Surely you have heard about Ca-de-Beau dogs. The combination of a charming smile and a mountain of muscles creates a unique impression. Such dogs can be safely called heroes on four legs. Once upon a time, dogs took part in bullfights. They are good guards, bodyguards and even companions. Major Mastiffs (another name for the breed) can be loyal friends, which is why the breed is deservedly popular. Let's talk in more detail about dogs of this breed.
Origin story
Experts say that the history of the breed goes back more than two centuries. The birthplace of Ca-de-Beau is Malta. With the development of shipping in the Mediterranean, an exchange of cultural and other values began between the West and the East. Thanks to commercial relations, the exchange of animals began, including guard and hunting dogs. In those distant times, preference was given to strong and strong dogs with powerful teeth. Mastiffs were considered the best representatives. As soon as Mallorca came under the rule of the United Kingdom, English dog breeds began to appear on the island. Over time, they interbred with local dogs. It is believed that the Ca-de-Bos originated from the bulldogs and Alans who then inhabited the peninsula. Major Mastiffs began to be actively used as watchmen, security guards and fighting dogs. But the most popular animals were for use during bullfights.
References to the breed were found in the Spanish stud book from 1923. But official records about the ca-de-bo appeared only after the Barcelona exhibition of 1928-1929. In the twentieth century, the breed experienced difficult times. There were very few Major Mastiffs left. Therefore, it was soon necessary to revive the breed. English bulldogs were used for this. The breed was officially recognized in 1964. Modern ca-de-bos are not fighting dogs. Their purpose is to serve people faithfully.
Description of the breed
Ka-de-bo are dogs that all people like at first sight. Dogs amaze with their charm. The animals are of impressive size, well-developed muscles, but at the same time have a charming smile. At every opportunity, dogs demonstrate their openness and friendliness. But this is not what made the representatives of the breed so popular. Experts note that the animals combine excellent watchdog characteristics, the ability to adequately assess the situation, and balance. Ca-de-bo dogs know how to behave correctly depending on the situation. They accurately determine who is a friend and who is an enemy.
The breed is known under several names: Major Mastiff, Perro Dogo Mallorquin, Ca-de-Beau. The dogs' homeland is Mallorca. The name of the breed means “bull dog”, which is quite consistent with the appearance of the animals. Dogs are distinguished by their self-confidence. There is no need to talk about courage. It was not for nothing that they took part in the Spanish bullfight. Ca-de-bo dogs provided protection for bullfighters. Therefore, they had to be ready to defend their owner at any moment. An iron grip helped the dogs cope with the bull.
Representatives of the Ca-de-Beau breed do an excellent job as guards and bodyguards. Dogs have excellent reactions. But at the same time, dogs can be wonderful pets. But at the same time, nothing bad can be expected from dogs. They will never harm their household. Dogs are always friendly with all family members. They behave well not only with the owner, but also with the rest of the family, even if there are many of them. Dogs get along well with children.
Character traits
What is the character of the ca-de-bo? The characteristics of the breed will be incomplete if we do not remember the sweet disposition of the dogs. They are very smart. Among all family members, dogs accurately determine the main one. Animals are very devoted to their owner, but at the same time they treat all family members with equal tenderness and care. Dogs are very patient with guests in the house and family friends. If there is currently no owner in the apartment, then a devoted friend will not let strangers into the house.
Major Mastiffs usually do not behave aggressively, unless, of course, there is a reason for it. You can raise a loyal friend if you start raising a puppy from an early age. Walking animals is an important element of education. Without daily walks it is impossible to raise a good dog. If you decide to purchase a representative of the Ca de Beau breed, be prepared for the fact that you will have to regularly arrange trips out of town. After all, the animal needs outdoor games. Communicating with dogs is very simple and easy; they are incredibly smart, quick-witted and do not create difficulties in the training process. The beautiful nature of the Ca de Bou is the main reason why these beauties are so loved by breeders.
