Majorca Mastiff
Guard Dog / FCI Group 2 · Purebred · The Majorcan Bulldog — a compact, powerful Molossian from the Balearic Islands with a calm yet fearless character
66–84 lbsWeight
20–23 inHeight
10–12 yrsLifespan
ModerateEnergy
Guard Dog / FCI Group 2 · Purebred · The Majorcan Bulldog — a compact, powerful Molossian from the Balearic Islands with a calm yet fearless character
The Ca de Bou (Perro Dogo Mallorquín), or Majorca Mastiff, is a powerful molosser breed from the Balearic island of Majorca. Its name means 'bull dog' in the Catalan of Mallorca, reflecting its history as a working and guardian dog — and, in earlier centuries, as a dog used in bull-baiting and combat before those practices were banned.
Muscular and imposing with a broad head and strong jaws, it is medium-large and surprisingly agile for its build, wearing a short coat in fawn, brindle, or black. Today it is valued as a guardian and companion, combining strength and courage with a steadier temperament than its history might suggest. It is recognized by the FCI in Group 2 (Molossoid breeds).
Real Majorca Mastiff photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Calm, confident, and courageous, the Ca de Bou is deeply loyal to its family and naturally protective, making a formidable but composed guardian. It is typically quiet and even-tempered at home, affectionate with those it trusts, and reserved with strangers. Its strength and guarding instinct mean it needs a confident, experienced owner and thorough socialization.
A moderately active molosser, it needs around an hour of daily exercise — walks and play — to stay fit and balanced, without the extreme demands of a high-drive working breed. It enjoys activity with its owner and benefits from a securely fenced yard. Regular exercise also helps prevent the weight gain heavier breeds are prone to.
The short coat is very low-maintenance, needing only a weekly brush and occasional bath. Pay attention to any facial folds, keeping them clean and dry, and maintain routine nail trims, ear checks, and dental care. Overall it is a simple breed to keep looking its best.
Intelligent and willing but strong-willed, the Ca de Bou needs firm, fair, consistent training and extensive early socialization to shape a well-mannered, reliable guardian. It responds well to confident, reward-based handling and respects clear leadership. This is a powerful breed best suited to owners who can commit to proper training.
A generally hardy breed with a lifespan of around 10–12 years. As a molossoid breed, the main concerns are hip and elbow dysplasia, a risk of bloat, and sensitivity to heat given its build and short muzzle. Health-screened parents, keeping the dog lean, and avoiding heavy exercise in hot weather help protect its health.
The Ca de Bou does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 2½–3¾ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Use a large-breed formula and avoid heavy exercise right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 2½–3¾ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and peanut butters), macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Ca de Bou from a responsible breeder typically costs around $1,000–$2,500, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $110–$200 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $18,000–$28,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.