The Majorero dog is an indigenous canine breed from the island of Fuerteventura, in the Canary archipelago, where it is popularly known as the Bardino dog. It is a breed that has been used for more than six centuries as a watchdog and herding dog. However, it was not until the end of the last century that the Royal Canine Society of Spain recognized it as an autochthonous breed of dog.
If you want to know more about the characteristics of the Majorero dog, do not hesitate to continue reading this breed sheet from PlanèteAnimal in which we will tell you everything about it!
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Origin
- Europe
- Spain
Physical Characteristics
- Rustic
- Muscular
Size
- Large
Height
- 45-55
Adult Weight
- 25-45
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Strong
- Very loyal
- Active
- Dominant
Ideal for
- House
- Walking
- Shepherd
- The guard
Recommendations
- Harness
Recommended climate
- Hot
Hair type
- Medium
- Big
Origin of the Majorero or Bardino dog
The Majorero dog, popularly known as the bardino dog, originated from the island of Fuerteventura. Specifically, it was the Castilian conquerors who, in the 15th century, brought the first Bardin dogs to the island. From then on, it became an essential dog for the farmers and peasants of Fuerteventura, who used it for certain daily tasks. Its ability to fight caused it to be crossed with the dogs of prey used in combat in the Canary Islands, giving rise to the current Canary Mastiff.
Although it is a dog traditionally used in Fuerteventura as a shepherd and guard dog, it was not until 1979 that the first monographic exhibition on the Majorero dog took place. For clarification, it should be mentioned that monographic shows are those aimed at a specific breed, in which only purebred dogs are allowed to participate.
This monographic exhibition marked the beginning of the process of recognition of this breed by the Royal Canine Society of Spain, but it was not until 1994 that the Majorero dog was definitively recognized as a breed of dog native.
The decline of the primary sector and the introduction of foreign dog breeds have led to a deep decline of this breed, which has brought it to the brink of extinction. However, thanks to the emergence of associations for the conservation of the Majorero dog, made up of breeders and enthusiasts of the breed, the survival of this Canarian breed has been guaranteed.
Characteristics of the Majorero or Bardino dog
The Majorero is a medium to large sized dog breed. Males weigh between 30 and 45 kg and have a height at the withers of about 56 cm, while females weigh between 25 and 35 kg and have a height of about 54 cm.
It is a strong and compact dog, with a slightly ascending dorsal line towards the croup. He has a brisk and quick gait and is able to adapt his gait and stride to the unevenness and roughness of different volcanic terrains. He is distinguished by his particular way of sitting.
Here are the main characteristics of the Majorero dog breed standard.
- It is characterized by a broad, muscular and powerful neck and a relatively small head compared to the rest of the body. It has a powerful strong grip and a destructive bite.
- His facial region has a stop (nasofrontal depression) which is not very marked. Its eyes are rather small and their color varies from amber to black. He has rather dark rims of eyelids and lips.
- His ears are high insertion. They are characterized by a double fold, which prevents them from being held in an upright position.
- His powerful and heavily muscled neck ends in a wide and deep chest. His back is also heavily muscled and his abdomen is not flabby but slightly tucked up.
- Its tail is of high insertion and, in a state of rest, it reaches the hock.
- Its limbs are strong. Its hindquarters are characteristically slightly higher than the forequarters.
Majorero Dog Colors
The Majorero's fur is medium length, strong but soft and shiny. On the lower part of the tail and on the back of the thigh, the hair is a little longer than on the rest of the body.
The coat is always brindle, with shades varying between greenish, yellowish, beige, gray and black. Brindle stripes may be more or less obvious depending on the base color.They usually have a dark mask and may have white patches or areas on the neck, chest, head or tip of the tail.
Character of Majorero or Bardino
The majorero dog is distinguished by its loy alty and fidelity to its guardians and, in general, to all family members. However, he tends to keep his distance from strangers.
The Majorero is a very territorial dog, courageous and a fierce defender of what is entrusted to him. He is valued for his work as a herding dog, as he does well with livestock. It is also very popular as a guard and defense dog, because without being fierce, it can act boldly and ferociously when the time comes.
Is the bardino dog dangerous?
No dog is born dangerous. It is the education he receives and his experiences that come into play. Thus, if he is not brought up correctly, we must not forget that, in view of his physical characteristics, the Majorero dog has a extremely powerful bite.
Care for the Majorero or Bardino dog
As far as the care of the Bardino dog is concerned, it is important to take into account certain aspects:
- Diet: Like any other breed, Majoreros need a balanced diet that's appropriate for their age and activity level. It is important to take into account the level of physical expenditure of the animal (depending on whether it is a shepherd dog, guard dog, companion dog, etc.) in order to be able to adapt its ration to its level of activity.
- Exercise: Majoreros, like other herding dogs, need a high level of physical exercise. They are dogs adapted to rural life, who like to run and play freely in safe and spacious environments. They need open spaces for leisure and playtime, so adopting one is not advisable if you live in a small apartment.
- Grooming: The Majorero dog's coat is not difficult to maintain, but to keep it shiny it will need to be brushed once or twice a week.
- Enrichment of the environment: if they live in a rural environment, they find in nature all the stimuli they need to stay he althy and happy. However, if they live in an apartment or house, even though they enjoy long walks, it will be important to provide them with adequate environmental enrichment and to spend time playing with them. They will need a variety of toys, intelligence and sniffing games etc.
Education of Majorero or Bardino
As we explained above, majoreros are very territorial dogs. This is why it is particularly important to take care to socialize this dog well from an early age. Likewise, it is essential to opt for animal-friendly education and training techniques, based on positive reinforcement, and to absolutely avoid punishment and shouting. If you have adopted a majorero puppy, in our article How to train a puppy!
If you consider that you do not have enough knowledge in training, we recommend that you contact a dog trainer so that he can give you the appropriate guidelines. This will be the best way to achieve adequate and pleasant coexistence for all family members.
He alth of the majorero or bardino
The Majoreros are very robust and resistant dogs, who have a high tolerance for heat and even lack of water. That doesn't mean you shouldn't provide them with water or shade, though, just that they're particularly resilient to adversity due to their origins.
Although this breed is not particularly predisposed to any particular pathology, Bardins are not exempt from getting sick. This is why it is essential to follow the vaccination and deworming schedule established by your veterinarian and to ensure regular veterinary follow-up to ensure that he is always in good he alth.
Providing all the care the Majorero dog needs, the breed's life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.
Where to adopt a Majorero or Bardino?
As we have already mentioned, the majorero dog originates from the island of Fuerteventura, where the largest census of this breed is found. Its presence in the rest of Europe is rare, so we recommend that if you want to adopt a majorero, ask the associations near you if they do not have a specimen for adoption.
Another option is to consult the associations responsible for the conservation of the majorero dog, because one of their lines of work is the sale of puppies to ensure the maintenance and survival of the breed.
However, we remind you that the most important thing when welcoming a new member into the family is not that they meet any racial standard, but that you can welcome them into your home. and adapt to their needs and lifestyle.
Pictures of Majorero or Bardino
