Majorca Shepherd Dog

This breed received its initial distribution in the Balearic Islands . Its initial appearance dates from the 16th – 17th centuries. Initially, they were used as shepherd dogs, and they coped well with both sheep and pigs , and cows . In the time of the existing fashion for dog fighting, this breed was used as a fighting one. Subsequently, these dogs began to play the role of guard.

Excerpts from the breed standard ^[1] :

• Main proportions : The length of the body is equal to the height of the withers . The length of the muzzle is equal to the length of the cranial part of the head. The length of the skull is equal to the length of the neck.
• The character is calm, seasoned. Typically, this dog is one owner, it is very difficult to get used to another person. The dog is very smart, obedient, affectionate, far from shy, but well-managed.
• The head has a triangular profile, wide enough in the forehead . The back of the nose is parallel to the line of the skull. The width of the muzzle is equal to the width of the skull. A massive head is a flaw.
• The muzzle is strong, wide with a wedge-shaped shape. The back of the nose is straight.
• The nose is dull. The nose is square in shape. The nostrils are large, open.
• The lips are black, dry.
• The teeth are large, strong white. Scissor bite. The molars are developed.
• The eyes are almond-shaped, medium. Rosemary honey color.
• Eyelids are black, tight-fitting to the eyeballs.
• Ears set high, small, triangular in shape. Ears do not stop.
• The neck is strong and muscular. Proportional to body and head. The section is round. The skin is firm and supple.
• The chest is wide and deep to the level of the elbows. Forbrust is moderately developed.
• The croup is slightly sloping, wide, strong and well muscled.
• The tail is low set, thick at the base, long, straight. The tail is not docked.
• The forelimbs are strong and large-boned. The length of the forearm and wrist is approximately equal to the length of the back. The elbows are pressed to the body, not twisted and not tucked under the body. The forearms are strong, perpendicular to the support. Metacarpus short and slightly sloping. Feet look like hare, but shorter and wider. Fingers are flexible and strong. The claws are dark. Dewclaws should be removed.
• The hind limbs are muscular and strong. The hock is open. The hips are well muscled, embossed. The legs are long and muscular. The hocks are well formed. The paws, like the front, are similar to hare, but somewhat wider.
• The skin is elastic, without folds.
• Coat short and snug. The length of the outer hair is from 1.5 to 3 cm. In the lumbar region, the coat is slightly longer (up to 7 cm) and may be slightly wavy. Overgrowth depends on the season and natural conditions of the area. In winter, the hair grows not only on the body and limbs, but also on the ears.
• Color : Only black color is allowed. There may be a slight white spot on the chest. In addition, white spots are acceptable on the neck, lower limbs and legs. However, pure black is most appreciated.
• Height and body weight ^[2] :
  • Height at the withers of males from 66 to 73 cm, females 62–68 cm
  • Weight: 35-40 kg.