Alano Espanol Dog Overview
The Alano Espanol is a large, intelligent, and social breed descended from canines transported to Spain by nomadic Iranian tribes following the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century.
Additionally, the breed is occasionally referred to as the Spanish Bulldog.
The Alano Espanol was formerly used for bull baiting, herding wild cattle, hunting, and guarding.
The canine is still used as a working dog due to its high activity level and mental stimulation requirements. It is best suited to a rural setting.
Because the breed interacts well with other dogs, it tends to be social with both dogs and humans and gentle with children.
It should be socialized early, and youngsters should always be monitored, especially given its size.
Alano Espanol enjoys working and is quite trainable, meaning house and recall training is typically not a problem.
It encompasses a short coat that requires little maintenance, and there are few or no breed-specific health issues.
Alano Espanol Highlights
- With a large stature and distinctly primitive looks, the Alano Espanol isn’t a breed for everyone.
- These dogs are incredibly hard workers, and they were bred to work in rugged conditions, so the weather has little effect on them.
- Alano Espanols are jacks of all trades. They can work, hunt, and even get along great with children.
- These dogs aren’t recognized by many canine federations, so they can’t compete in shows.
Alano Espanol Breed Features & Ratings:
Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 5 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 5 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star
Alano Espanol Characteristics:
- Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
- Height: 23–25 inches (58–64 cm)
- Weight: 75–88 pounds (34–40 kg)
- Life Span: 11 to 14 years
- Type: Purebred
- AREA OF ORIGIN: Spain
- DATE OF ORIGIN: 5th Century
- OTHER NAMES: Spanish Alano, Spanish Bulldog, Alano
- Temperament: Affectionate, Dominant, Obedient, Patient, Reliable, Serious
- Activities: Hunting, and Guarding
- Color: Any kind of brindle; leonardo (fawn); black and brindle; sable wolf , blue
- Litter Size: 4 to 8 puppies
- Puppy Prices: Average $600 – $2000 USD
Alano Espanol Health:
There is little information available on the health conditions that may affect the Alano Espanol, which is likely due to the species’ rarity outside of Spain and its limited population, as well as the fact that it is endangered.
Although it is always vital to choose a puppy from a healthy family line, visiting both parents can assist with this because any obvious health problems can be picked up on by the vet during the visit.
Hip dysplasia is a disorder characterized by one or more developmental defects in the hip joints that affects the lower extremities.
With age, these abnormalities frequently cause alterations that cause discomfort and pain in the dogs.
Hip Dysplasia is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, and dogs over a year old who are intended for breeding should have their hips x-rayed and assessed by a veterinarian to determine whether or not developmental abnormalities are present.
Alano Espanol Grooming:
Due to the Alano Espanol’s short hair and lack of visible undercoat, grooming is minimal.
If your dog is a moderate shedder, brushing on a regular basis will help reduce this while also distributing the natural oils of the skin that keep the coat shiny.
The Spanish Alano is one of the few molosser breeds that does not slobber or drool excessively, which helps keep it and its environment clean.
Bathing should be done only when necessary to remove dirt and grime, as it also removes the natural oils from the skin, resulting in dry skin, itching, and scratching.
Alano Espanol Exercise:
The Alano Espanol is a huge breed descended from working stock that possesses exceptional stamina.
This requires it to have a busy lifestyle that includes plenty of mental stimulation. It is gregarious and enjoys running and playing with other dogs.
Around an hour and a half of exercise or walking per day should be adequate to keep the Alano Espanol happy and healthy as it reaches maturity, and as much of this time as possible should be spent off the lead.
This suggests that the breed is unsuitable for small homes, apartments, or city life.
Alano Espanol Training:
The Alano Espanol is a breed that enjoys working and is quick to learn, which means that training is generally straightforward and recall is not a concern.
It is a social breed that gets along well with other dogs and is capable of working as a member of a team.
Due to the size of the animal, it is critical that it is socialized from a young age, which is particularly vital in this case.
Because of its inclination to please and ability to learn, the Alano Espanol usually picks up on house training very quickly, especially if the household has a well-established routine and ample outdoor access.
Alano Espanol Food and Nutrition:
Alano Espanols, being a huge breed, will naturally consume a lot of food. They do not, however, have any dietary restrictions.
Due to the fact that they are not prone to any serious or small health problems, you do not need to take any additional measures when feeding them. A high-quality dry food will give sufficient nutrition for your dog.
You can choose a large-breed-specific formula to guarantee your dog receives adequate nutrition and the kibble is the appropriate size.
These large-sized canines require approximately 3 to 4 cups of dry dog food each day. Avoid overeating because they tend to bloat.
Alano Espanol Temperament and Personality:
The Alano Espanol is a noble, hardworking dog that is fast to learn and is affable and outgoing with his companions and family.
It is said to be very gentle and patient with children, and it enjoys being around humans.
Despite the breed’s imposing physical appearance, it has a well-balanced personality and makes an excellent family dog, however its great size and potential power should always be taken into consideration when choosing a companion.
