Ka-de-bo

History of the ka-de-bo breed

The history of the origin of the Spanish Molossians dates back to the first half of the XIII century, when the Aragonese King Jaime I the Conqueror defeated the Almohad Moors. They were forced to liberate the Balearic Archipelago – a huge territory that included fifteen islands (four large and eleven small in size). On the largest piece of land, the Kingdom of Mallorca (Majorca) was founded, which became an Aragonese vassal. According to the generally accepted theory, it was here that the first ancestors of the ca de bo appeared - Molossian dogs brought by the Aragonese, and later by residents of other states.

The possible progenitors of the breed include Spanish mastiffs and bulldogs, bordeaux great dane , Pyrenean mastiffs and English bulldogs . Among the potential ancestors of the Molossians, mastiffs brought to the Balearics by the army of Jaime I are also mentioned. Uncontrolled mating has led to the emergence of new dogs of the guard-fighting type. They were named ka-de-bestiar. Dog handlers often compare this name with the word "beast" (rogue, rascal), but such a judgment is erroneous. Translated from Catalan, "ca de bestiar" means "a dog that drives cattle".

In addition to the main function, the animals successfully coped with the protection of port warehouses and residential premises. The physical qualities of these dogs were highly valued by local aristocrats, who used Molossians to hunt wild boars, bears and other big game. Despite the fact that the dogs differed in size from each other and hardly stood out in one breed, their popularity did not decrease. At the beginning of the XVIII century, it acquired a more cruel meaning.

The Treaty of Utrecht, signed in 1713, put an end to a major European conflict – the War of the Spanish Succession. The Balearic Islands became a colony of Great Britain. The British "shared" leisure ideas with the locals. Then he was famous for cruelty and implied participation in an underground sweepstakes during dogfights and bullying of large animals. The inhabitants of Majorca adopted the bloody experience of the British, and by the end of the XVIII century, cruel performances had grown into a fanatical love of bullfighting.

Unlike the modern show, which consists in the battle of a bullfighter and a bull, the original version was very dangerous and therefore revered by the Spaniards. So, an unarmed man accompanied by a dog entered the arena to an angry animal, from which one thing was required – to protect the owner at the cost of his own life. The Mallorcan Molossi turned out to be unsuitable for bloody entertainment. They died from wounds in the first minutes of the bullfight or inflicted severe injuries on the bull, making the show less spectacular. So there was a need to breed dogs for bullying.

Old English bulldogs would have become ideal participants in bloody performances, if not for their embittered and uncontrollable nature. To create a balanced breed, the Spaniards crossed bulldogs with ca de bestiar dogs. The result of the breeding were animals that closely resembled modern Mallorcan Molossi. They were used as four–legged gladiators until the middle of the XX century (first in bull baiting, and after its prohibition in 1883 - and in dogfights).

The first representatives of the breed were subjected to cruel selection. During problematic childbirth, bitches most often died without receiving help from the owner. Weakened puppies were not nursed, and strong and healthy ones were not protected from viral diseases in any way. The Spaniards did not bother with raising pets either: this task was completely assigned to the bitch, who instilled socialization skills in the puppies. Aggressive or cowardly dogs were destroyed; Molossians who were severely injured in battles were not left alive.

Such a radical approach led to natural consequences. On the one hand, modern representatives of the breed are famous for their good health, remarkable strength and calm character: the gene pool has lost negative qualities over time. On the other hand, the irresponsibility and careless attitude of the Spaniards towards dogs jeopardized their continued existence. So, by the beginning of the XX century, the number of pickling molossians was limited to several dozen.

In addition to fighting pits, animals were still used in a few cattle farms. The versatility of dogs was the main reason why Spanish breeders thought about increasing their numbers. The breeding program, as before, provided for the mating of ka-de-bestiar (mainly tiger color) and Old English bulldogs. This time the breeders paid attention to the exterior of the animals. The small size indicated the dominance of the genes of the "Englishmen", and the impressive dimensions indicated a close relationship with the Molossian shepherds.

Suitable material for breeding were medium-sized specimens, which were quite rare. Despite this, breeding work brought worthy fruits: in 1923, the Mallorcan Molossians were entered into the register of the Breeding Book of Spain as ca de bo. The name of the breed appeared at the beginning of the century, when the president of the Bordeaux dogs club spoke of animals as rather promising participants in bullying. In 1929, a representative of a new breed appeared for the first time at an exhibition in Barcelona.

