Spanish Alano: photos, description, owner reviews

Alano is a breed of big dogs. Previously, it was actively used in Spain to participate in the bullfight. Spanish Alano is the most ancient breed. One of the few that did not get rid of other species, and she herself was the ancestor of the Molossians. Another name for these dogs is the Spanish Bulldog Alano. They are very beautiful, well-built, mobile and obedient dogs, magnificent watchmen, guards and loyal friends.

History of the breed

The roots of the origin of this breed go back to antiquity. Therefore, their history is unclear, but mostly established. The very name of the breed tells us that their homeland is Spain. There is a version that the dogs got their origin thanks to nomads of Indo-European origin - Alans. They are the ancestors of modern Ossetians.

Alans were breeders of dogs. They also engaged in horses. They were also hunters, shepherds, and excellent warriors. Dogs were necessary for their work, and therefore they deduced them for a specific purpose and for a clearly marked functioning. After a while, the Spanish Alano was introduced to Europe by nomads. It happened in the beginning of the fifth century AD during the invasion of the tribes of the Alans and others on the Iberian Peninsula and the seizure of part of Western Europe. Militant tribes were soon expelled, and the dogs they brought stayed, took root and became widespread.

The dog breed of Spanish Alano was mentioned in the "Book of Hunting", which was published in the fourteenth century. In other printed publications, it has also been repeatedly written that these dogs were brought from Spain by invaders and had considerable influence on other breeds. For more than fifteen centuries, this breed was used in the hunt for deer, wild boar. And also her participation in the bullfighting was widely spread.

This continued until the end of the nineteenth century. Then in Spain they were forbidden to allow dogs to participate in bullfighting. In addition, the pastoralists of Spain have partly moved to more modern conditions of farming and began to graze their livestock in paddocks, and not in the open field. That is, there is no need to protect and graze the herds. And after this the number of such dogs also decreased.

All this led to the almost complete extinction of the breed in the thirties of the twentieth century. She was even recognized officially extinct.

Restoration of the breed

The Spanish decided to restore it. When in the eightieth year the cynologists and veterinarians began to examine these dogs, they established that the Spanish Alano had repeatedly mixed with other Molossians. But there are also pure specimens of it, preserved in a few localities. This mainly happened in those areas in which traditional farming with bulls has survived. After all, the Spanish Alano was used to manage them.

After finding the true representatives of the breed began to restore the features of their behavior, which consisted of dignity, calm disposition, unquestioning obedience to the master, excellent teamwork in the group.

Alano is one of the most intelligent dogs. She can perfectly calculate the reserve of her powers and not spend them in vain.

In 1997, the Society for Development developed a standard in accordance with which the Spanish Alano was to grow. His puppies also had to answer him, otherwise the dogs were rejected.

The nature of Alano

These dogs have surprisingly balanced characters. They are calm. And this despite the fact that for a long time they were participants in bloody wars. Dogs are reliable and obedient, but they are independent enough. If you are not familiar with other breeds, then this dog is unlikely to fit as your first experience. She can take a dominant position and lead the family.

Thus, Alano can aggressively treat those whom he considers to be inferior in status. It's a dog for people who are hard-of-mind. For those who can gently indicate Alano in his place and make it clear that the leader is a man. With such owners, they become obedient, submissive and educated. It is important to correctly and competently train them, make them obedient, since the Spanish Alano is a pretty big dog and can harm its strength.

Opinion of people about the breed

The owners of the Spanish bulldogs believe that these dogs are a real find for the family. They are devoted to each of its members, unlike other breeds that choose only one person for themselves. They are gentle and caring, especially in relation to small children. But nevertheless it is necessary to show attentiveness and not to leave the child alone with the dog, if its character has not been thoroughly studied by you. They are big dogs, and the behavior of a child who by virtue of age does not understand what he is doing can cause aggression in them.