Separation anxiety is not common in this breed, and it makes an excellent guard dog.
However, it must be kept active and provided with enough mental stimulation in order to avoid developing undesirable behaviors as a result of boredom.
Alano Espanol Care/Upkeep:
Due to their large size and hunting heritage, these dogs require daily exercise that includes long walks at least twice, as well as adequate area to play and run around.
- Training
These fearless dogs are not recommended for first-timers or those with a gentle disposition. Indeed, it takes a strong, calm, and patient master to handle these large breeds with care and tact.
Due to the Alano Espanol’s dominating temperament, it is critical to provide thorough socialization training to avoid any unpleasant encounters with strangers. Additionally, you might seek the assistance of a professional trainer who is experienced with large dogs.
- Obedience
Teaching them orders such as “Come,” “Stay,” and “Stop” might assist in restraining its dominant nature.
Alano Espanol Relationship with Children and Other Pets
This breed of dog is a pack animal. They are quite gregarious and get along well with other dogs.
Because they were trained to work in teams, they get along well with other dogs and like roughhousing together.
However, an Alano Espanol will never back down from a challenge.
While one may imagine a large breed to have difficulty with small children, Alano Espanols are reputed to be fine with children and make ideal family dogs.
They are extremely kind and patient with youngsters, which is one of the reasons they make such excellent watchdogs.
Alano Espanol Names
| Rank | Boy Names | Girl Names |
| 01 | Charlie | Molly |
| 02 | Max | Bella |
| 03 | Toby | Coco |
| 04 | Jack | Luna |
| 05 | Rocky | Abbie |
| 06 | Jake | Chloe |
| 07 | Oliver | Zoey |
| 08 | Oscar | Stella |
| 09 | Teddy | Nala |
| 10 | Buster | Lulu |
All About Alano Espanol
Alano Espanol is an extremely huge Molosser-type dog with a large, powerful head.
Males should not be less than 58 centimetres (23 in) at the withers and weigh between 34 and 40 kilograms (75 and 88 lb), while females should be slightly smaller.
The coat is short and thick but never velvety, and the color is most frequently brindle; leonardo (fawn); black and brindle; sable wolf.
While white breast flashes are allowed, their predominance is not.
The face may or may not be masked in black. The muzzle is short, the lower jaw somewhat concave, and the nose is enormous, broad, and black. Ears are positioned high and may be lowered or shaved short.
The skin is extremely thick, with neck folds and some facial creases. Due to the breed’s history of pack hunting, it is quite social with other dogs.
All large dogs must be well socialized as puppies with humans and other animals if they are to be kept as pets safely.
Throughout their lives, large working dogs such as the Alano Espanol require consistent training and activity.
Alano Espanol History:
The Alano Espanol’s origins are unknown. One theory originated with dogs brought to Spain during the fifth century Migration Period by the Alani, a nomadic pastoralist group from Central Europe.
The breed is first mentioned in writing in Spain in a chapter of Alfonso XI’s fourteenth-century Libro de la Montera (“Book of the Hunt”) when hunting dogs called Alani are described as having magnificent colors.
This kind of dog accompanied Spanish explorers and was utilized as a battle dog (as they had been in Eurasia before migration) in the subjugation of Native American peoples and the capture of slaves.
Francisco Goya’s etching depicts the dogs in the bullfighting ring as they were in 1816.
Notably, the dog’s ears are left uncut, indicating that they were employed for bull-baiting rather than dogfighting.
Bull-baiting, which takes place in the bullfighting ring with these dogs, was first documented in 1816 by Francisco de Goya in La Tauromaquia.
After the employment of dogs in bullfighting was prohibited in 1880, the breed’s numbers began to dwindle as the work they performed shifted.
The large game became scarce, stockyards were improved and no longer required dogs to keep the cattle, dogfighting was prohibited, and by 1963, Alanos were believed to be extinct.
Breeders became involved in the rehabilitation process of the small vulnerable population in the early 1990s, and in 1995 formed the Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Alano Espanol (the National Association of Breeders of Spanish Alano).
Alano Espanol was formally recognized by Spain’s Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación in 2004; it was included to the list of indigenous Spanish breeds with the Pastor Garafiano, the Ratonero Valenciano, the Ratonero Mallorqun, and the Ca Mè Mallorqu. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale does not recognize it.
Where to Adopt Alano Espanol:
Due to their mixed breed status, it may be difficult to locate a breed-specific rescue for Afadors.
However, you may like to contact breed-specific rescues for Alano Espanol, as they frequently care for mixed breeds as well.
More Dog Breeds and Further Research:
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Alano Espanol Fun Facts:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
This type of loyalty to their job is what made them ideal for bullfighting and wild boar hunting. However, if they choose to attack and cannot be called off by their owner, they can kill other dogs or even humans. Training is essential. Unlike most large breed dogs, the Alano Espanol does not easily housebreak.
The Alano Español or Spanish Alano is a Spanish breed of large dog of molossoid type.