A year after the end of World War II, the ca-de-bo standard was developed, but the registration of Mallorcan dogs by the FCI organization took place only in 1964. Firstly, Balearic breeders were still interested in the physical data of Molossians, so animals with full compliance with the standard were quite rare. Secondly, in the XX century, other breeds were at the peak of popularity: German Shepherd and Great Dane, as well as Rottweiler. Dog breeders showed interest in the ca-de-bo after the 80s. At the same time, most of the fans of the Mallorcan Moloss lived in Poland and Russia: so, in Moscow by 1990, more than 2 thousand ka-de-bo were registered.

In other European countries – Sweden, Finland, Denmark – breeders of these dogs were much less common. In the USA and Canada, the popularity of Molossians was negligible. A similar situation is observed now: ca-de-bo are found mainly in Europe (least of all in its western part).

Video: Ka-de-bo

The standard of the ka-de-bo breed

Being a medium-sized breed, the ka-de-bo are notable for their strong physique and slightly elongated body format. Dogs impress with their mobility and plasticity – especially those who see the Mallorcan Molossi for the first time.

The height at the withers and the weight of the animal are fixed by the FCI standard. The growth of males and females reaches 55-58 cm and 52-55 cm, respectively. The difference between male and female individuals is also noticeable in weight: 35-38 kg and 30-34 kg. Sexual dimorphism can be traced not only in the size of the animal: the head circumference of bitches is much smaller than that of males.

Head and skull

The ka-de-bo has a square-shaped head; its circumference coincides with the circumference at the withers. The shape of the skull is also close to a square, the back part is not visible when viewed from the front. The forehead is divided by a furrow and looks wider than the barely pronounced occipital protuberance. Cheekbones are powerful, chewing muscles reach eye level. The upper lines of the skull and muzzle are parallel.

Muzzle

The muzzle has the shape of a cone, not pointed; the base is wide. The length is equal to a third of the length of the skull. Skin folds in any amount are acceptable. The stop seems sharp when the head is turned in profile; it is invisible from the front, and the reason for this is the brow ridges. The back of the nose can be straight or slightly upturned. The lobe is pigmented in black. The upper lip is dry and tight, the lower one is looser, forming a small fold in the middle. Teeth, including the front incisors, are not visible even with the closed mouth of the animal. The mucosa is colored red, the crests located transversely are noticeable in the sky. The gums have a black border.

Ears

A wide and high posterior is visible, as well as a pinkish shape: the ears are broken in the cartilage and expose the auditory canal. Most of the time, the rounded tips are located at or below the eye line. If the animal is alarmed, the ears are raised and slightly turned forward.

Eyes

The rather large eyes of the ka-de-bo are oval in shape, have an oblique incision. Planted "like a bulldog": deep and at a great distance. When the dog's head is turned full-face, the whites of the eyes are hidden by dense eyelids with black edging. The dark color of the iris, corresponding to the color of the coat, is preferred. Eyebrows are weakly expressed.

Jaws and teeth

The jaws of the Majorcan mastiff form a bulldog-like bite (overbite). The gap between the teeth does not exceed 10 mm. The incisors are located on the same line, the canines are distant from each other.

Neck

Powerful and strong, proportional to the body of the dog, smoothly turns into a pronounced withers. The skin is loose, the presence of a small suspension is acceptable. The diameters of the base of the neck and head coincide.

Housing

The body of the ka-de-bo is rectangular (which is typical for Molossian breeds), moderately elongated, with strong musculature. The massive chest has the shape of a cylinder, reaches the level of the elbows and expands at the withers. The back is almost parallel to the ground. The short and wide loin turns into an inclined croup, set at an angle of 30 ° and rising 1-2 cm above the withers. The belly line is moderately tightened (like in greyhound breeds of dogs, but smaller), the groin is picked up.

Tail

Tapers from the base to the tip, planted quite low. It is usually lowered without reaching the hocks. When the dog moves, the tail rises to the back line, forming a smooth curve.

Forelimbs

Are notable for a wide postage due to a massive chest, parallel. The shoulders of the ka-de-bo are slightly convex and short, located at a slight slope. There is a prominent musculature in the forearm area. The elbows are not adjacent to the chest, but they are not turned out to the sides. The paws are strong and rounded, with the fingers gathered into a ball. The pigmentation of the pads is weakly expressed.

Hind limbs

Are notable for their more powerful musculature in comparison with the front ones. The hips are medium-sized, very wide; the knees are placed at a natural angle. Short shins turn into straight metatarsals. The latter end in oval paws with elongated fingers. The pads are painted in a dark shade. The presence of dewclaws is not welcome.

Manner of movement

Ka-de-bo move at a trot, alternately rearranging pairs of limbs located diagonally.

