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PERRO DE PASTOR MALLORQUIN |
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This is a livestock
guardian and farm dog originating on the Balearic Islands of Spain. He
is a bit smaller than the Portuguese Cao de Castro Laboreiro, but otherwise
closely resembles that breed and may, therefore, have a similar history.
Their true background is unknown. They have the temperament and mental
characteristics of the flock-guarding dogs, but are dark, small and smooth-coated.
The breed was
brought to the Balearics on early trade routes through the Mediterranean.
Since these dogs were isolated on islands, either crossing with other
types occurred or a mutation appeared, giving the Perro de Pastor the
ability to withstand extreme heat. Whether they were shipped around the
Iberian Peninsula to Portugal or the other way around is unknown.
Unknown outside
Spain, the Perro de Pastor is quite common there and is seen everywhere
on farms and in rural villages. Farmers produce a litter when they need
a replacement and give or barter the remainder to their neighbors. Although
type is set, there are few breeders or exhibition dogs. In fact, the
farmer who owns one might be quite surprised to find out he owns a pure
breed. To him, it's just a "farm dog."
The Perro
de Pastor is effective and extremely territorial, combining aggression
and courage to make any rural family feel safe. He is good and loyal
with his owners, but is rarely a house dog.
A limited
number have been exported to Brazil and a few breeders support the Pastor
dog there. No more than a handful of breeders who live on the Iberian
Peninsula produce pedigreed specimens.
His dark coat
requires little care, and the ears and tail remain natural. His rose
ears fold back into his neck ruff. The FCI recognizes the breed, listing
both the short-coated and long-coated varieties. Today, the long coat
is rarely seen and may already be gone. The dogs are universally shorthaired
and dark for ease of care.
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