Majorca Shepherd Dog

Also called Ca de Bestiar, Perro de Pastor Mallorquín, Mallorca Shepherd Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Spain, island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands).1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight40 kg1 2

Height, male66 to 73 cm1 2

Height, female62 to 68 cm1 2

Sizelarge

The standard gives an approximate weight of about 40 kg rather than a range.

deeply loyal to its owner

capable all-round farm worker

strong, agile and robust

1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short (common) or long (rare), with fine undercoat

A large, well-balanced, rustic and athletic herding dog. Most have a short coat of about 1.5 to 3 cm over a fine undercoat; a long-coated variety with hair over 7 cm exists but is now very rarely seen.1 2

Coloursblackblack with a small white patch on the chestsmall white markings on the feet allowed1 2

Personality what they are like

Devoted to its owner and often most attached to one person, intelligent and gentle at home, and naturally watchful. Young dogs can be shy and reserved, so early socialisation helps them grow into confident adults.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working farm dog that thrives with a job, plenty of daily exercise and room to move.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is easy to keep: a weekly brush, more often when it sheds.1

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a rural home or property with space and something to watch over, rather than a small flat.2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete diet for a large, active working dog, adjusted to its workload.1

Company who they like around

Forms a strong bond with its family; benefits from firm, kind handling and early, varied socialisation with people and other dogs.1 2

The story where it all began

The origins of this Mallorcan herding dog are not known, and the first written descriptions come from the 19th century. Island farmers used it to manage sheep, cattle and goats and to guard rural properties. Spain's kennel club approved a standard in 1980 and the FCI accepted the breed in 1982.2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The Catalan name 'Ca de Bestiar' simply means 'livestock dog'.2
2
Its standard allows essentially only one colour: black, sometimes with a little white on the chest.1
3
The skin is described as pale grey.2
4
The Spanish breed standard describes it as faithful to its master 'until death'.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Ca de Bestiar' is Catalan for 'shepherd dog', reflecting its traditional role as a herding dog on the island of Mallorca. The English name 'Majorca Shepherd Dog' directly translates this, and the Spanish name 'Perro de Pastor Mallorquín' means 'Mallorcan shepherd dog'.4

Name ideas for your new friend

LlunaBoscMarSolRocaTramuntanaOliverNiuFocVentPiGat

A day in the life told by a Majorca Shepherd Dog

I wake up with the sun and check my flock, even though the sheep are safe in the pen. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears and says I'm a good boy. We walk the fields, and I keep an eye on everything, ready to bark if anything seems wrong. In the afternoon, I play with the children, but I always stay close to my human. At night, I curl up at the foot of the bed, content that I've done my job.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 321, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs. Definitive acceptance 26.05.1982; short-haired and long-haired varieties; no working trial.3
Real Sociedad Canina de España: Breed standard approved in 1980; listed by the RSCE as a vulnerable native breed.2
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture: Recognised as a Spanish national breed in 2001; the Club del Ca de Bestiar was recognised by the Balearic government in 2002.2

How many 5072

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Majorca Shepherd Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Majorca Shepherd Dog, and at what times?

Feed your Majorca Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day, as recommended for adult dogs. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule that fits your dog's workload.1 5

What should a Majorca Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete diet for a large, active working dog, adjusted to its workload, is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and raw bones.1 6

How often should I bathe a Majorca Shepherd Dog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog is very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Majorca Shepherd Dog need brushing?

Brush your Majorca Shepherd Dog weekly, and daily during heavy shedding. The short coat is easy to maintain, and the double coat insulates well, so shaving is not recommended.1 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Majorca Shepherd Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if unsure.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Majorca Shepherd Dog need?

This working farm dog needs plenty of daily exercise and room to move. Daily walks and play are essential, and it thrives with a job to do. It's best suited to a rural home with space.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Majorca Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Ask your vet for proper techniques.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Majorca Shepherd Dog live?

Lifespan varies by individual, and senior years usually start around age 7. For specific life expectancy, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Majorca Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?

This breed is devoted, intelligent, and gentle at home, but young dogs can be shy. Early socialisation with people and other dogs helps them become confident adults. They form a strong bond with their family.1 2

Can a Majorca Shepherd Dog be left alone?

This breed forms a strong bond with its family and benefits from firm, kind handling. Being left alone for long periods may not suit it well, as it thrives with company and a job. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your situation.1 2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.