Alan dog: what the breed looks like, description of its character and nuances of content

Until recently, the Alan dog, which was in danger of complete extinction, today is a real sensation of the canine world. Magnificent powerful Molossians were saved by enthusiastic forces; their livestock is growing steadily. And although the breed has not yet been recognized by the international federation, at the national level it is valued incredibly highly. A magnificent exterior, excellent physique and impressive working qualities - this is what the characteristic of the Spanish bulldog looks like.

The modern Alanian dog originates from the ancient Molossians, and has impressive historical roots. It came to Spain approximately in the 5th century AD with the migration of nomadic Iranian tribes - Alans, related to those who live today in North Ossetia (Alania). The nomadic herders brought fat herds with them, and with them the guard dogs, which were of impressive size.

For a long time, animals were bred here without any particular mention of their origin. And only about 9 centuries later, in the XIV century, Alano began to be included in official documents as excellent hunting dogs with an expressive color.

It is worth noting that Spanish Bulldogs became the progenitors of many modern breeds. Among their descendants are Cane Corso, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa Inu. During the time of the Spanish naval rule, these dogs served to protect the ships, they were willingly bought in ports, used to obtain offspring around the world.

In 1816, the fearless dogs involved in bullfights were also mentioned by Francisco de Goya. In the same historical period, Alano were used as participants in the hunt for large wild boars. But after cattle breeding in Spain reduced its importance, hunting ceased to be the main entertainment of the nobility, their popularity began to decline. The ban on bullfighting with the participation of dogs also reduced the scope of application of powerful molosses who needed energy output.

In 1963, the existence of Spanish bulldogs was brought to the brink of extinction. But in 1970, a group of enthusiasts appeared, concerned about this state of affairs. Among them were students who studied veterinary medicine, and just amateur dog handlers.

By 2004, the Spanish bulldog was significantly spread throughout the country, it was even recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture as an indigenous species characteristic of these lands. In the same year, the local breed standard was adopted - it was approved by the Spanish Kennel Club. FCI has not yet considered it necessary to add data about Alano to its list. But these dogs were highly appreciated outside the country - today their number is gradually growing not only in Europe but also in the USA. In addition, it is also fashionable to keep formidable Spanish Molossians in the territory of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Alanya today.

Alan dogs are characterized by a short coat, which is tight to the surface of the body. Among the acceptable color options for the Spanish bulldog are black and tiger, sable-wolf, fawn, pure tiger, yellow and red. In most shades of wool there is a black mask on the face. White marks are rare, should not be large.

Skin tightened, with a slight suspension in the neck. On the body, the length of the coat is longer - up to 2.5 cm, on the muzzle and neck - about 1 cm. On the tail, the growth of the remaining hair has a conical direction.

A detailed description of the Alanian dog, compiled by the Spanish Cynological Federation, contains information about its appearance.

1. Body weight from 38 to 45 kg for males, females lighter - 33-38 kg, height at the withers in the range of 56-65 cm, depending on gender.
2. The physique is athletic, with strong muscles. The body is elongated with a straight strong back.
3. The croup is located above the withers, short, convex, the loin is wide and powerful, the withers are weakly expressed.
4. The chest is clearly defined, deep, located below the line of the elbow.
5. The abdomen is taut, sunken, with clearly defined sides.
6. The tail is set low, its length reaches the line of the hock joint, and the thickness is uniform along the entire length.
7. The limbs are straight, strong, without distortion and deviation, with long forearms. The front elbows are adjacent to the body, the rear has a long metatarsus, short metacarpus. The claws are always dark.
8. The neckline is muscular, there is a suspension, well defined. The length is average.
9. The head is large, rough modeling, with a wide voluminous forehead, the feet to the muzzle are clear, pronounced. Forehead and muzzle are proportional, cheekbones and jaws are well developed. The dividing line of the skull is clearly drawn. The front of the muzzle is shortened, with a slightly upturned nose. The lobe is black, with large nostrils.
10. Lips with pronounced taut brylya, saturated black pigmentation.
11. The jaws are well developed, with a powerful, wide mouth. The teeth are large, with a predominantly tick-shaped bite or snack no more than 3 mm.
12. Eyes of medium size, expressive, with a beautiful cut. Hue ranges from deep chestnut to amber yellow.
13. Ears with a wide set, the cartilage fits snugly to the head, naturally hanging. Breeders recommend stopping.

Cryptorchidism in dogs is not allowed. Significant undershot and scissor closure of the jaws is also not suitable. The clarified version of pigmentation, as well as the blue tint of the iris, is also unacceptable.