Behavior

Alano is a very friendly and affectionate dog, but only with those he knows. Strangers are alarming. While Alano will not study them, he will not allow them to feel calmly. True, here it is enough to look at the dimensions that the Spanish Alano has (photo is presented in the article) in order to understand that it is not worth joking with him, especially at the first acquaintance. With regard to dull people, Alano acts decisively and swiftly.

In this case, the dog clearly understands who is in front of him. He can decisively attack a thief or a robber, but he will not touch the passers-by who do not provoke him. For this valuable quality it is especially preferred to see the guard. Such dogs almost do not bark, but silently attack. They are best suited to homes with a high fence, where no one can accidentally get in the absence of the owners.

If nevertheless it happened that Alano attacked, then this could lead to the death of his opponent. He does not know the pain and fear of attack, his grasp can not be undone without the owner's command, and the size of the victim does not matter. That's why acquiring a Spanish bulldog is recommended only to the strongest people who can properly manage them.

But for all their ferocity, they perfectly get along with other animals in one house.

According to the story, Alano was always in flocks with other breeds of dogs, but they always dominated. If other kinsmen showed uncompromising, then everything was decided in a fight. An exception could be for the dogs that were brought up with him.

Spanish Alano can be described as an intelligent and strong-willed dog. Easily trained, grasping all new knowledge, as they say, on the fly. That's only when training requires a variety of methods so that dogs do not get bored.

In the course of its history, what functions of the dog did not perform! Whoever they were: hunters, shepherds, and fighters. Nowadays, more and more of them are used as watchmen. And, I must say, with the duties assigned to them, they masterfully. And if you do not yet keep them on the chain, and allow yourself to control the territory of a private home - the best watchmen will not be able to wish.

Feeding alano with prepared feeds

In eating, Alano is unpretentious and does not give its owners special problems. Anything that suits any dog, suits them. Originally, the owners decide what their Spanish Alano will eat. The owners' comments are divided in favor of dry food and natural products. The first is to save time and benefit the pet. Only it is necessary to choose a food that is individually suitable for your dog. Also it is necessary to choose the products of the highest class.

Feeding "naturalka"

If you have a lot of free time and Alano is very dear to you, then you should choose natural products. The main thing in this diet, of course, is meat. Preference should be given to beef or veal. But not pork. It is too heavy for the canine stomach and is not digested by it, forcing the dog to suffer. An important part of the diet of porridge. And almost without restrictions. Suitable any: rice, buckwheat, pearl barley, oatmeal.

The opinion of the owners about the feeding

Over time, the owner begins to better understand what his Spanish Alano prefers. Reviews of other owners will only convince this opinion. Do not starve the dog, forcing to eat something that he does not like. It will not lead to anything good. He is as much a member of the family as you are. With his desires will have to reckon. To the extent permissible milk products, vegetables and fruits.

But sweets and flour products should be completely excluded from the diet of the dog.

How many times should Alano eat in a day? Up to six months of age - about five. Over time, feeding is becoming less common. The number of meals in an adult dog is no more than two times.

Training

Alano is easy to train, even if you are not a professional in this field. They are docile and intelligent animals, easily trained.

When training, it is important to follow the principle of slowness. It is not necessary to learn many commands at once. It is necessary gradually to train the dog: they learned one command, repeated it and fixed it. Only after a good memorization, go to the next. Those dogs, which are prepared for exhibitions, need additional knowledge and skills.

There is no way to do without a professional cynologist and special literature. For every command you perform, do not forget to praise and encourage the dog. The dog is very attached to you, cherishes your disposition and friendship. Having received praise, Alano with a vengeance will do everything, if only he would be praised.

All that is needed is to establish a trustful relationship with the dog, to make it clear that the leader is you, and treat her kindly.

A small conclusion

Now you know what the Spanish Alano is. The description of the breed and photos will help each person to study the kind of dogs. If you liked this dog, then first think carefully before purchasing a pet.