Ca de Bestiar

Ca de Bestiar: The black sheepdog of Mallorca

The history of the Ca de Bestiar

The Ca de Bestiar, also known as the Mallorcan shepherd dog, has its roots in the Balearic Islands. It was originally used as a herding and guard dog. Its job was to guard and protect livestock, which explains its strong protective instincts and loyalty to its family. The breed has existed for centuries and has hardly changed over time, which is testament to its robustness and adaptability.

Who is the Ca de Bestiar suitable for?

The Ca de Bestiar is ideal for people who lead an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors. Its protective instincts and vigilance make it particularly suitable for families with land or a house. It is less suitable for city life as it needs a lot of space and exercise. Beginners should inform themselves well, as the Ca de Bestiar requires consistent training.

Character and temperament

This dog breed is known for its loyalty and protective instinct. The Ca de Bestiar is intelligent, courageous and has an even temperament. It is alert and attentive, which makes it an excellent watchdog. Despite his alertness, he is friendly and affectionate towards his family. He generally gets along well with children as long as he has been well socialized.

Appearance of the Ca de Bestiar

The Ca de Bestiar is a strong, muscular dog with an imposing appearance. Its coat color is mostly black, although there are also dark brown specimens. The coat is short, dense and weather-resistant, which helps it to adapt to different climatic conditions. It has a proud posture and a watchful expression in its eyes.

Care and health

The coat of the Ca de Bestiar is relatively easy to care for. Regular brushing is sufficient to keep it clean and healthy. As the breed is not prone to excessive shedding, it is also suitable for allergy sufferers. In terms of health, the Ca de Bestiar is considered robust, but as with all breeds, there are some health problems to watch out for, such as hip dysplasia and certain heart problems. Regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet are important to ensure the dog's health.

Size and weight

An adult Ca de Bestiar reaches a shoulder height of around 58 to 73 cm and weighs between 35 and 40 kg. Females are usually somewhat smaller and lighter than males.

Exercise requirements and habitat

The Ca de Bestiar needs plenty of exercise and mental exercise. Daily walks, games and tasks that challenge their intelligence are a must. Due to its high energy level and size, it is less suitable for living in a small apartment. A house with a garden would be ideal so that he can get enough exercise.

Training and education

This dog breed requires consistent but loving training. The Ca de Bestiar is intelligent and learns quickly, but its strong will requires an experienced hand. Positive reinforcement and patience are the key to a well-behaved dog. Early socialization is important to ensure he gets along well with other dogs and people.

Grooming tips in detail

Regular brushing keeps the coat clean and shiny. It is important to check and clean the ears regularly to prevent infections. Teeth should also be brushed regularly to prevent dental problems. Claws should be trimmed when necessary, especially if the dog walks mainly on soft ground.

Behavior and interaction

The Ca de Bestiar is a friendly and outgoing dog if it has been well socialized. It generally gets along well with children and other pets, although its size and energy should be monitored to avoid unintentional accidents. He is alert and protective of his family, making him an excellent watchdog.

Recognition by the FCI

The Ca de Bestiar is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 1 (herding and driving dogs).