Personality of the Major Mastiff
The endurance of the ca de bou is enviable. This is a dog with a very stable psyche, it is difficult to unbalance it. She never fusses, but this does not mean she is phlegmatic. In case of danger, the dog fearlessly protects his family and property, taking a fighting stance in a matter of seconds.
In a family, Ca de Bou does not choose one owner; he loves everyone equally, especially children. He allows them to do whatever they want with him. There is no need to be afraid to leave even a small child in his care - a real ca de bou will never cause harm, on the contrary, he will help himself or call others for help in case of any problems that arise.
Ca de bo will not offend a child
The pet will also be friendly towards family guests, but if there is no one at home, he will not let even a person he knows onto the threshold. It will not be possible to bribe or speak with kind words.
Dogs of this breed adapt well to any changing conditions. Neither moving nor the appearance of a new family member or pet can be a blow to the psyche or health of the Major Mastiff. By the way, these dogs get along well with cats, birds, and rodents, which are not objects of aggression or hunting for them.
During a walk, the Ca de Bou will not pay attention to a cat passing by. There is no need to deliberately incite the pet, the developed aggression will not turn out to be anything good for the owner himself. But these dogs do not need to be taught to guard their territory; for them this is already the highest value, and they will not allow anyone to step on it.
And another feature of the breed is high activity. Ca de bou usually do not suffer from excess weight, although they love to eat. This leaves an imprint on the lifestyle of a family that decides to get a dog of this breed - you need to walk it often and for a long time.
Calm and friendly - this dog transforms in the blink of an eye, turning into a merciless guard
Breed standard
Major Mastiffs have a strong build. Their massive figure is complemented by a large head with a wide muzzle. Due to their developed muscles and overall mass, the dogs appear very large. Although in reality they are not like that. In terms of size, representatives of the breed should be classified as medium-sized dogs. Males reach a height of 55-58 centimeters. Females differ slightly in height - their height is 52-55 cm.
Representatives of different sexes have some differences. But in general the animals are very similar. Speaking about the description of ca-de-bo, it is necessary to remember that dogs can have several types of color: fawn (beige or red), motley (tiger), black.
Types, standards and varieties
By external features, these dogs appear to be strong, massive animals of the molossoid type, with a slightly elongated body, a large head and a wide muzzle .
But it is their overall mass and developed muscles that allow them to seem like such large dogs, although in reality they are not. In principle, in terms of size, they can be classified as medium-sized dogs. Males, as a rule, have a height at the withers of 55-58 cm, and females - 52-55 cm. Depending on the gender, minor differences may be visible in dogs of this breed. However, in general they are very similar, primarily in their coat, which is short and harsh. Within this breed, it is customary to distinguish several types of color:
- motley (brindle);
- deer (red, beige);
- black.
Choosing a puppy
How to choose the right representative of the ca-de-bo? Major Mastiffs are dogs that are not suitable for every owner. Animals have excellent characteristics, but you need to think a hundred times before getting such a pet. You need to evaluate your strengths and abilities, because you will have to regularly care for the animal. Every day you will have to spend a lot of time on grooming and walking. You need to be able to build the right relationship with a large pet. The beautiful character of the Ca-de-Beau usually does not cause any trouble for its owners. But still, at certain moments you will have to show firmness.
You must purchase a puppy from a specialized nursery. But you shouldn’t take dogs at the poultry market. There is a very high probability that you will be deceived. In a decent nursery you will be offered to meet the mother of the future pet. It is also necessary to evaluate the conditions in which the puppy is kept.
Before you start choosing an animal, go to specialized exhibitions. There you can evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of the breed. A lot of interesting information can be obtained from specialized catalogs.
Recommendations for choosing a friend
If you are planning to get a Major Mastiff (photo is given in the article), you must first decide for what purposes you will use it. It’s one thing if you want to see an animal as a friend, a family dog and a pet for the whole family. It is a completely different matter if the dog is to become a good guard. Pay attention to the pet's character. He must be balanced. The health of the puppy also remains an important factor.
