Breed Standard
Head: Massive. Gently sloped stop. Broad muzzle. Black lips.
Ears: Drop, triangular, set on high. Thick.
Eyes: Slightly almond-shaped, set obliquely. Light or dark color. Black rims.
Body: Large, sturdy, and well-proportioned. Solid neck. Full chest with well-sprung ribs. Broad, powerful loin. Broad, square croup.
Horizontal back.
Tail: Fairly long, curves up in the shape of a saber when dog is alert.
Hair: Short-haired (most common) variety – 1.5 to 3 cm on the back. Very fine undercoat. Long-haired variety – slightly wavy on the back (approx. 7 cm). Fairly light undercoat. Both varieties have soft, fine, weather-resistant hair.
Coat: Black, white markings acceptable only on the breast and the feet. Jet black is preferred.
Size: Dog: 66 to 73 cm. (26-29 in).Bitch: 62 to 68 cm (24-26.8 in).
Weight: Approx. 40 kg (88 lb).
History
While the timing of its arrival is unknown, the breed came with the conquest of King James I of Aragon or shortly thereafter, and over the centuries the Majorcan Shepherds and foravilers conferred its very own and distinct features, not only from other island dogs, but also its neighbors around the Mediterranean. It was used as a shepherd dog for cattle, a bird dog, and to guard and defend the home.
Selection and controlled breeding began in the 1970s, and the breed standard was drafted in 1980. This prototype was accepted by the RSCPFRCE (Royal Central Society for the Promotion of Dog Breeds of Spain) and also recognized by the top world body, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), on September 13, 1982.
Behavior
This fleet-footed, robust breed is agile, brave, and extremely territorial. The Perro de Pastor Mallorquin is calm, affectionate, and loyal. He bonds only to his owner and is wary by instinct around strangers.
Although it is unusual for a black dog to tolerate heat well, the Majorca Shepherd Dog can tolerate the high temperatures of the Mediterranean climate, and they have been exported to Brazil where they have been successfully used to protect private property.
This breed needs to be brushed occasionally and requires space to run and exercise.
Function
Herder, Guard and Defense Dog, Pet.
Health
No Information Available