Unpretentious molossian from Spain is smart, has a good reaction, is able to act independently, make decisions. The nature of the Alano war breed was formed in the conditions of freedom that livestock owners gave them over the centuries. Dogs are distinguished by a balanced disposition, have confidence in themselves, recognize human leadership over themselves. It is recommended to get such animals to experienced dog breeders, who are able to gain authority in their eyes.

The Alanian dog has needs for early socialization - this quality makes it suitable for keeping in the family. Here, the pet will be equally kind and attentive to everyone from children to the elderly.

With those who are considered lower in the hierarchy, animals are kind and condescending, but they will not be allowed to control them. To outsiders, the Alano are non-aggressive, they attack only when a real threat arises.

Excellent watchmen and shepherds, Spanish bulldogs feel comfortable on the farm, surrounded by other animals. They also treat pets very kindly, do not show aggression. Alano - quite active dogs, ready to keep the owner company in any business: from traveling and cycling to hunting.

The Alanian dog is in good health, it does not have a genetic predisposition to many diseases of Molossians. The average life expectancy reaches 14-15 years, while the dog until the last remains active and peppy. But animals need standard vaccination against most canine infections, protection against parasites. Among the diseases that can shorten the age of Alano - hip dysplasia, inflammation of the middle ear.

The Alanian dog is a rather large animal, requiring space, freedom of movement. Short hair makes them unsuitable for year-round aviary or street maintenance. Dogs are recommended walking, a long stay in the fresh air. The optimal conditions for maintenance are living on a farm, in the countryside or on a suburban area. Housing is not recommended, in four walls the dog can spoil the property simply out of boredom.

Caring for Alano comes down to the following manipulations:

• clipping of claws, in a natural way they do not grind due to their hardness;
• combing the coat with a special comb or glove, enough twice a week;
• bathing, it is necessary occasionally, in order to maintain a protective cover on the skin, the procedure must be carried out by special means;
• examination of the eyes and ears, removal of contaminants from the cavity of the eyelids and from the skin.

Consider how to keep Alan dog puppies at home. Shorthair babies need their own place with a warm soft litter, located away from drafts. Feeding is carried out up to 6 times a day in the first months, by the age of six months the number of meals reaches 3-4. A puppy must have access to clean water, receive toys. Early socialization of the animal, communication with other dogs will avoid the appearance of malformations.

During the stopping of the ears, the Alano wound requires standard processing, the seams are protected using a special collar. He is put on by a veterinarian.When swimming, short-cut ears are covered with cotton swabs.

It is important to take into account that the lack of world recognition significantly complicates the participation of the Spanish Bulldog in exhibitions and other events. The acquisition of a purebred animal also requires some effort.

The catering of the Spanish Bulldog is quite simple - dogs are generally unpretentious in food. But the owner will have to decide on the choice of feeding option even in the infancy of the pet. If you choose a ready-made diet, it is better not to change the brand of dry food throughout the life of the dog, varying only the calorie content and type of food. It also excludes the mixing of natural food and crunchy goodies.

It is worth giving preference to quality types of feed with a predominance of natural meat in the composition. Optimum products are those created specifically for large dogs - super-premium or holistic. Additional mineral additives in this case are not required.

The natural diet is made up of quality fresh products. You should not save on food, large molosses need fresh meat in volumes of at least 300 g per day, you can give a small amount of offal, ocean fish. As a source of protein, you can use a boiled egg, cottage cheese, kefir. Of the cereals, wheat, oat, and barley are the most beneficial. Fresh vegetables and apples are useful for the animal; dried fruits can be given as treats.

Alano dogs are not prone to the development of food allergies, indigestion.

Alano - smart dogs, amenable to socialization, training. Animals, unlike other molosses, are ready to obey the owner, always try to follow his instructions. But when training it is worth considering a number of important points. The learning process should not be forced too much. Mastering the general course teams is carried out step by step and sequentially, with a periodic repetition of the past.

The Spanish Bulldog pays great attention to how the owner communicates with him. These dogs require respect, love praise. Having achieved the location of Alano, you can get an obedient, well-managed dog, a true friend and companion without unnecessary efforts.

In education, special attention should be paid to walking. Alano have a need for movement, they need at least 3-4 hours of air exposure per day. If the dogs do not receive the necessary physical exertion, they become aggressive, bullies, spoil the property. In the urban area, walking should be carried out only on a leash and in a collar.

In the house, the Alanian dog will keep order only if he learns the basic rules of behavior from an early age. It is necessary to start accustoming the puppy to all the intricacies of etiquette as early as possible. The rapid growth of molossians pretty soon turns a charming baby into a big clumsy teenager, playful and eager to chew everything around. Only the owner’s attention, constant and patient education will help to eliminate the manifestation of destructive behavior.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.