The most difficult thing is to choose an animal to participate in exhibitions. In this case, you will need the advice of an experienced expert. He is the one who will help you choose a worthy pet from the small lumps. If you want to get a future champion, you cannot do without the help of a good expert. Only he will help you choose a worthy Major Mastiff.
How to find a like-minded pet without mistakes? Experienced breeders give advice to help you make a choice:
- If the puppy is already 30-40 days old, you can look into the mouth, where all the baby teeth should already be.
- Puppies should have a bump on their head. It is not only a feature of this breed, but also a source of information. You can determine the height of an adult dog by looking at the lump. If the animal promises to be large, then the cone should have an impressive size.
- It is also necessary to pay attention to the correct bite.
- The coat is no less important. It must be clean, without any marks. If the fur lies flat, it means the puppy is absolutely healthy.
- It is very important to evaluate the tail. There should be no creases on it.
- The pet's color meets the standard if white makes up no more than 30% of the entire body surface.
Dog care
The breed is short-haired, so caring for pets is easy. It is important to remember that you will have to brush the coat daily using a rubber brush. This will help keep your dog healthy and well-groomed. According to reviews, Major Mastiffs do not need frequent water treatments. Frequent bathing can negatively affect the fat balance of the skin. If you understand that you cannot do without a water procedure, then you need to use professional products for wire-haired dogs.
The animal's claws will also require care. They need to be trimmed regularly. It is also worth taking care of your eyes and ears. They must be carefully inspected regularly. The ears are cleaned with cotton swabs once every two weeks. If you notice any discharge or an unpleasant odor, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Eye care is carried out using cotton swabs soaked in a special solution.
Owners should carefully monitor the condition of their pets' teeth. If signs of tartar appear, a trip to the vet cannot be avoided. The problem can be prevented by introducing cartilage, chewing bones, and teeth-cleaning toys into the diet. The animal's mouth requires the most attention at an early age, because it is necessary to make sure that the bite is formed correctly.
Care and maintenance
Care and maintenance of a ca-de-bo implies the presence of either a large apartment or a country house - due to the large size of the animal. The minimum necessary for a comfortable stay will be a large warm bed in a well-ventilated but not cold place, a small number of toys, freely available food and water.
The Mastiff does not need to be entertained intensely - its character allows you to leave the animal alone for a long period of time without dire consequences for the home. Only competition animals need grooming, but if the owner wishes, any animal can be groomed by a professional.
How to care for a dog of this breed? Major dogs are not a long-haired breed, so caring for them can be called simple. The coat does not need daily brushing (except during shedding periods). It is recommended to carry out thorough washing no more than twice a month, so as not to wash off the natural protective layer from the hairs.
Claws are trimmed in winter, when the animal does not have the opportunity to grind them off on the asphalt on its own. Due to the pink-like shape of the ears, they should be treated quite often - this will help protect your pet from parasites.
A separate topic is oral care - brushing your teeth should become a weekly ritual, which will prevent the appearance of caries and tartar. Plaque in representatives of this breed occurs quite often due to the structural features of the jaw.
Upbringing
Representatives of the breed have a very developed intelligence. But at the same time, dogs are distinguished by their natural intelligence. Animals do not create problems in the training process. If you want to quickly see the fruits of your labors, you need to start training in the first days of the puppy’s arrival in the house. First, the dogs are taught the simplest commands: “place,” “sit,” “come.”
Adult dogs do not cause trouble for their owners if you notice changes in their behavior in time and react to them correctly. Puppies should be prohibited from doing everything that you would not want to see in an adult pet. If you notice that your child is trying to take a leadership position, you need to immediately stop such antics. Sometimes situations happen that cannot be resolved on your own. In this case, you need to seek help from a professional trainer. A properly raised dog will give you a lot of pleasant moments in communication. This pet will never disappoint you. And for children he will become the best friend.
