Bull-baiting influence
English bulldog-type dogs brought to Majorca by traders were crossed with local mastiffs.
1800s
Farm guardian role
The breed became established as a farm and property guardian across the island.
1946
Near extinction
Numbers fell sharply, and dedicated breeders worked to preserve the type.
1964
Breed standard
A formal standard was established under the Real Sociedad Canina de Espana.
2010s
Renewed popularity
The Ca de Bou saw growing interest both in Spain and internationally.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, muscular body with a broad chest.
- coat
- Short, dense and coarse.
- ears
- Small, rose-shaped or dropping, set high.
- eyes
- Round to oval, dark, well set.
- head
- Large, square head with a pronounced stop.
- size
- Dogs 55-58cm, bitches 52-55cm
- colour
- Black or brindle, sometimes with white markings.
- temperament
- Calm, loyal and protective, reserved with strangers.
- general appearance
- A powerful, medium to large molosser with a broad, brachycephalic head.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Majorca Mastiffs added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Majorca Mastiff
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Majorca Mastiff illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Majorca Mastiff Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Majorca Mastiff illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Majorca Mastiff Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Majorca Mastiff illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Majorca Mastiff Mug
Ceramic mug with the Majorca Mastiff illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Retractable Lead
5m retractable with one-touch brake.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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