what they are likeMajorca Shepherd Dog temperament
Devoted to its owner and often most attached to one person, intelligent and gentle at home, and naturally watchful. Young dogs can be shy and reserved, so early socialisation helps them grow into confident adults.1
how to spot oneMajorca Shepherd Dog coat and colours
short (common) or long (rare), with fine undercoat
A large, well-balanced, rustic and athletic herding dog. Most have a short coat of about 1.5 to 3 cm over a fine undercoat; a long-coated variety with hair over 7 cm exists but is now very rarely seen.12
Comes inblackblack with a small white patch on the chestsmall white markings on the feet allowed12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Majorca Shepherd Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery week
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
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 looksMajorca Shepherd Dog exercise needs
A working farm dog that thrives with a job, plenty of daily exercise and room to move.12
where they are happiestMajorca Shepherd Dog at home
Best suited to a rural home or property with space and something to watch over, rather than a small flat.2
who they like aroundMajorca Shepherd Dog with people and other pets
Forms a strong bond with its family; benefits from firm, kind handling and early, varied socialisation with people and other dogs.12
the hands-on bitsMajorca Shepherd Dog grooming and care
The short coat is easy to keep: a weekly brush, more often when it sheds.1
what goes in the bowlMajorca Shepherd Dog food and feeding
A complete diet for a large, active working dog, adjusted to its workload.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Majorca Shepherd Dog, and at what times?
Feed your Majorca Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day, as recommended for adult dogs. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog's workload.13
What should a Majorca Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete diet for a large, active working dog, adjusted to its workload, is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid alcohol, raw yeast dough, and bones, especially cooked bones, which can splinter.14
How often should I bathe a Majorca Shepherd Dog?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog is very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.5
How often does a Majorca Shepherd Dog need brushing?
Brush your Majorca Shepherd Dog weekly, and daily during heavy shedding. The short coat is easy to maintain, and the double coat insulates well, so shaving is not recommended.15
How do I trim a Majorca Shepherd Dog'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, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if unsure.5
How much exercise does a Majorca Shepherd Dog need?
This working farm dog needs plenty of daily exercise and room to move. Daily walks and play are essential, and it thrives with a job to do. It's best suited to a rural home with space.12
How do I look after a Majorca Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Ask your vet for proper techniques.5
How long does a Majorca Shepherd Dog live?
Lifespan varies by individual, and senior years usually start around age 7. For specific life expectancy, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Is a Majorca Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?
This breed is devoted, intelligent, and gentle at home, but young dogs can be shy. Early socialisation with people and other dogs helps them become confident adults. They form a strong bond with their family.12
Can a Majorca Shepherd Dog be left alone?
This breed forms a strong bond with its family and benefits from firm, kind handling. Being left alone for long periods may not suit it well, as it thrives with company and a job. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your situation.12
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 a Majorca Shepherd Dog costs
Running costs for a Majorca Shepherd Dog, 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 Majorca Shepherd Dog legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Majorca Shepherd Dog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
The Catalan name 'Ca de Bestiar' simply means 'livestock dog'.2
2
Its standard allows essentially only one colour: black, sometimes with a little white on the chest.1
The Spanish breed standard describes it as faithful to its master 'until death'.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The local name 'Ca de Bestiar' is Catalan for 'livestock dog', from 'bestiar', meaning livestock, reflecting its work guarding and herding animals on Mallorca. Its Spanish name, 'Perro de Pastor Mallorquín', means 'Mallorcan shepherd dog'.6
I wake up with the sun and check my flock, even though the sheep are safe in the pen. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears and says I'm a good boy. We walk the fields, and I keep an eye on everything, ready to bark if anything seems wrong. In the afternoon, I play with the children, but I always stay close to my human. At night, I curl up at the foot of the bed, content that I've done my job.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganMajorca Shepherd Dog history
The origins of this Mallorcan herding dog are not known, and the first written descriptions come from the 19th century. Island farmers used it to manage sheep, cattle and goats and to guard rural properties. Spain's kennel club approved a standard in 1980 and the FCI accepted the breed in 1982.27
Standard no. 321, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs. Definitive acceptance 26.05.1982; short-haired and long-haired varieties; no working trial.7
Real Sociedad Canina de España
Breed standard approved in 1980; listed by the RSCE as a vulnerable native breed.2
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture
Recognised as a Spanish national breed in 2001; the Club del Ca de Bestiar was recognised by the Balearic government in 2002.2
Ca de Bou
Ca Rater Mallorquí
Beauceron
Catalan Sheepdog