Education and training
Ca de bou has a desire to dominate in his blood. This becomes especially noticeable in dogs with the onset of puberty. The pet can show persistence and stubbornness even in small things. For example, he may want to take the master's place on the sofa. If the owner accepts this, it will be a small victory for the dog. This should absolutely not be allowed.
From the first steps the puppy takes in the house, he should know that there is only one owner here, and he walks on two legs. If the owner feels that he cannot cope in a psychological confrontation with his pet, he should immediately contact an experienced trainer.
Ca de bo is an attentive and obedient dog when he understands that the main one in their pair is a person
But any ca de bou must undergo a training course, starting from about 6 months of age. Ca de bou are capable students, and combined with high activity, this determines the success of training. During training, it is strictly forbidden to be rude or use physical punishment. But, I must say, this is not required, since the ca de bo strives to please the owner and gladly carries out his orders.
Diet
The key to the health of any dog is its proper nutrition. What type of feeding to choose for your pet is decided by each owner individually. You can use dry food or prefer natural food. Both options are equally good, it all depends on your capabilities. First of all, you need to focus on the taste of your pet. The dog should like the food. But this does not mean that you need to give your dog everything he wants or food from your table. Food must be prepared according to all rules, separately for the pet. If you do not have the opportunity to cook food, choose dry food.
What to feed your pet?
Dogs are fed according to certain patterns, and they differ for adults and puppies.
Puppy
It is especially important to feed your puppy properly in the first year of life. This will determine how he grows up. After all, it is during this period that bones, fur, and olfactory organs are formed. The feeding schedule is standard, but the owner can make adjustments due to external conditions and the needs of the animal itself.
It is recommended to feed puppies on the following schedule:
- up to 2 months – 6 times a day;
- from 2 months the portions are larger, but meals are taken 5 times a day;
- From 4 months they feed 4 times a day. The portions are increased again; from six months they feed 3 times a day;
- from 1 year of age they feed in the morning and evening, but make sure that the dog eats enough.
Overfeeding is also unacceptable. Uneaten food should not be left within the puppy's reach. Only the container with water should remain standing at all times.
Meat and meat products are natural food for puppies. Raw meat can be given once a week, and only absolutely fresh. Pork is not recommended for consumption. Raw sea fish is also introduced once a week. Fish and meat are fed in the form of pieces. Within reasonable limits, bones scalded with boiling water, raw eggs, and milk are given. Dogs should eat raw vegetables and fruits. This keeps your teeth in good condition. Sweets and flour baked goods are contraindicated. To fully replenish the animal’s body with all the necessary minerals and trace elements, fish oil, ground eggshells, white chalk, pharmaceutical sulfur, and brewer’s yeast are introduced. The temperature of the food should be comfortable and should not be hot or ice cold, straight from the freezer.
Adult dog
Practice shows that feeding pets occurs in 3 types:
- concentrated special feeds;
- the dog is specially prepared;
- They are fed with what is left from the master's table.
The first two feeding methods are acceptable. The latter is highly not recommended; the dog will not benefit from it. There are no problems with special feeds; they are all balanced. The owner knows the appetites of his pet and gives him exactly as much as required. A prerequisite for such feeding: fresh water is within reach around the clock.
When feeding at home, the diet is the same as for puppies, but in larger doses. It is advisable to feed adult dogs with thin porridges or thick soups from the products listed above. The preferred grains for dogs are pearl barley and barley. Potatoes are added in moderation.
Diseases
Experts note that representatives of the breed are distinguished by excellent health and immunity. In order for your dog to stay in good shape, you need to pay close attention to physical activity and proper nutrition. Prevention is very important. Dogs need vaccinations and regular deworming. The breed is predisposed to certain ailments: hepatopathy, myositis, hip dysplasia. If an animal has a reduced immune system, then the degree of development of demodicosis is high. In adulthood, dogs can develop cancer. On average, animals live 12-13 years.