Wool cover

The short and stiff coat fits snugly to the body of the animal. The undercoat is missing.

Color

There are three main colors of ka-de-bo:

• brindle – both dark and lighter (marble) variants are acceptable;
• red (fawn, deer) – deep saturated shades are desirable;
• black.

White points are allowed by the standard if they occupy no more than a third of the body area. Some Majorcan mastiffs have a noticeable "mask" framing the muzzle.

Possible vices

According to the definition, a breed defect is the slightest deviation from its standard. In the case of ka-de-bo is called:

• incomplete dental formula with missing premolars;
• the difference between the height at the withers and the rump in favor of the former;
• the gap between the upper and lower teeth is more than 10 mm;
• ears atypical for the breed (standing or hanging);
• scissor bite or straight bite;
• bulldog tail shape.

Majorcan mastiffs are disqualified on the following grounds:

• light or yellow pigmentation of the iris of the eyes;
• white spots covering more than 30% of the body;
• aggressive or timid behavior;
• cropped ears or tail;
• points of any color;
• undescended testicles;
• undershot.

Character of ka-de-bo

The fighting origin of the breed has led to the emergence of numerous stereotypes associated with the ka-de-bo. Frightening stories about the bloodthirstiness of dogs are the result of a lack of socialization or improper upbringing (including intentional development of aggression). In fact, they are psychologically stable, restrained and calm animals that do not insist on constant communication. The friendly giant will gladly take a place near the owner and, closing his eyes, will go in a dream in search of his favorite delicacy.

Majorcan mastiffs easily join a team called "family". Dogs equally respect and love loved ones, subtly feel the prevailing atmosphere, show an amazing ability to rejoice and empathize with random events. Ka-de-bo are not inclined to give obvious preference to one person, thereby awarding him the honorary title of host. This quality makes the animals suitable for keeping in any "company" – be it a married couple with a child or an elderly married couple.

Being phlegmatic by temperament, Majorcan mastiffs do not see anything wrong in forced loneliness. The dog will patiently wait for your return from work, without disturbing the neighbors with loud barking or, worse, howling. A comfortable lounger, a bowl filled with food and a favorite toy – three faithful "comrades" will help you pass the day while waiting for the owner!

Representatives of the Molossian breed need an experienced and responsible leader who will consistently build a trusting relationship with the pet. Majorcan mastiffs can be quite wayward and persistent. Dog owners note that the peak of the obstinacy of the ka-de-bo falls on the transition age and the so–called sexual hunting - the approving reaction of the bitch to the presence of the male. The mastiff is inclined to defend his "point of view" to the last: if the bed seems more comfortable to him in comparison with the sunbed, you will have to make tremendous efforts to get rid of an unwanted neighbor.

Distrust and a tendency to defend one's territory is a suitable foundation for the development of the protective qualities of the ka–de-bo. From the representatives of the breed, vigilant and courageous defenders can be raised. Molossus will not attack a stranger if he invades the personal space of the family with the permission of the owner. The absence of the owner is a weighty reason to arrange a game of "staring" for a stranger and, if necessary, rush to the attack. A course of classes with a professional dog handler will help to improve the watchdog qualities of the dog – in case you do not have enough experience.

Despite the potential danger that mastiffs guards pose, their kind heart thaws next to the child. Ka-de-bo are distinguished by iron patience and therefore take a feasible part in games with a little friend – and let it be fraught with painful pokes. However, it is still worth following the cheerful company: frolicking, the dog can accidentally push the child – quite painful, given the impressive size of the animal.

Majorcan mastiffs are loyal to their relatives (the exception is males who divide the territory among themselves). They are no less friendly towards cats, but it is better to refrain from the company of decorative birds and rodents. Although the ka-de-bo do not show hunting instincts, "communication" with small pets can end in unpleasant consequences. If small animals appeared before molossus, if possible, reduce their contact to a minimum.

Representatives of the breed are very mobile, like long walks and fun outdoor games. Ideally, the owner of the Majorcan mastiff should be an active person who is not afraid of the daily promenade in the city park. Don't forget to take a ball or a frisbee with you – and ka-de-bo will show everything he is capable of!

Education and training

Future owners of Mallorcan molosses should remember: it is customary to start "work" on the behavior of a four-legged friend from the first day of his appearance in the house. Stock up on a huge amount of patience and time – you can't do without them in education and competent socialization. The primary skills of interacting with the outside world are acquired by ka-de-bo in nurseries. It is at this time that dogs will have to learn how to build trusting relationships, and not dictate their terms through an ultimatum.

