✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
Ca de Bou
Working breed from Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Ca de Bou
The Ca de Bou is a medium-sized, powerful Molosser-type breed with a distinctive muscular build and alert expression. It is also known as the Perro de Presa Mallorquin. The breed is described as calm, courageous, loyal, confident, and protective. Individual temperament can vary. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 35–38 kg, and estimated adult height is 55–58 cm. Estimated lifespan is 10–12 years. The breed's energy, trainability, grooming, and shedding scores are each 3 out of 5, indicating moderate levels. Suitability with children, other dogs, and apartment living are each rated 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate compatibility that depends on individual upbringing and socialization.
Quick facts
Ca de Bou at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupWorking
OriginMajorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight35–38 kilogram
Female weight35–38 kilogram
Male height55–58 centimetre
Female height55–58 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Ca de Bou is an ancient breed that originated in Majorca, in the Balearic Islands of Spain. It is believed to be descended from the Iberian Mastiff and English Bulldogs that were brought to the islands. The breed was originally used for bull-baiting and as a farm guard dog. After blood sports were banned, the breed nearly faced extinction but was revived by dedicated Spanish breeders in the 20th century. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, and its exact historical timeline is not fully documented. The breed group is Working, reflecting its historical roles.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
35–38 kilogramAdult weight55–58 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Calmcourageousloyalconfidentprotective
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Ca de Bou-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
Similar breeds
Continue comparing
Related comparisons
Compare this breed
Growth chart
Ca de Bou puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight35–38 kilogramAdult female weight35–38 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Ca de Bou?
The Ca de Bou is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 35–38 kg, and estimated adult height is 55–58 cm. Estimated lifespan is 10–12 years. These are modelled estimates, not exact guarantees.
What is the temperament of a Ca de Bou?
The breed is described as calm, courageous, loyal, confident, and protective. However, individual dogs may vary. Early socialization and training are important to shape behavior.
How much exercise does a Ca de Bou need?
The breed has a moderate energy level (scored 3 out of 5). It likely benefits from regular daily exercise, but specific needs are not detailed in the available facts.
What are the grooming requirements for a Ca de Bou?
Grooming needs are moderate (scored 3 out of 5). Shedding is also moderate (scored 3 out of 5). Regular brushing and basic care are recommended, but no specific coat type is recorded.
Is a Ca de Bou suitable for families with children or other dogs?
Suitability with children is rated 3 out of 5, and compatibility with other dogs is also 3 out of 5. This suggests moderate compatibility that depends on individual temperament and upbringing. Supervision and proper introductions are advised.
Can a Ca de Bou live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating it may be possible with sufficient exercise, but the breed's size and protective nature should be considered. Individual needs vary.
Where does the Ca de Bou originate from?
The Ca de Bou originates from Majorca, in the Balearic Islands, Spain. It is an ancient breed descended from Iberian Mastiff and English Bulldogs, historically used for bull-baiting and farm guarding.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.