Diseases inherent in the breed
In general, Ca de Bou are distinguished by good health and strong immunity. Centuries of natural selection took their toll, when individuals with genetic abnormalities simply could not survive.
But the rush of blood in the English bulldog made itself known by the possible development of hip dysplasia. This is a condition when the articular head occupies an incorrect position in the recess allocated for it. The pathology becomes noticeable with age; in puppies it is not visually detectable. But by the age of one year, a pet with the disease begins to limp, drag its legs, have difficulty getting up after rest, and avoid jumping on heights. If you consult a veterinarian in time, the condition can be corrected; in extreme cases, surgical intervention will be required.
Individuals with pathology should be removed from breeding. Carefully study the pedigree when purchasing a puppy. Information about parents and earlier generations must indicate such a defect if it appeared in the family.
Pets live on average 10–12 years.
Reviews of Ca-de-Beau
Breed characteristics are what influence breeders' choices. Feedback from people who already have dogs is equally important. What do experienced breeders say about representatives of the breed? People note that dogs are distinguished by their kindness and gentle character. They treat children very well. If a child starts to cry, the dog is the first to react and runs to help the baby. The short-haired breed is easy to care for. Dogs are not picky eaters; they happily eat porridge with meat.
Breeders note that they have never encountered signs of aggression in their pets. It is for this reason that people choose Major Mastiffs for their family. After all, breeders primarily see such pets as friends and companions.
The numerous positive qualities of dogs cannot be erased by just one drawback. Dogs need the firm hand of an owner who will take care of them. But this is typical for representatives of all breeds. An animal cannot raise itself.
Reviews
Our family is the happy owner of a Ca de Bou dog. Our pet Argo has been living with us for 4 years now. Despite her small size for a large dog, she feels great in our apartment. This is a very kind animal that always treats children with affection. As soon as a child starts crying, the first one who rushes to his aid is our pet. Argo is very easy to care for with his short coat .
He is not picky about food and enjoys eating porridge with meat. After a walk, you don’t have to force him into the bath to wash his paws off the dirt. We have never seen any signs of aggression from him; our pet is even friendly towards strangers. Katya When I found out about this breed, I didn’t find a single negative review about it, so I decided to get this particular dog. But in order to please our daughter, who dreamed of an Amstafa, we chose a black Ca de Bou, which is a bit reminiscent of an Amstafa . My daughter liked my decision. It’s already been 5 months since this girl has been living in our apartment, and my daughter already treats her differently. If we want to get another dog, it will definitely be a Kadeboshka. Dami has become a new member of our family whom we love very much. This is an excellent option for an apartment, because it is small in size, very obedient and incredibly loyal.
Lisa
This dog came to us recently - only 2 months ago. We took him in as an adult puppy, when he was 6 months old, but we still found a common language with him. I would like to express special gratitude to the breeder who taught him the basic commands. But we continue to train him ourselves. We are literally amazed at how quickly she picks things up. She especially likes to play. We often go somewhere with her to play ball and try to catch up with each other. At such moments the dog looks especially happy , it seems that a smile appears on his face. At the same time, it is an excellent guard. He reacts perfectly to any person who walks along the entrance and emits a menacing growl. However, a couple of moments pass, and she again becomes a calm and good-natured dog.
Leonid
Instead of an afterword
If you are not familiar with the Ca de Beau breed, you may be intimidated by the impressive size of its representatives. Meanwhile, these animals are distinguished by their peaceful and friendly character. Behind the formidable appearance there is usually a good-natured creature hidden. But at the same time, dogs can show their best guard qualities at any time. Representatives of the breed have the most excellent characteristics. And yet, when purchasing a puppy, you need to take its upbringing with full responsibility. Only proper care and regular physical activity will help raise an affectionate and healthy friend.
