Alan dog: how the breed looks like, description of its character and nuances of the content

More recently, the Alanian dog, which was in danger of complete extinction, is today a real sensation of the cynological world. The magnificent powerful Molossians were saved by the forces of enthusiasts, their livestock is growing steadily. And although the breed is not yet recognized by the international federation, at the national level it is valued incredibly highly. Gorgeous exterior, excellent physique and impressive working qualities - this is what a characteristic of the Spanish Bulldog looks like.

The modern Alan dog is descended from the ancient Molossians, and has impressive historical roots. It came to Spain around the 5th century AD with the migration of the nomadic Iranian tribes — the Alans, akin to those living in North Ossetia (Alania) today. Nomadic herdsmen brought with them fat herds, and with them the guard dogs, which had impressive dimensions.

For a long time animals were bred here without any particular mention of their origin. And only about 9 centuries later, in the XIV century, Alano began to be included in official documents as excellent hunting dogs with an expressive color.

It is worth noting that Spanish Bulldogs have become the progenitors of many modern breeds. Among their descendants are Cane Corso, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa Inu. During the time of Spanish maritime rule, these dogs served to protect ships, they were willingly bought in ports, used to get offspring all over the world.

In 1816, Francisco de Goya mentioned the fearless dogs involved in the bullfights. In the same historical period, Alano was used as participants in the hunt for large wild boars. But after the herding in Spain reduced its importance, hunting ceased to be the main entertainment of the nobility, their popularity began to decline. The ban on bullfighting with dogs also reduced the scope of use of powerful moloss, who needed energy output.

In 1963, the existence of the Spanish bulldogs was brought to the brink of extinction. But in 1970 a group of enthusiasts appeared, concerned about this state of affairs. Among them were students who studied veterinary medicine, and just amateur canine.

By 2004, the Spanish bulldog was widely distributed throughout the country, even recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture as a radical species characteristic of these lands. In the same year, the local breed standard was adopted - it was approved by the Spanish dog club. FCI has not yet found it necessary to include data on Alano in its list. But these dogs are highly appreciated outside the country - today their livestock is gradually growing not only in Europe, but also in the USA. In addition, on the territory of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Alanya today it is also fashionable to keep the formidable Spanish molossi.

For Alan dogs, a short coat of coat is characteristic, tight to the surface of the body.Among the acceptable color options of the Spanish bulldog are black and tiger, sable-wolf, fawn, pure tiger, yellow and red. In most shades of wool there is a black mask on the face. White markings are rare and should not be large.

Skin tightened, with a slight suspension in the neck. The length of the coat on the body is longer - up to 2.5 cm, on the face and neck - about 1 cm. On the tail, the growth of the guard hair has a cone-shaped orientation.

A detailed description of the Alan dog, compiled by the Spanish Cynological Federation, contains information about its appearance.

1. Body weight from 38 to 45 kg for males, bitches lighter - 33-38 kg, height at withers in the range of 56-65 cm, depending on the gender.
2. The body is athletic, with pronounced musculature. The body is elongated with a straight strong back.
3. The croup is located above the withers, not long, convex, the loin is wide and powerful, the withers are poorly defined.
4. The chest is well defined, deep, located below the elbow line.
5. The belly is tucked up, sunken, with clearly defined sides.
6. Postav tail low, its length reaches the line of the hock, the thickness is uniform along the entire length.
7. Limbs straight, strong, without distortion and deviations, with long forearms. The front elbows are adjacent to the body, the rear has a pronounced long metatarsus, short pasterns. The claws are always dark.
8. The line of the neck is muscular, there is a suspension, well-defined. The length is average.
9. The head is large, rough modeling, with a wide volumetric forehead, the stop to the muzzle is clear, pronounced. The forehead and muzzle are of proportional size, the cheekbones and jaws are well developed. The dividing line of the skull is clearly traced. The front part of the muzzle is shortened, with a slightly upturned nose. The lobe is black, with large nostrils.
10. Lips with pronounced tightened bryly, saturated with black pigmentation.
11. Jaws well developed, with a mighty, wide mouth. The teeth are large, with a predominantly pincer bite or undershot no more than 3 mm.
12. The eyes are medium in size, expressive, with a beautiful slit. The hue varies from rich chestnut to amber yellow.
13. Ears with a wide position, the cartilage is tight to the head, in a natural form hanging. Breeders recommend cupping.

Cryptorchidism is not allowed in males. Significant undershot and scissor-like closing of the jaws is also not suitable. The clarified variant of pigmentation, as well as the blue tint of the iris, is also unacceptable.

