Alano Español

An Iberian powerful Friend

The Alano Español, also known as the Spanish Alano or Spanish Bulldog, is a powerful and loyal dog breed with deep roots in Spain's history. This article provides an insight into the breed's origins, characteristics and what it means to own such a dog.

Origin

The Alano Español, also known as the Spanish Alano or Spanish Bulldog, is a large breed of dog with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages in Spain. The breed has historically been used as a hunting dog, livestock guard and even as a war dog, testifying to its impressive strength and endurance.

These dogs played an important role in both cattle herding and bullfighting, which has shaped their tough, brave and hardworking nature. In the 1960s, the breed was almost extinct, but thanks to dedicated breeders, it has had a renaissance and is today recognized both in Spain and internationally.

Traits and Temperament

The Alano Español is known for its strength, courage and bravery, making them excellent working and guard dogs. They are also known for their calmness and balanced nature when not working, making them good family dogs under the right circumstances. Despite its size and strength, the Alano Español is a very calm and gentle breed. They are loyal to their families and protect them vigorously if necessary. Their intelligence and trainability make them easy to train, but they need an owner who can handle a large and powerful dog. They get along best with children and other dogs if introduced correctly and early.

Size

The Alano Español is a large and robust dog breed. The male dogs stand between 58 to 63 cm in height at the withers, and the bitches between 55 to 60 cm. They weigh between 30 to 40 kg depending on sex, with males generally larger and heavier than females.

Appearance and Coat

The Alano Español has a large, muscular and well-balanced appearance. They have a large and broad head, with a unique "chin" that is characteristic of the breed. Their eyes are small and almond-shaped, and they have medium-sized, drooping ears.

Their fur is short and thick, and can come in a variety of colors, including fawn, black, brindle, and various shades of red.

How much fur does an Alano Español shed?

Despite their short coat, Alano Español are known to shed regularly, especially during the spring and fall shedding season. Regular brushing can help keep loose fur under control and minimize the amount of fur in the home.

How much exercise does an Alano Español require?

As an active and energetic breed, the Alano Español requires a lot of exercise. At least one hour of activity per day is recommended, which can include long walks, jogging, playing and agility training. These dogs also enjoy mentally challenging activities such as tracking and fetch games. Without adequate exercise, they can become bored and potentially develop behavioral problems.

Is Alano Español family friendly?

Despite its impressive size and strength, the Alano Español is known to be very loving and loyal to its family. They are known to be patient and friendly with children, making them a great choice for families. Their protective nature also makes them excellent watchdogs. However, they can be suspicious of strangers, so early and continuous socialization is important.

Acquisition of an Alano Español

Acquiring an Alano Español should not be taken lightly, as these dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation due to their active nature. They need proper space to move around, so they may not be suitable for a small apartment or for first-time dog owners. Providing adequate exercise and socialization from a young age is essential to maintaining their mental and physical health. The Alano Español can be a very loyal and loving companion, but they require dedicated owners who can meet their needs and channel their energy and intelligence in a positive way.

How many Alano Español are there in Sweden?

In Sweden, there are 12 registered Alano Español as of 2022-12-31.