25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb)males 30 to 40 kg, females 25 to 35 kg12
Height
55 to 63 cm (22 to 25 in)males 58 to 63 cm, females 55 to 60 cm12
Coat
Short, thick coat
Origin
Spain. 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
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
how to spot oneAlano Español coat and colours
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
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksAlano Español exercise needs
A capable working and hunting dog, it benefits from regular vigorous exercise and a job to do.12
who they like aroundAlano Español with people and other pets
Strongly family-oriented and typically comfortable with other dogs thanks to its history of working in packs.12
the hands-on bitsAlano Español grooming and care
The short coat is easy to care for with occasional brushing.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.5Pet 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.5Pet 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.5Pet 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.21Pet 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.5Pet 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.
per year, in your countryWhat an Alano Español costs
Running costs for an Alano Español, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Alano Español legal where you live?
1 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Alano Español. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
Rules by country
Country
Rule
Source
Germany, Bayern
RestrictedKategorie 2: presumed fighting dogs unless a Negativzeugnis (negative certificate after temperament test) is obtained for the individual dog.
RestrictedLHundG NRW §10 Hunde bestimmter Rassen: permit, Sachkunde, insurance, leash and muzzle; large dogs (40 cm / 20 kg) of any breed must be notified and leashed in built-up areas.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Alanos appear in Francisco de Goya's 1816 print series La Tauromaquia.1
2
Velázquez painted Alano-type dogs in La Tela Real, now in the National Gallery in London.2
3
Two dogs of this type, Becerrillo and Leoncico, became famous companions of early Spanish explorers in the Americas.2
4
The breed is naturally a quiet dog that seldom barks.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name likely comes from the Alans, an Iranian-speaking nomadic people of the steppes who crossed into the Iberian Peninsula around 409 AD and are thought to have brought similar dogs with them.6
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.
where it all beganAlano Español history
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
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