Majorca Shepherd Dog

The Ca de Bestiar is Mallorca's black shepherd dog, and it guards as much as it herds.

History

It has worked Mallorcan farms for centuries, moving sheep and cattle and guarding the property afterwards — a double role that shows in a dog more serious than most herders. Spanish and Balearic registries recognise it, and it remains largely an island breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, self-possessed and strongly territorial, devoted to its own household and markedly reserved with strangers.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and work, secure boundaries and early socialising. The short black coat suits Mallorcan heat and needs little.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.