Pet Wiki

Alano Español

Also called Spanish Alano, Spanish Alaunt, Spanish Bulldog

A composed, noble dog that stays quiet and confident around the home and is deeply attached to its owner and family.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb)males 30 to 40 kg, females 25 to 35 kg12
Height55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in)males 58 to 63 cm, females 55 to 60 cm12
CoatShort, thick coat
OriginSpain. Modern breeding stock was found mainly in the mountains of the Basque Country and neighbouring areas such as Las Encartaciones and Valle de Mena.12
Rare breedShort profile
calm and dignified
loyal and very affectionate with its family
brave and self-assured
2

Personality what they are like

A composed, noble dog that stays quiet and confident around the home and is deeply attached to its owner and family. It barks rarely and tends to be reserved with people it does not know. Its pack-hunting background makes it generally sociable with other dogs.21

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, thick coat

A strong, athletic molosser-type dog with a large, square head and a short muzzle. The coat is short, dense and slightly coarse rather than silky, and the face often carries a dark mask.12

Coloursbrindle (all shades, including grey or blue brindle)fawn (sand to red)black and brindle12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Alano Español. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A capable working and hunting dog, it benefits from regular vigorous exercise and a job to do.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is easy to care for with occasional brushing.1

Company who they like around

Strongly family-oriented and typically comfortable with other dogs thanks to its history of working in packs.12

The story where it all began

The Alano is thought to descend from dogs linked to the Alans, a nomadic people who reached Iberia in the 5th century, and Spanish hunting texts mention it from the 14th century. For centuries it worked with cattle and hunted big game such as boar and deer, and it travelled with Spanish expeditions to the Americas. After nearly vanishing in the 20th century, enthusiasts rebuilt the breed from the 1980s using surviving dogs from northern Spain.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Alanos appear in Francisco de Goya's 1816 print series La Tauromaquia.1

  2. 2

    Velázquez painted Alano-type dogs in La Tela Real, now in the National Gallery in London.2

  3. 3

    Two dogs of this type, Becerrillo and Leoncico, became famous companions of early Spanish explorers in the Americas.2

  4. 4

    The breed is naturally a quiet dog that seldom barks.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name likely derives from the Alani, a nomadic Central European people who brought similar dogs to the Iberian Peninsula during the Migration Period in the 5th century.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AlanoNobleReySombraValienteCazadorBaskoToroLeónPiedraLunaRayo

A day in the life told by an Alano Español

This morning, I followed my human to the fields. The air smelled of earth and wild herbs. I trotted beside him, quiet and alert. A rabbit darted, but I stayed, I know my job. At home, the children played, and I lay at their feet, a warm, solid presence. When a visitor came, I gave a low, calm bark, then settled when my human nodded. Later, I chased a ball a few times, but mostly I prefer to watch. At night, I curled by the fire, my pack safe and close. Perfect.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE) / Spanish government
Recognised as a Spanish breed in 2004.1
FCI
Not recognised by the FCI.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Alano Español, and at what times?

Feed your adult Alano Español at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.3

What should an Alano Español eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food suited to their age and activity level is a great choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods.4

How often should I bathe an Alano Español?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their short coat clean and healthy.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Alano Español need brushing?

Brush your Alano Español weekly to remove loose hair and keep their short coat looking neat. Pet Wiki's starting plan is a weekly brushing session, which is simple and quick.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Alano Español's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Pet Wiki's plan suggests this frequency, and your vet can show you the technique.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Alano Español need?

This active breed thrives on daily vigorous exercise and a job to do, such as running or training. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Alano Español's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth at least two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and daily is ideal. Check their ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Alano Español live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for typical expectations for your dog. Good care and regular vet checkups help them live a long, happy life.

Is an Alano Español good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are deeply attached to their family and generally sociable with other dogs thanks to their pack-hunting background. Early socialisation helps them get along well with children and other pets.21

Can an Alano Español be left alone?

They are calm at home but very attached to their owner, so long periods alone may cause stress. Provide toys and a comfortable space, and gradually get them used to short absences.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Alano Español en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, history (secondary)
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish): Alano español es.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, recovery regions, art and historical facts (secondary)
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.