Noble Majorcan shepherds are elegant, fearless and selflessly devoted to their master. Despite the fact that the main purpose of such an animal is to help protect pets, it’s also A great fighter, runner and defender of his home and family.
Origin
The history of the development of the "Ca de Bestiar" began in the XVI century on the Major Islands, where the Spaniards moved with their families and four-legged pets. At that time, dogs performed important work, guarding and driving cattle herds along with the shepherds.
A little later, shepherd dogs became indispensable participants in dog fighting and successfully participated in this cruel human fun, until it was banned. During World War II, the number of animals dropped sharply, but was partially restored. It was not possible to completely recreate the population, and this unique breed is still considered to be rare and small.
Breed description
Sheep-dogs from Castile are divided into two types: there are animals with long hair and short-haired individuals. More common last.
Standards common to both varieties:
- flawlessly flat back, without deflection;
- developed chest;
- strong and slightly elongated body format with excellent muscles;
- broad bones of legs, limbs muscular, large, straight;
- wide paws with movable toes;
- head in the form of a triangle when viewed in profile, with a moderately flattened skull;
- the length of the neck coincides with the length of the skull;
- broad forehead, ears high, with dangling lobes that do not stop;
- long tail, rather thick, low lying;
- the skin is elastic, does not form folds and sags;
- oval eyes have different shades of yellow, most often honey or amber;
- nose is blunt, with a black tip;
- bite regular, scissor, lips black, dry.
The body of an animal is different in proportion: the height at the withers, which is at most about 73 cm, is equal to the length of the body. Weight can reach from 35 to 40 kg. The length of the coat does not exceed 3 cm for shorthair and 7 cm for long-haired sheep-dogs.
The main color is black, coal, the presence of medium-sized white spots on the lower parts of the extremities, on the chest and neck is permissible, but completely black individuals of the resin shade are especially valuable.
The lack of breeds are the presence of profitable fingers, too large and massive head.
Character
Despite the fact that dogs of Majorcan breed are distinguished by good memory, ingenuity and easy to learn, they can show disobedience, behave capriciously and make their own decisions. By nature these are balanced and friendly animals who choose for themselves a friend for life. it Monogamous, remaining loyal to the end of days and unable to recognize another host.
In the House they are calm, affectionate and controlled animals, devoid of aggressiveness, courteous to family members, but with other pets it can be difficult for them to find a common language.
Like other service shepherds, dogs need to be active, they need movement.
Therefore, choosing such a dog, you should think about how you can use its excellent working qualities.
Features of maintenance and care
A Majorcan Shepherd Dog who loves to play and run will be suitable for living in a country house or in a private house.The animal easily tolerates any weather and climatic conditions, is not afraid of heat and cold, so you can keep it outside by installing a comfortable booth.
An exception can be severe frosts, when the animal can freeze, so it is better to immediately make the kennel heated.
An indispensable condition - long walks with runs and physical activities. This will help to avoid an unnecessary excess of energy that the animal can send to damage property.
Shepherd dog care includes:
- periodic combing (once every 2 weeks), a short-haired pet can be brushed with a brush, for the “long-hair person” it is better to use a furminator, during shedding use a special skimmer to remove old wool and undercoat;
- after walking the body of the animal, his paws wipe with a damp cloth, bathe after heavy pollution with warm water and zoo shampoo;
- twice a month should brush the dog's ears;
- eyes rubbed daily extract of chamomile, removing secretions and dry crusts;
- once or twice in 30 days need cut the claws with the help of specialized nippers;
- to keep your teeth clean Sheepdogs, pet give appropriate treats or cleaned by hand with a paste from tartar and plaque.
Must not forget about regular vaccination of the animal against ticks, as well as a number of diseases to which it is exposed, prior to this, de-worming is mandatory.
With regular long physical activities and a balanced diet, a dog can live as long as possible - up to 15 years.
Mode and diet
For the Spaniards, high-quality dry foods that include all the substances necessary for their health and energy and vitamins are suitable as the optimal menu. The best solution is premium luxury food for medium and large dogs.
To choose a suitable ready-made feed, you can consult with a veterinarian in advance.
But you can stay on natural food, then the main component should be raw lean meat. You can diversify the diet with boiled eggs, vegetables, raw and boiled, porridges, dairy and dairy products.
Once a month, you can give beef bones in boiled form, and regularly - supplements: calcium, yeast, vitamins. You can not feed the dog with human food, fatty meat, sweets, bread. Sheepdog is strictly prohibited chicken, tubular, sharp and chipped bones.
Food should be served warm, room temperature, it is also necessary to provide the pet with clean water.
Puppies are fed up to 5 times a day, adults - twice a day.
Education Issues
To be engaged in education is necessary from the first days of the appearance of the baby in the house. The owner must keep the dog in strict discipline and immediately teach the necessary commands. If the dog obediently performs tasks, it must be rewarded with a delicacy. You can start classes from 10–15 minutes a day, and when the animal is six months old, you can use special canine programs for training.
In extreme cases, this will always help a professional.
For those who do not have experience with serious working dogs, it does not make sense to acquire a Majorcan shepherd dog. For this, a strong, strong-willed person who knows the nature of these animals, who is able to cope with them and become their leader, is suitable. With a weak owner, especially not versed in the maintenance and care of such pets, the dog can become irritable, disobedient and even aggressive.
It is customary to take a puppy into the house at the age of 1.5-2 months When selecting, it is better to pay attention to the appearance of the animal, and its performance. In addition, it is important to eliminate mental problems - the baby must be active and fearless. Also important is the condition of the coat.
Today in Russia there is an opportunity to buy a young dog worth 20 thousand rubles with a good pedigree.
About the features of the breed, see below.
