Apartment fit
Apartment life is possible only with experienced handling, daily walks, and strict visitor and dog management.
WorkingLarge
Spain
SpainMajorca Mastiff
Weight
66-84 lb
Height
20.5-22.8 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Single Short
The Majorca Mastiff, or Ca de Bou, is a powerful medium-to-large Spanish molosser from Mallorca with a short coat, calm courage, and strong guarding instinct.
Spanish molosser from MallorcaAlso called Ca de BouShort coat in brindle, fawn, or blackCalm and courageous with guarding instinct
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Ca de BouPerro de Presa MallorquinPerro Dogo Mallorquin
CalmCourageousLoyalProtectiveSelf-assuredSteady
Weight
66-84 lb
Height
20.5-22.8 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Coat
Single Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Majorca Mastiff is also known as the Ca de Bou or Perro de Presa Mallorquin. FCI describes it as a strong molosser from Mallorca with a powerful head, short rough coat, and calm, courageous temperament. Its history includes guarding and bull-related work, but modern ownership should focus on stability, control, and responsible management.
This breed's current data often gets distorted by generic mastiff templates. The Ca de Bou is not a giant dog, and its coat is short, not a medium double coat. Standard colors include brindle, fawn, and black, with limited white and black mask permitted.
The Majorca Mastiff suits experienced owners who can socialize early, manage strength, and train calm behavior around visitors and dogs. Ask breeders about hips, elbows, eyes, breathing, skin, temperament, and bloat risk.
Temperament & Personality
CalmCourageousLoyalProtectiveSelf-assuredSteady
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a calm, courageous, loyal companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Single
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Brindle, Fawn, Black
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly3/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs2/5
Good with Strangers2/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A breed chosen for specific lifestyle fit
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- experienced molosser owners
- homes that can manage strength and visitors
- owners willing to socialize early and consistently
- people wanting a calm but serious guardian
Not ideal for
- first-time owners seeking an easy pet
- homes with unmanaged dog interactions
- owners unable to handle a strong dog
- people who want a dog park regular
Common challenges
- guarding behavior
- dog selectivity
- strength on leash
- skin and heat management
- responsible socialization
Barking & behavior
The breed is usually not frantic, but it is watchful and protective. Calm routines and boundaries are essential.
Training style
Train early with rewards and structure. Leash manners, handling, and neutral responses to strangers and dogs are priorities.
Grooming & shedding
Grooming is simple, but skin, nails, ears, and dental care still matter.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Ca de Bou adults need steady daily walks, strength-appropriate play, training, and controlled social exposure. Avoid hard impact while young.
Grooming
The short coat needs brushing or wiping, nail care, dental care, ear checks, and skin-fold checks where needed.
Training
Start early with reward-based training, calm visitor routines, leash control, handling, and dog-neutral behavior. Strength and guarding instinct require responsible management.
Nutrition
Feed measured meals for a muscular molosser and keep body condition lean. Discuss joint health and bloat risk with a veterinarian.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
5/5
Guard dog ability
4/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaBloatSkin fold irritationEye diseaseObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Majorca Mastiff the same as Ca de Bou?
Yes. Majorca Mastiff is an English name for the Ca de Bou or Perro de Presa Mallorquin.
What colors can a Majorca Mastiff be?
FCI lists brindle, fawn, and black, with limited white markings and black mask allowed.
Is the Majorca Mastiff good for first-time owners?
Usually no. Its strength, guarding instinct, and social management needs suit experienced owners.
Does the Majorca Mastiff shed much?
The short coat sheds moderately and is easy to brush.
Is the Majorca Mastiff good with other dogs?
Careful socialization is important. Some are dog-selective, especially without early training.
How much exercise does a Ca de Bou need?
Most need steady daily walks and training rather than extreme endurance exercise.
What health issues should owners ask about?
Ask about hips, elbows, eyes, skin, bloat risk, breathing comfort, and temperament.
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