Dog handlers recommend combining the "human" upbringing of a puppy with the "canine" one. To do this, the kids must be periodically left in the company of other, more adult dogs. In the case of males, this can turn into a fight: even a half-year-old male is capable of clarifying relations through teeth and claws.

When raising a puppy, do not let him do things that you would not like to see in an adult dog. The behavior of the ka-de-bo is best corrected in the first year of life. More mature individuals are practically not amenable to re-education and tend to take a dominant position in your "pack". If you feel that it is becoming more difficult to cope with an obstinate pet, contact a dog handler for help.

Successful training of Majorcan mastiffs is possible with the right approach to business. It will not be difficult for people with experience in keeping dogs to teach a pet basic commands, while beginners will need the intervention of a specialist. The owners of the ka-de-bo recommend taking a course of ZKS (protective guard service), which will help develop the protective qualities of the animal.

Important: encouraging aggression is a direct way to raise an embittered pet. Since the ancestors of the Molossians were used as universal "soldiers" for fighting pits, it is worth abandoning rough training methods.

Future participants of the show need to think about handling – the art of showing a dog during an exhibition. The training course will allow you to focus on the advantages of the ka-de-bo and thereby hide the possible shortcomings of the animal. Depending on the style of handling (English, American or German), the specialist will be able to "assemble" the Majorcan mastiff in parts, like a constructor. This will significantly increase the dog's chances of winning.

Please note: when resorting to the services of a handler, make sure that he teaches your pet to move at a well-coordinated trot and patiently treat the inspection. The latter most often involves groping, as well as checking for cryptorchidism and the presence of a complete dental formula.

Care and maintenance

Majorcan mastiffs do not require careful care. Like all short-haired dog breeds, the ka-de-bo retains a presentable appearance for a long time. The effect will be enhanced by regular combing of the animal's "fur coat": no more than twice a week. As an auxiliary tool, use a massage brush with thick natural bristles (an analog made of rubber is also suitable). Moloss wool is combed more often during the molting period. This procedure can be carried out outside, if the weather permits. So you will save yourself from wet cleaning in an attempt to eliminate numerous hairs.

Bathing is a stumbling block for the owners of ka-de-bo. Wanting to prevent the possible appearance of the smell of "dogs", the owners of the Majorcan mastiffs arrange a bath day for their pets weekly (or even more than one). Due to frequent water procedures, a thin protective layer is washed off the dog's fur, and the work of the glands is activated, disrupting the natural fat balance of the skin. This leads to rapid contamination of the coat, and it, in turn, leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Remember: you need to bathe your pet as little as possible! It is advisable to avoid this, as a last resort, minimize the number of procedures to one or two per month. Use hygiene products with a low content of acids and alkalis, paying attention to the line for wire-haired dog breeds. In rare cases, dry shampoo is also suitable, which is rubbed into the wool and then combed with a brush.

The anatomy of the ka-de-bo is the main reason why representatives of the breed rarely encounter ear infections, but a preventive examination is still mandatory. Check and clean the dog's ears daily (as needed). Cotton swabs or discs moistened with a drying agent from a pet store will become assistants in this matter. It is not recommended to use special sticks: careless hand movement can damage the eardrums.

The animal's eyes are also subjected to daily inspection. If there are foreign particles, carefully remove them with swiping movements in the direction of the inner corners. A special lotion acts as an auxiliary agent; strong brewed tea is also suitable. In case of redness of the eyes, tearfulness or acidification, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.

The oral cavity of the ka-de-bo needs more careful care. The reason for this is a snack, which favors the formation of plaque and tartar. This can be avoided thanks to preventive cleaning – both in the veterinary clinic and at home. In the latter case, you will need solid treats made of compressed bones and rubber toys.

To fully remove plaque, it is necessary to brush the animal's teeth no more than twice a month. More frequent procedures are fraught with damage to the enamel. Use an old brush or a compact finger attachment. When choosing a hygiene product, stop at special flavors with a neutral taste. The use of "human" analogues can cause allergies in ka-de-bo.

Note: dry food also promotes mechanical brushing of teeth.

An equally common misconception of novice dog breeders concerns the claws of an animal, which allegedly wear off naturally. In fact, the intervention of the owner is mandatory: a long "manicure" changes the dog's gait, making it difficult to move. Some cases are fraught with deformity of the fingers of the fore and hind limbs. To avoid problems, shorten your pet's claws with a guillotine-type claw cutter. A nail file will help smooth out the burrs and jagged edges.

