Ca de BestiarCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Ca de Bestiar is the traditional sheepdog of the island of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. Its origin is unknown. It is mentioned in older texts, but the first descriptions of it date from the 19th century.

It is one of the island's four recognised dog breeds, alongside the Ca de Bou, the Ca Mè Mallorquí and the Ca Rater Mallorquí. It is used with flocks or as a guard for country farmsteads.

How the breed developed

• 19th century – The first descriptions of the breed appear.
• 1980 – The Spanish Kennel Club approves the breed standard.
• 1982 – The FCI accepts the breed; the standard is published on 26 May 1982.
• 2001 – Spain's Ministry of Agriculture recognises it as a national breed.
• 2024 – A total of 507 dogs are reported.
• 2026 – The Spanish Kennel Club lists it among the 16 vulnerable Spanish breeds.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the description of temperament in the FCI standard.

It is a large dog, without exaggeration, of medium weight: well proportioned, rustic, strong, muscular and agile. Females may be slightly longer than they are tall.

General appearance

The fairly small, slightly almond-shaped eyes range in colour from rosemary honey to dark reddish. The small, triangular ears are folded. The tail, thick at the base, is not docked.

The coat is solid black or black with a white patch on the chest. There are two coat varieties: short, the more common, and long.

The standard says it is a dog of great nobility, a one-person dog that is reluctant to accept attention from strangers. It is intelligent, docile and affectionate, but very shy and reserved while young.

It is faithful to its owner “unto death”, brave and quarrelsome. Early socialisation is very important.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. When young it is very shy; new people and places help.
• Be gentle. It is sensitive, and the standard says its sentimentality “exceeds all imagination”.
• Be consistent. Clear rules make it feel secure.
• Be careful around other dogs. It is brave and can be quarrelsome.

It is an agile working dog, made for herding flocks and guarding farmsteads. It needs space and daily exercise.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be solid.
• In summer the black coat heats up quickly: give it shade and water.
• It suits a house with a yard.

Coat and skin care

The short-haired variety should be brushed once a week. The long-haired one needs brushing more often so that it does not mat.

Common health problems

There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. The population is small, so genetic diversity matters to breeders.

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check the ears and teeth once a week.
• Check for ticks after outings, especially in the black coat.

Adjust the portion to the dog's actual weight and how much it moves.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It seems to be thinking. The standard says that if you look into its eyes, you get the impression it is thinking.
• Faithful unto death. The standard describes it as faithful to its owner unto death.
• It has “rosemary honey” eyes. The standard compares the colour of its eyes to rosemary honey.
• Only a few hundred dogs. In 2024, 507 dogs were reported.
• One of four breeds from Mallorca. The island also has the Ca de Bou, the Ca Mè Mallorquí and the Ca Rater Mallorquí.

What is a Ca de Bestiar?

The traditional sheepdog of the island of Mallorca, a large black dog.

How big does it get?

Males measure 66–73 cm and females 62–68 cm; they weigh around 40 kg.

Does it get on with strangers?

Not easily. It is faithful to a single owner and reserved with people it does not know.

Is it a rare breed?

Yes. In 2024, 507 dogs were reported, and the breed is considered vulnerable.