January 2, 2025, 8:51 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Originally, the Alano Español was a popular guard and fighting dog. Today, its devoted nature towards its humans makes it a popular family dog. However, the breed is still rarely found outside of Spain.
Origin
The Alano Español is a molossoid breed, a term used to describe massive and muscular types of dogs. Molossians are among the oldest dog breeds in the world. They were already widespread in ancient times and in the Roman Empire and were kept both as guard dogs and fighting dogs. The origin of the Alano Español cannot be precisely determined. However, there are Spanish records from as early as 1350 that describe a dog breed that is very similar to the Alano Español. It is assumed that the dog was used to hunt wild boar and larger game. It also helped people to guard their herds of cattle.
In the 19th century, the Alano Español was used in the bloody bullfights in Spain, as it is significantly stronger than many other dog breeds. Since industrialization, however, the breed’s population has fallen drastically as it was used less and less. This even went so far that the breed was on the verge of extinction in the mid-1960s, with only a few pairs left. However, starting in 1980, some breeders began to actively breed this dog again to preserve the breed. To do this, they traveled to the most remote corners of Spain to find the last remaining specimens. Their population has now recovered somewhat and is stabilizing. Nevertheless, the Alano Español is a real rarity outside Spain.
Appearance & Coat
The Alano Español is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build. It has typical molossoid characteristics: a massive head with a muscular neck and a broad and massive chest. Its front legs are strong, and the hind feet are slightly longer. Compared to other Molossians, however, the Alano Español appears less cumbersome and more agile.
Its ears are relatively small, V-shaped, and erect. The tail is set high and thicker at the base than at the tip. The coat of the Alano Español is short, rough, and without undercoat. It is either brindle or solid-colored. There are different varieties of brindle: red, light brown, and fawn, with black or white panels. The mask is always black.
Character & Disposition
In everyday life, the Alano Español impresses with its balanced and patient disposition. They have particularly strong nerves and are not easily rattled. Nervousness or even fear are foreign words to them. These qualities make them particularly resilient.
It is direct without tending towards sharpness or biting but is self-confident, which can have an intimidating effect on other people. Therefore, owners should not encourage this behavior and must be able to control the dog at all times.
In addition to its somewhat pithy character, the Alano is friendly and affectionate towards its people and has also become popular as a family dog. However, thorough training is essential to ensure that visitors and strangers can feel comfortable around the dog. Due to its great patience, this breed often gives the impression of being particularly good with children. With good socialization, this is indeed possible. Nevertheless, you should always bear in mind that these dogs have also been used in combat, and – if the animals react because it becomes too much for them – they can cause a lot of damage.
Training
Early socialization and good training are an absolute must for a large and strong dog breed such as the Alano Español. Due to its high level of alertness and willingness to defend its people with its life, it needs clear, consistent training. Otherwise, the Alano can pose an uncontrollable risk. Therefore, this breed is better suited for owners with extensive dog-handling experience.
Correct Keeping & Care
The Alano Español feels really at home when it can fulfill a task. This eager-to-learn breed should, therefore, always be provided with sufficient activities. Due to its high need for exercise, it should be given sufficient exercise three times a day and taken on long walks. They are therefore best suited to being kept in a house in the countryside or with a large garden.
Prospective buyers of the breed should note that the Alano Español is listed as a category two fighting dog in Bavaria, Brandenburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Prospective owners must, therefore, research the specific regulations in their state before acquiring a dog and, if necessary, consult with other owners of so-called ‘listed dogs.’
The grooming of the Alano Español is not very intensive. However, the short coat should be brushed weekly to remove excess hair and dirt. To prevent inflammation, the ears should be kept clean and checked regularly. Owners should also always keep an eye on the length of the claws. If they grow too long, the dog may injure itself. Regular checks of facial wrinkles are also important, as dogs can quickly develop dermatitis.
Nutrition
A strong dog like the Alano Español needs food with a high protein content. In general, the food should be of high quality and as natural as possible.
Various types of diet are possible for the four-legged friend, such as BARF, wet and dry food, or home-cooking. When feeding dry food, care should be taken to ensure that it is as natural as possible and does not contain any artificial additives. When preparing homemade meals, it is crucial to avoid using any seasonings. This could lead to stomach problems in your four-legged friend.
As the Alano tends to be overweight, the calorie consumption and weight of the dog should always be taken into account and adjusted if necessary.
Susceptibility to Certain Diseases
In general, the Alano Español is a robust breed with good health. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to hip joint and elbow dysplasia.
In addition, dogs of this breed are prone to gastric torsion. Therefore, feeding the Alano small meals multiple times a day is recommended. After feeding, it should be given enough time to digest before being kept busy again.
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The Alano Español at a Glance
- Character: affectionate, reliable, alert
- Size: 55-63 cm
- Weight: 25-45 kg
- Coat: short and rough, without undercoat
- Exercise requirements: needs physical and mental exercise as well as good training
- Average life expectancy: 11-14 years
- Special features: can also be suitable as a family dog with good training