Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Majorca Shepherd Dog or Ca de Bestiar, the very name Perro de Pastor Mallorquin means Shepherd dog of Mallorca.

The dog hails from Spain and has been used as a general purpose farm dog. The diligent work of fans of the dog to encourage its development were rewarded when the dog - both short- and long haired varieties - gained recognition from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

The dog is really only popular in its homeland where it is appreciated for its guarding and herding abilities.

The Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is one of three Grand Anglo-Français breeds. The dogs comes from crossing French scenting hounds with English Foxhounds way back in the 19th century.

The sporting dog is rare, believing to be be pretty much confined to their country of origin – France. It is recognized in France by the French Kennel Club and also internationally by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Since 2006, they have been recognized by the UKC and are thought to be kept essentially as a working dog as opposed to being kept as a companion dog.

The Perro de Pastor Mallorquin is a large dog which stands between 62 and 73 cm and weighs between 35 and 40kg. Most of them are short haired, ensuring low grooming requirements for the owner. The coat is black, in fact the Fédération Cynologique Internationale says its the only color which is acceptable. He has floppy ears and the tail is long, rising when the dog is on the move.

Temperament:

The Perro de Pastor Mellorquin is a dominant, independent and wilful dog that will need to be trained and socialized if he is to be obedient. He is fiercely devoted to his owner, being loving and protective. This training is actually important as the Majorca Shepherd Dog doesn't take easily to strangers and can in fact show signs of aggression when around them.

It is qualities like this that make him a good guardian and watchdog. With training and socialization he will be able to get on well with other pets in the home as well as with children who have been taught how to respect- and be kind to animals.

He is an active dog too and it is better to have such a dog in the suburbs or the countryside as opposed to living in a small city property.

The lean, muscular Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is a large, powerful dog standing at 60 – 70cm at the withers and weighing 30 to 36 kg.

He has a short, broad head with a broad, flat skull. He has long legs, a long tail and long, floppy ears. His coat is white with orange markings. These dogs are instinctive hunters with a superb sense of smell and the ability to track their prey for miles.

Temperament:

Sociable, independent, loving and loyal, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange can become attached to his owner. He doesn't want to be left alone for long periods of time, becoming bored and destructive.

Training and socialization is excellent for your dog, making him obedient and also more relaxed when you're not there.While he is patient and good with children, if you're looking for a playful pet, this dog wouldn't come as recommended for children, as his heart longs to just be outside on the hunt.

The Perro de Pastor Mallorquin is a dog known for its devotion to its owner, taking on his role as guardian and protector very seriously.

It is a courageous dog, strong willed and confident and isn't recommended as a first choice of dog for the novice dog owner, although there have been first-time dog owners who bring their dogs up correctly and have tremendous success with them.

Provide your dog with a firm consistent, kind, patient and loving home, and you can also be one of those first-time dog owners who highly recommend this dog as an awesome pet for any household.

The Grand Anglo – Francais et Orange has always been a pack dog and used to being social. He will get on well with his entire human family as well as with any other pets in the home.

The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange is a loyal dog, and when trained he becomes an excellent companion. He is patient with children, but doesn't make a particularly great playmate as he has a more serious personality.

The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange is a dog that has been specifically developed to hunt, so ensure that he gets a good amount of exercise. While he is essentially a dog that loves working in a pack, he can still make his human family a loving and devoted pet.

A dog can live a long, happy life when he has been looked after well. Makig sure he doesn't become obese, giving him enough exercise and loving him can ensure longevity. Your Perro de Pastor Mallorquin can live to be 13, 14 or 15 years of age, but there are always some common dog illnesses to be aware of -

Canine Hip Dysplasia:

This is a disease of the hip where the ball and socket joint isn’t formed properly. The result is a joint that rubs as opposed to sliding smoothly. This is one of the most common skeletal diseases in dogs seen more often in large dogs. The disease can start while the dog is still young and it can lead to osteoarthritis an decreased activity.

Eye Diseases:

One of the eye diseases is when the uvea of the eye becomes inflamed, creating a painful condition known as anterior uveitis or inflammation of the front of the eye.

This disease can threaten your dog’s vision. It is painful with redness of the eye, there could be a discharge too as well as excessive watery eyes. Cancer, infections and injury can all be to blame and your vet will want to examine your dog.

Capable of reaching 10 to 12 years in age, you won't really find any particular health issues with this dog. He is a fairly healthy dog and will be able to reach a good age with good nutrition, exercise, love and care.

Because of the long, floppy ears, you want to be checking inside the ears. As a hunting scentdog, he will chase his prey through water if needs be, and damp ears can encourage bacteria.

Ear infections are common in most dogs, and you'll notice your pet scratching and rubbing at his ear and even shaking his head. You may also notice swelling or redness. Veterinary intervention will be necessary.

If your dog's ear infection has cleared up, you can maintain the health of the ear by cleaning them with a gentle cleanser and cotton wool. There is always caution when cleaning a dog’s ear, and rupturing the ear drum is one. Be careful, and if you're not sure, rather make an appointment with your vet to have his ears cleaned.

Grooming:

The Majorca Shepherd Dog isn't a heavy shedder but still, he will require some basic grooming such as brushing the coat twice a week to remove loose hairs and to retain his natural shine.

Other care and grooming routines for your pet are to check inside his mouth for dental disease as problem teeth can cause a host of diseases in the body.

Check inside his ears too and make sure they aren't red and itchy as this could be indicative of an ear infection.

Nail clipping is also important as his nails can hook onto things and rip open the flesh around the paw area.

Exercise:

These dogs are lively and energetic, having been used to do lots of work herding and guarding sheep. He isn't a dog to be left in the backyard day after day without human inter-action and exercise. He will require some hectic exercise every day and will love to join you with your jogging or cycling, running beside you. Take him with you on our walks and hikes.

Diet:

Only the best dog food is recommended for this dog of yours. If you intend feeding your pet commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality ones – those with protein listed at the top of the ingredient list and with a good amount of vitamins and minerals.

Choose the food according to your dog's size, his age and his energy levels. If you're going to give your pet home-made food, keep it simple to avoid upset stomachs and vet's bills.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and cooked vegetables such as spinach, sweet potato and carrots are wonderful for a dog when added into the kibble occasionally as a tasty treat. You can also try to include some raw meat into the kibble from time to time.

Dog's just want simple, wholesome foods like this, no unpleasant surprises of spicy, 'people foods'. Never leave your pet without a supply of fresh, cool water.

Vaccines:

Take your puppy to the vet to have his vaccines, as the canine parvo-virus (CPV) infection for instance, isn't only a very contagious viral illness that affects dogs, it can be a killer. Keep a check on your adult dog too and see that he gets to the vet at any sign of illness.

Exercise:

As a scenthound, your Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange loves being outdoors and following a scent trail. These dogs therefore are better suited to life in the countryside as opposed to life in the city. Make sure you provide him with plenty of exercise – walks, swimming and running with you when you go cycling or jogging. Include ball- and rope games too.

Grooming:

Your orange and white scent dog will thrive on you taking time out for him to brush his short coat twice a week and to also check for fleas and ticks at the same time.

Diet:

Looking forward to his food, your energetic Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange will require a high quality commercially manufactured food. Make sure that you buy the best brands to ensure your pet gets his vitamins and minerals in instead of just a lot of fillers, colorants and preservatives.

Many dog owners prefer giving their dogs several smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to one or two large meals. With his dry kibble you can add in some raw meat from time to time as well as cooked brown rice, cooked chicken and vegetables. See that he has access to a constant supply of fresh, cool water.