Alano Español, sometimes called the Spanish Bulldog in English, is a very large breed of dog of the molosser dog type, originating in Spain. The breed is best known for its former use during Spanish bullfights.

History

The name of the breed comes from the Alani, nomadic pastoralists who arrived in Spain as part of the transhumance. These peoples were known to keep large livestock guardian dogs, later called the Alaunt. The first written reference to the type in Spain is in a chapter of the 14th century "Book of the Hunt of Alfonso XI" (Libro de la Montería de Alfonso XI) in which hunting dogs called Alani are described as having beautiful colours.[3] Dogs of this type traveled with Spanish explorers and were used as war dogs in the subjugation of Indian (Native American) peoples, as well as in the capturing of slaves.[4] A similar type dog was described in the Canary Islands, and can be seen on that archipelago's coat of arms. Bull baiting done in the bullfighting ring with dogs of this type was recorded by Francisco de Goya in his series on La Tauromaquia in 1816.[5] Besides their use as war dogs and use in the bullring, the large dogs were also used for hunting big game such as wild boar, and, as with Bulldogs in other countries, as a butcher's dog. The large dogs began to disappear as the work they did began to change. Big game became rare, stockyards were modernized and no longer used dogs to hold the cattle, use in bullfights was outlawed, and by 1963 Alanos were thought to be extinct. In the 1970s a group of fanciers and veterinary students made house-to house surveys in western and northern Spain, and found a few examples of the dogs in the Basque areas of Enkarterri and Cantabria, being used to herd semi-wild cattle and hunt wild boar. A standard was written and the dogs were documented and bred, and the Alano Español was recognised as a separate breed by the Spanish Kennel Club in 2004. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación) recognises the Alano Español as an indigenous Spanish breed. Although the breed in Spain is still small in number and the breed has not yet been recognised internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, examples of the Alano Español have been exported to North America, where a few breeders are promoting it for the rare breed pet market.

Appearance and Size

The Alano Español is a very large dog of the Molosser type, with a large, strong head. Males should be no smaller than 60 centimetres (24 in) at the withers, and should weigh 38–45 kilograms (84–99 lb) with females somewhat smaller. The coat is short and thick, and is most often a brindle of any color, including red, bayo (a yellow bay), blue or grey. White patches are not typical. The face may or may not have a black mask. The muzzle is short with the lower jaw slightly concave, and has a very large, broad, black nose. The ears are set high and may be drop or cut short. The skin is very thick, with neck folds and some wrinkles on the face.

Personality

Since the breed was used for hunting in packs, it is very sociable with other dogs. All large dogs must be well socialized with humans and other animals when young, if they are to be safely kept as pets. Large working dogs such as the Alano Español need regular training and activity all of their lives.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Alano Espanol" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.