Noble Majorca shepherds are elegant, fearless and selflessly devoted to their owner. Despite the fact that the main purpose of such an animal is to help protect pets, it’s also an excellent fighter, runner and defender of his home and family.
Origin
The history of the development of the Ca de Bestiary breed began in the 16th century on the Major Islands, where the Spaniards moved with their families and four-legged pets. At that time, dogs performed important work, guarding and overtaking herds of cattle along with shepherds.
A little later, shepherds became indispensable participants in dog fights and successfully participated in this cruel human fun until it was banned. During World War II, the number of animals fell sharply, but was partially restored. It was not possible to completely recreate the population, and this unique breed is still considered rare and small in number.
Breed description
Sheepdogs native to Castile are divided into two types: there are animals with long hair and short-haired individuals. The latter are more common.
Standards common to both varieties:
- perfectly flat back, without deflection;
- developed chest
- strong and slightly elongated torso format with excellent musculature;
- wide leg bones, limbs muscular, large, straight;
- wide paws with moving fingers;
- a head in the form of a triangle when viewed in profile, with a moderately flattened skull;
- the length of the neck matches the length of the skull;
- wide forehead, ears high, with drooping lobes that do not stop;
- long tail, rather thick, low located;
- the skin is elastic, does not form folds and sagging;
- oval eyes have different shades of yellow, most often - honey or amber;
- a blunt nose with a black tip;
- the bite is correct, scissor, lips are black, dry.
The body of the animal is proportional: growth at the withers, which is a maximum of about 73 cm, is equal to the length of the body. Weight can reach from 35 to 40 kg. The length of the coat does not exceed 3 cm in shorthair and 7 cm in long-haired shepherds.
The main color is black, charcoal, the presence of medium-sized white spots on the lower parts of the limbs, on the chest and neck is acceptable, but completely black individuals of a resinous shade are especially valuable.
The disadvantage of the breed is the presence of dewclaws, too large and massive head.
Character
Despite the fact that the dogs of the Mallorca breed are distinguished by good memory, quick wit and easily trained, they can show disobedience, behave waywardly and make their own decisions. By nature these are balanced and friendly animals, choosing for themselves a friend for life. it monogamousloyal to the end of days and unable to recognize another owner.
In home these are calm, affectionate and controlled animals, deprived of aggressiveness, courteous to family members, but with other domestic animals it can be difficult for them to find a common language.
Like other service shepherds, dogs need vigorous activity, they need movement.
Therefore, choosing such a dog, you should think about how it will be possible to use its wonderful working qualities.
Features of care and maintenance
A Majorca Shepherd dog that loves to play and run is suitable for living in a country house or in a private house. The animal easily tolerates any weather and climatic conditions, is not afraid of heat and cold, so you can keep it outdoors, setting up a convenient booth.
The exception may be severe frosts, when the animal can freeze, so it is better to immediately make the kennel heated.
An indispensable condition is long walks with jogging and physical activity. This will help to avoid an unnecessary excess of energy, which the animal can direct to damage property.
Shepherd care includes:
- periodic combing (every 2 weeks), a short-haired pet can be combed with a brush, for a “long hair” it is better to use a furminator, during molting, use a special puller to remove old wool and undercoat;
- after the walk the body of the animal, his paws are wiped with a damp cloth, bathe after severe pollution with warm water and zoo shampoo;
- twice a month should brush the dog’s ears;
- eyes rubbed daily infusion of chamomile, removing secretions and dry crusts;
- once or twice every 30 days you need claw claws with the help of specialized nippers;
- so that keep your teeth clean Shepherd dogs, pets are given appropriate treats or cleaned by hand using tartar paste and plaque.
Must not be forgotten Regular vaccination of the animal against ticks, as well as a number of diseases to which it is exposed, before this, deworming is mandatory.
With regular long physical exercises and a balanced diet, the dog can live as long as possible - up to 15 years.
Mode and diet
For the Spaniards, quality dry food, which includes all the substances and vitamins necessary for their health and energy, is suitable as the optimal menu. The best solution is elite premium food for medium and large dogs.
To choose the right ready-made food, you can consult your veterinarian in advance.
But you can stop on natural food, then the main component should be raw lean meat. You can diversify the diet with boiled eggs, raw and boiled vegetables, cereals, dairy and sour-milk products.
Once a month you can give beef bones in boiled form, and regularly - supplements: calcium, yeast, vitamins. You can’t feed the dog human food, fatty meat, sweets, bread. The shepherd dog is strictly forbidden chicken, tubular, sharp and chipped bones.
Food should be served warm, room temperature, it is also necessary to provide the pet with clean water.
Puppies are fed up to 5 times a day, adults - twice a day.
Parenting issues
It is necessary to take up education from the first days of the appearance of the baby in the house. The owner must keep the dog in strict discipline and immediately teach the necessary commands. If the dog obediently performs tasks, it must be rewarded with a treat. You can start classes from 10-15 minutes a day, and when the animal is six months old, then use special dog training programs for training.
In extreme cases, a professional will always help.
For those who have no experience with serious working dogs, it makes no sense to acquire a Majorca Shepherd. To do this, a strong, strong-willed person who knows the nature of these animals, is able to control them and become their leader. With a weak owner, especially not versed in the maintenance and care of such pets, the dog can become irritable, naughty and even aggressive.
To take a puppy to the house is accepted at the age of 1.5-2 months. When selecting it is better to pay attention not to the appearance of the animal, but to its performance. In addition, it is important to exclude mental problems - the baby should be active and fearless. Also important is the condition of the coat.
Today in Russia there is an opportunity to buy a young dog worth 20 thousand rubles with a good pedigree.
About the features of the breed, see below.
