Perro de Presa Mallorquin vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison

Known by several other names such as Majorca Mastiff, Perro Dogo, Ca de Bou and Mallorquin Bulldog among others, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin was almost extinct after World War II.

The British brought their own dogs with them into the Balearics, crossing them with native mastiffs. They were used for fighting, explaining why this dog also got the name Ca de Bou as it means Bull Dog.

It is believed that the dogs were crossed with the Perro de Pastor Mallorquin, Alano Espanol and the Bulldog.

This long-haired herding breed was bred by mixing the two sheepdog breeds: the Scottish dogs and the Polish sheepdogs. The Bearded Collie gained the popularity during the last century by winning some of the Dog Shows. This friendly dog with the beautiful coat is surely one of the most specific pets. Nowadays, the Bearded Collie is very popular. The organizations for breeding, saving, rescuing and adopting this breed can be found in the USA.

The Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a strong medium-to-large sized deep chested dog standing at between 52 and 58cm in height and weighing between 30 and 39kg, both male and female.

This is a molosser-type dog with a strong, powerful build and large head. The skin around the face is thick and loose. The coat of the dog is short and rough and the color is fawn to light brown and reddish tan shade He can also be brindle too or black with tan markings.

The jaw is strong, the ears short and floppy though they have always been traditionally cropped. When left they can be folded backward. The tail is long, set low and reaches to the hock.

Temperament:

This is an intelligent dog who is going to require training and socialization if you want to manage it properly. Training and socializing a dog can be very helpful and help a dog like this to be more obedient and well behaved.

As a puppy growing up with kids who have been taught to treat animals kindly and with respect, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin can get on well with children. However, if you’re bringing an older dog into your home, the very nature of the dog may mean it not getting on with children.

This dog is quiet by nature and will be loving and loyal towards his owner, being protective towards him. He is strong-willed and will do best with a strong, firm, kind, patient dog owner who is consistent.

He is active and will fit into life in the suburbs or the countryside as opposed to life on a tiny property in the city.

The Beardie is easy to recognize because of the longer hairs on the cheeks, chin and under the lower lip. This medium-sized Bouncing Beardie is usually the great family pet because he is very friendly and loving. This breed is extremely active and they are energetic despite their longer bodies. They grow up to have more than one coat colour, but they are all born one coloured. They always have white or cream markings. This smart dog can be very stubborn and independent, if you keep your dog in a yard, he will use every chance to escape.

Your Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a loving dog, albeit it a bit stubborn. The key to having a dog with a sound temperament is to have him trained and socialized as this will do him the world of good and make him obedient and more balanced.

Irresponsible dog owners like to tie dogs like this up and leave them in the yard day after day to guard the home. They’re to blame when the dog becomes bored, frustrated and destructive.

Brought up correctly and given the right amount of love and care, the Perro de Presa Mallorquin is a brave, confident, quiet dog that can become a loyal and loving pet and companion.

Children friendliness

The Bouncing Beardie is great with children. They are very playful, jumpy and have generally very sweet and gentle personality. Children love them because they never get tired. If properly socialized, this dog can be the main attraction for any child.

Special talents

Herding, agility shows, obedience competitions, treibball, show dogs, trally...

Adaptability

This breed is very friendly. If your family is about to raise the Bearded Collie, prepare to have a pet that is highly affectionate and bonded with the members of the family. They don’t do well if left alone. They usually don’t bark and they are never destructible, but loneliness somehow triggers odd behaviour with this breed. They are not usually scared of strangers. If they are trained and socialized, you will be able to take your Beardie anywhere you go.

Learning ability

Some say that is very easy to train the Bearded Collie. The rule for this breed is to start the obedience training while they are very small. They are generally very independent, and they will try to do things in their own way. If you start your training early before your Beardie forms this kind of personality, you will have a wonderful pet.

To avoid some of the common dog illnesses there are, you want to give your pet the best care possible. Of course there are always some dog illnesses that plague a dog and where he will require veterinary intervention. Hip dysplasia is one and larger dogs are more prone to getting this joint disease which can be very debilitating for your dog.

Other health issues can include osteosarcoma and lymphoma which are types of cancer Eye problems such as ectropion or entropion of the eyelids is where you'll find the eyelids turning either outwards or inwards. Also be aware of cataracts of the eyes as well as Cherry eye.

This breed is generally very healthy. They don’t have some major health issues. Some of the issues that are registered are:

Progressive retinal atrophy

The degenerative disease that causes the blindness.

Thyroid glands diseases

When the hormone produced by the thyroid gland is abnormally low.

Hip dysplasia

That is generally the hereditary disease, can also be caused by bad diet or injuries.

Allergies

To food, chemicals, pollen, dust...

Ear infections

That usually happens because of their dropped ears that are not very easy to clean.

Exercise:

Your Perro de Presa Mallorquin is going to need a walk every day if you want him to be physically and mentally sound. He loves to sniff around and see the world beyond his garden.

Grooming:

This is a low maintenance breed, requiring a brush twice a week just to maintain the coat in its heathy state and to remove loose hairs.

Diet:

This purebred dog will need an adequate diet to keep him in tip top shape. He likes his food and because he is big and energetic, will require commercially manufactured dog food that is high in good quality protein. In fact always check the packaging that protein sources are among the top ingredients listed.

Growing puppies will require 4 helpings of food a day which can later become 2 meals a day.Try to include some home-made food for him. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact dogs want simplicity and consistency with their food so that they don’t get upset stomachs.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach chopped up and added into the kibble occasionally can be a wonderful tasty treat for your pet. It is also a good idea to try and give him some raw meat from time to time as well.

Avoid all spicy, unusual foods for your pet – he doesn’t want any surprises when it comes to his food. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available.

Diet tips

Raising your Bearded Collie pup on a high-quality food is usually enough for a puppy. Make sure that portions are appropriate for his age and weight. Once your pet is more than six months old, they will need only two meals per day. They get obese very easy. Don’t train them with the treats.

Tips for good health

To care for your Bearded Collie, you must be aware of the grooming responsibilities that come with this longhaired pet. During the shedding period, it is required to brush them daily. Bathing is not a regular necessity but it will be easier to keep him clean and well groomed if you care about your pet all the time. Some people like to shorten the coat for their Beardie, and it is usually done during summer. Make sure to take him to regular ear, eye, teeth and hip vet checks.

Tips for games and exercises

The Bearded Collie is a breed that requires daily activity. They have very playful nature and they love to run, play and spend time outdoors. The best option will be a big yard so that Beardie can run for hours without the leash.