Dog Breeds: Alano Español

The Alano Español, also called the Spanish Alano or the Spanish Bulldog, is a large sturdy dog with its origins in Molossia (which makes it a molossar breed). They are an ancient breed whose origins are still unclear. The dog looks a little primitive, it's true, but it's built for a purpose. The Alano Español can run at high speeds for a long time as it ranges over over the countryside chasing cattle and holding them in place for many hours at a time. They can also hunt all day and well into the night. The stamina of this breed is rarely matched in the canine world.

The body of the Spanish Bulldog is well proportioned with strong legs and an arched rib cage. The paws are larger than you might think and give the dog a good grip on the ground, allowing for sharp turns and sudden stops. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. It is generally carried over the back and is never cropped. Why? Because the tail is used as a rudder, helping the dog negotiate sharp turns at high speeds.

This dog can appear frightening, but only because it holds it head low and looks to be constantly searching for something. They are agile enough for the toughest agility competitions and smart enough to learn quickly. Acceptable colors for the Spanish Bulldog include yellow, gray, fawn, red, or black. Brindling is allowed but not required, just as with the classic black mask. White markings are allowed, but usually only on the snout, neck, chest, belly, lower legs, or the tip of the tail. White is never the main color of the Spanish Alano.

The Spanish Alano is sweet and submissive with its own family and is generally great with children. As this dog is a social breed, it is generally good with other dogs, though it may see cats as prey. Strangers are another matter. This dog is both serious and dominant, and strangers will be greeted with suspicion. They can attack with very little warning, though generally only when the situation calls for it. These dogs follow the orders of their master, no matter what. If told to hold a bull in place, they will do so or die trying.

This dog is smaller in size than some, sometimes getting as large as 90 pounds. The Alano Español has few health problems, probably because it developed in a place where only the strongest survived. They also heal faster than most other dog breeds. In addition, they are one of the few molossar breeds that does not snore, drool, or slobber, making them easier to have as house pets.

These dogs need a lot of exercise and they like to be outside, so they don't make very good apartment dogs. The Spanish Alano doesn't mind the heat or the cold, happily roaming and investigating during most temperatures. They do need plenty of water in the heat, and they don't like to roast, so bring them in when the temperature is soaring. As for cold ... they don't mind a little cold, but if the temperature drops significantly below freezing, they probably need to come in.

The Alano Español makes a good companion and will guard its family against all ills. But they don't do well with new people, so don't let them roam where they might encounter someone they don't know.