Pet Wiki

Perro Majorero

Also called Majorero Canario, Perro Bardino, Bardino, Majorero dog, Perro de Ganado

A loyal, territorial watchdog that makes its own decisions.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 45 kg (55 to 99 lb)males 30 to 45 kg, females 25 to 35 kg1
Height55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in)males 57 to 63 cm, females 55 to 61 cm1
CoatShort, dense coat
OriginSpain, from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.23
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
loyal protector of home and family
thinks for itself
friendly with household pets
1

Personality what they are like

A loyal, territorial watchdog that makes its own decisions. It is friendly with animals it lives with but reserved with strangers at first, and it does best with a consistent, experienced owner.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Perro Majorero. 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

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense coat

A strong, medium-to-large guardian with a short, thick, smooth coat and a typically bushy tail.1

Coloursbrindle (dark with beige to grey striping)black with white markings on chest or paws1

Company who they like around

Bonds with its family and household animals; benefits from steady training and early socialisation with strangers.1

The story where it all began

The Majorero is the traditional farm dog of Fuerteventura, used to guard property and work with livestock, especially goats. Interest in preserving it began with a first breed show at Gran Tarajal in 1979, leading to RSCE recognition in 1994. A conservation association later set up breeding plans to bring numbers back after a steep decline.231

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Majorero' comes from an old Guanche word still used for the people of Fuerteventura.2

  2. 2

    The first breed show was held in 1979 in Gran Tarajal, in the municipality of Tuineje.2

  3. 3

    On Fuerteventura it is popularly called the 'Bardino'.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The word majorero is a demonym for the people of Fuerteventura, related to the caves where ancient peoples lived.2

Name ideas for your new friend

VolcánLavaSombraRocaTormentaSolVientoCostaDragoJableTeideOla

A day in the life told by a Perro Majorero

I began my day with a thorough check of our territory, sniffing every corner of the garden. A delivery van approached, and I gave a low, serious bark to let them know I was watching. Once my human appeared, I relaxed and accepted a scratch behind the ears. The goats next door bleated, but they're family, so I just wagged my tail. In the afternoon, I lay on the patio, one eye open, surveying my domain. A stranger walked past, and I stood, alert but silent, until they moved on. My human trusts my judgment. Evening brought a peaceful stroll, then I settled by the door, ready to guard through the night.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Real Sociedad Canina de España
Recognised as a Spanish native breed on 14 April 1994; not recognised by the FCI.2
Spanish legislation
Listed in Royal Decree 558/2001.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Perro Majorero tip

The Perro Majorero is a large, active breed that can be prone to obesity and food allergies, so choose low-calorie, single-protein treats and always monitor portion sizes. Because they are also at risk for bloat, feed treats separately from meals and avoid anything that encourages gulping.

Source: vcahospitals.com

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 Perro Majorero, and at what times?

Adult Perro Majoreros do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.5

What should a Perro Majorero eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; avoid these entirely.6

How often should I bathe a Perro Majorero?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep its coat healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Perro Majorero need brushing?

Brush your Perro Majorero weekly to keep its short, dense coat in good condition and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Perro Majorero's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Perro Majorero need?

This active guardian needs daily walks and playtime. Pet Wiki's plan recommends exercise every day to keep it happy and healthy. Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Perro Majorero's teeth and ears?

Brush its teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently after bathing or swimming to prevent infections.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Perro Majorero live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but senior years usually start around age 7. For specific life expectancy, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Perro Majorero good with children and other pets?

Yes, it is friendly with animals it lives with and bonds well with its family. It can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation and consistent training help it do best with children and other pets.1

Can a Perro Majorero be left alone?

This breed is loyal and territorial, so it may not enjoy long periods alone. How well it copes depends on its training and routine; ask a good breeder or trainer for guidance.

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. Perro Majorero - Wikipedia (de) de.wikipedia.orgused for height, weight, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Perro Majorero - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, history, fun facts
  3. Perro majorero - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history
  4. Real Decreto 558/2001 (BOE) boe.esused for legal recognition
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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