Unpretentious moloss from Spain is smart, has a good reaction, is able to act independently, make decisions. The nature of the combat breed Alano was formed in conditions of freedom, which they were given by livestock owners for centuries. Dogs have a balanced temperament, have self-confidence, recognize the leadership of a man above himself. It is recommended to start such animals by experienced dog breeders who are able to gain authority in their eyes.

Alan dog has a need for early socialization - this quality makes it suitable for keeping in the family. Here the pet will be equally kind and attentive to everyone from children to old people.

With those who are considered lower in the hierarchy, animals are kind and indulgent, but they will not be allowed to manage them. To outsiders, Alano is non-aggressive, attacking only when a real threat occurs.

Excellent watchmen and shepherds, the Spanish bulldogs feel comfortable on the farm, surrounded by other animals. For pets, they also are quite friendly, do not show aggression. Alano - quite active dogs, ready to make a master of the company in any business: from traveling and cycling to hunting.

Alan dog has good health, it has no genetic susceptibility to many diseases of moloss. The average life expectancy reaches 14-15 years, while the dog to the last remains active and vigorous. But animals require standard vaccination from most canine infections, protection from parasites. Among the diseases that can reduce the age of alano - dysplasia of the hip joints, inflammation of the middle ear.

The Alan dog is a rather large animal that needs space and freedom of movement. Short hair makes them unsuitable for year-round aviary or street content. Psam recommended walks, a long stay in the fresh air. Optimal conditions for the maintenance is considered to be living on a farm, in a rural area or on a country plot. Room maintenance is not recommended, in the four walls of the dog can spoil the property just out of boredom.

Caring for Alano comes down to the following manipulations:

• pruning claws, they do not grind off naturally due to their hardness;
• combing the coat with a special comb or glove, twice a week is enough;
• bathing, it is necessary occasionally, to maintain a protective cover on the skin, the procedure must be carried out with special means;
• examination of the eyes and ears, removal of dirt from the eyelid cavity and skin.

Consider how to keep puppies of the Alan dog at home. Shorthair kids need their own place with a warm soft litter, located away from drafts. Feeding is done up to 6 times a day in the first months, by the age of six months the number of meals reaches 3-4. A puppy must have access to clean water, get toys. Early socialization of the animal, communication with other dogs will avoid the appearance of malformations.

During the cupping of the ears, the Alano wound requires standard processing, the seams are protected with a special collar. He is worn by a veterinarian. When bathing, short cropped ears are closed with a cotton swab.

It is important to note that the lack of global recognition makes it difficult for the Spanish bulldog to participate in exhibitions and other events. The acquisition of a purebred animal also requires some effort.

Catering to the Spanish bulldog is quite simple - dogs are generally unpretentious in eating. But the owner will have to decide on the choice of feeding options in the infancy of the pet. If you choose a ready-made diet, it is better not to change the brand of dry food throughout the dog's life, varying only the caloric content and type of food. And also the mixing of natural food and crispy delicacy is excluded.

To give preference to high-quality types of food with a predominance of natural meat in the composition. Considered to be optimal products created specifically for large dogs - super premium or holistic. Additional mineral supplements in this case are not required.

The natural diet is made up of high-quality fresh produce. You should not save on food, large moloss requires fresh meat in volumes of at least 300 g per day, you can give a small amount of by-products, ocean fish. As a source of protein, you can use boiled egg, cottage cheese, kefir. Of the cereals, wheat, oatmeal and barley are the most beneficial. Fresh vegetables, apples are useful to an animal, it is possible to give dried fruits as a delicacy.

Dog breeds of Alano are not prone to the development of food allergies, stomach disorders.

Alano - smart dogs, well lend themselves to socialization, training. Animals, unlike other Molossus, are ready to obey the owner, always trying to follow his instructions. But when training should take into account a number of important points. The learning process should not be too fast. Mastering the general course teams is carried out step by step and consistently, with periodic repetition of the past.

The Spanish Bulldog pays great attention to how the owner communicates with him. These dogs demand respect, love praise. Having achieved the location of Alano, you can effortlessly get an obedient, well-managed dog, loyal friend and companion.

In education, special attention should be paid to walks. Alano have a need for movement, they need at least 3-4 hours of exposure to the air per day. If the dogs do not receive the necessary physical exertion, they become aggressive, bullies, spoil the property. In the city, walking should be carried out only on a leash and collar.

In the house, an Alan dog will keep order only if it learns the basic rules of behavior from an early age. It is necessary to start teaching a puppy to all the subtleties of "etiquette" as soon as possible. The rapid growth of the Molossian pretty soon turns the charming baby into a large, clumsy teenager, playful and eager to chew everything around. Only the attention of the owner, constant and patient education will help eliminate the manifestation of destructive behavior.

About the features of the breed, see the next video.