Feeding occupies an impressive niche in the care of ka-de-bo. Breeders who specialize in breeding the breed recommend choosing one of two options: industrial feed (premium and super premium classes) or dietary natural food. The diet is especially important in puppyhood, when the Mallorean mastiff is prone to accelerated weight gain.

Please note: the use of natural products is always combined with the intake of vitamin supplements. At the same time, the period of tooth change requires a more careful dosage. Alternation of several vitamin complexes is mandatory, so before purchasing a particular supplement, it is worth consulting with a specialist.

The natural diet of ka-de-bo should consist of one to two thirds of meat: lean veal or beef, chicken or turkey. Choose stringy pieces – they favorably affect the digestion of the animal. Offal and raw frozen fish – marine or oceanic - are suitable as a source of protein.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables, fermented dairy products and eggs are an addition to the natural "menu" of the Mallorca mastiff. To improve the condition of the dog's coat and skin, it is necessary to add a tablespoon of vegetable oil (linseed, sunflower, corn or olive oil) to food daily.

Be sure to exclude from the diet:

• fatty meat (boiled pork in small quantities is acceptable);
• raw cabbage, beans and peas (cause bloating);
• foods high in carbohydrates;
• pickles and products with spices;
• fried and smoked food;
• river fish in any form;
• berries with pits;
• sweet and flour;
• tubular bones;
• whole milk.

Provide ka-de-bo with regular access to fresh drinking water – preferably bottled. It can be replaced with a running one, having previously insisted for more than 6 hours. The use of boiled water is not recommended.

The average size of the Majorcan mastiffs makes them versatile in terms of content. Dogs feel comfortable both in an apartment and in a private house with a fenced plot. In the latter case, the ka-de-bo satisfies its physical activity needs. Keeping an animal in an apartment implies daily walking (about an hour at least twice a day). Walks should be moderately active – with elements of agility and more familiar sports games.

Health and diseases of ka-de-bo

Cruel natural selection among the Majorcan mastiffs led to the emergence of a healthy breed with strong immunity and minimal tendency to common diseases. However, ka-de-bo still have a predisposition to some ailments. Among them:

• sensitivity of the digestive tract;
• food allergy;
• joint dysplasia;
• hepatopathy;
• demodecosis;
• myositis.

Timely referral to a veterinary clinic is the key to the longevity of your pet. An equally important point is prevention: take care of vaccination, treatment against external parasites and deworming.

How to choose a puppy

The search for a future four-legged friend must begin with official nurseries that specialize in breeding ka-de-bo. It is also worth checking the reputation of the breeder, since you will have to maintain feedback with him regarding the maintenance of the dog. Decide what goal you are pursuing: the acquisition of a faithful companion or a future champion. In the latter case, you will need the help of an expert who will establish the animal's compliance with the breed standard.

The second stage is acquaintance with the parents of puppies. Closer contact with adult cats will help to determine the presence of defects that will manifest in the future and in the litter. Familiarize yourself with the conditions of keeping dogs, ask the breeder about awards and titles (if this is important). Only after clarifying the nuances can you proceed to the examination of candidates for the role of your friend.

When choosing, focus on individual moments.

• The appropriate age of a puppy for adoption into a new family is 1.5–2 months. The baby has already formed basic skills of interaction with the outside world. It is worth noting that all puppies are subjected to initial inspection by the breeder no earlier than 30-40 days. Already at this time, it is possible to establish compliance with the ka-de-bo standard.
• A bump on the animal's head is one of the "indicators" of future growth. The larger it is, the higher your pet will be.
• The coat of the moloss should be uniform and clean, eyes and ears – without secretions, tail – without creases.
• A healthy puppy is active, shows interest in the world around him and is happy to "get acquainted" with new things for him. Aggression or cowardice are alarm bells: a balanced dog will not grow out of such a baby.
• Ka-de-bo's behavior largely depends on gender. Males are more likely to show waywardness and independence in comparison with bitches – more affectionate and compliant.

When buying a puppy, the breeder must provide a veterinary passport and accompanying certificates of deworming and timely vaccination. If desired, you can get a breeding certificate, in which the pedigree of your pet is fixed. This is relevant for show-class dogs who plan to participate in exhibitions.

The price of ka-de-bo

The Majorcan mastiff belongs to the breeds of the average price category. Basically, the cost of ka-de-bo varies within $250 - $350. Dogs with an elite pedigree will cost the future owner $500 and above. Mestizos and culled animals are much cheaper: about $100 - $150. No matter how much money you give, a powerful, strong and at the same time incredibly sensitive dog will become a pleasant bonus – a devoted friend for many years!