The Spanish Alano is an ancient breed that descends from molosser breeds like the Great Dane or the Dogue de Bordeaux. Certainly not bred for beauty, the Alano was used as a hunting dog to ferret out prey for its master. Its dedication and unwavering attention to the task at hand make it a great hunting dog that just won't give up. Although this dog is only used for cattle herding and hunting today, back in Spain in the 1800s, it was also used for bullfights, big-game hunting, guarding and defense, and war.
Males grow to between 23 and 25 inches, while females grow to 22 to 24 inches, with both weighing anywhere from 75 to 89 pounds. This large, sturdy dog has a well-proportioned, toned body with strong shoulders and arched rib cage. It has large paws, with muscled hindquarters, large nose, rounded ears, wide muzzle and powerful jaws.
Personality
The Spanish Alano can be very serious with a dominant nature. It can be obedience trained to learn to be submissive to its owner. It's very affectionate with members of its family, patient, kind with children, reliable, obedient, with very little barking. This breed is suspicious of strangers, and is loyal, devoted, hardworking and fearless. It functions well as a team so be prepared to socialize the dog early on. While difficult to housebreak, the Alano does extremely well as an outdoor dog. Puppies chew a lot and can be quite defensive. Owners must be the leader of the pack and display dominance.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 11 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | Alano Espanol, Alano, Spanish Bulldog |
Spanish Alano Build Information
Males grow to between 23 and 25 inches, while females grow to 22 to 24 inches, with both weighing anywhere from 75 to 89 pounds. This large, sturdy dog has a well-proportioned, toned body with strong shoulders and arched rib cage. It has large paws, with muscled hindquarters, large nose, rounded ears, wide muzzle and powerful jaws.
| Size: | Giant |
Behaviour and Personality
The Spanish Alano can be very serious with a dominant nature. It can be obedience trained to learn to be submissive to its owner. It's very affectionate with members of its family, patient, kind with children, reliable, obedient, with very little barking. This breed is suspicious of strangers, and is loyal, devoted, hardworking and fearless. It functions well as a team so be prepared to socialize the dog early on. While difficult to housebreak, the Alano does extremely well as an outdoor dog. Puppies chew a lot and can be quite defensive. Owners must be the leader of the pack and display dominance.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
This shorthaired dog doesn't require too much in the way of grooming. Use a rubber brush every once in a while to help your dog shed his coarse hair. Try to avoid too much bathing, as this will strip his skin of natural oils. The Spanish Alano is an average shedder.
| Shedding: | Moderate shedding |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Spanish Alano Common Health Conditions
The Spanish Alano is a robust dog that has been bred to survive under the harshest of conditions. As such, it is a resistant breed with no known health ailments. If they do get sick, their recovery time is much shorter than that of other breeds. With such hearty stock, it's easy to see why the Spanish Alano is so healthy.
Spanish Alano Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
The Spanish Alano belongs to the Mastiff family. The Spanish Alano is also known as the Spanish Bulldog or Alana Espanol. The life expectancy of the Spanish Alano is between 11 and 14 years
| Training: | Moderately easy |