The origin of the Spanish Alano, its purpose, exterior standard, character, health, care tips, interesting facts. Price when buying a puppy alano. The Spanish Alano (Alano Espanol) is one of the most ancient and legendary dogs of Spain. A large, energetic, incredibly strong and agile dog, with a terrifyingly powerful grip of strong jaws, desperately brave and almost insensitive to pain, possessing a majestic and unusually formidable article, controlled behavior and a wonderful character. Alano has long and firmly won the hearts of proud Spaniards. And nowadays he easily finds more and more new fans living in other countries and on the continents farthest from Spain.
History of the origin of the Spanish Alano breed
Like most of the most ancient dog breeds, the history of the origin of the Alano dogs is rather vague, has a number of exaggerations and unconfirmed conjectures, although it is believed that, in general, everything is known about this "Spaniard".
So, it is generally accepted that the ancestors of the modern Alano came to the territory of Spain, which was then called Iberia, together with the warlike tribes of the Alans, who became a real disaster for the Western Roman Empire, weakened by the endless invasions of barbarians. And it happened many centuries ago - in the IV-V centuries. It is believed that it is from the name of the Alanian tribes that the modern name of the breed is derived - "Alano".
However, as for the names, the Alan dogs have a great variety of them. For example, they are often called in accordance with their former and most famous fighting profession - "presa del toro" - "for baiting bulls." Or "chato de presa" - "snub-nosed dog for baiting." And sometimes (it is not clear why) - "culebro", which in Old Spanish means "snake". In total, there are several dozen words and expressions, both in Old Spanish and in Modern Spanish, denoting the same dog - Alano. Even this alone shows how special the status this bulldog has in Spain.
The nomadic Sarmatian-Alanian tribes who brought the dogs to the territory of the Iberian (then Iberian) Peninsula were excellent herders and excellent equestrian warriors. Therefore, they used their hardy huge dogs mainly for hunting, war and guarding huge herds of horses, cows and sheep, constantly moving with the army. And although the militant tribes themselves did not stay on the peninsula for a long time and were expelled by the Visigoths to North Africa, many dogs accompanying the conquerors remained on the Iberian land, took root and found a new homeland. The Iberian tribes, no less than the Alans, needed good shepherds and guards.
One of the first written descriptions of the appearance and character of the Alan dogs was made in the XIV century, during the reign of King Alfonso XI of Castile and Lyon (1311-1350) in the famous "Book of the Hunt" ("Libro de la caza") of the Spanish Infante and one of the greatest medieval writers, don Juan Manuel. Well, King Alfonso himself is credited with the dictum that "the Alano dog bites not because he is hungry, but because he always strives to grab everything that moves."
With the discovery of the New World, as recorded in many historical chronicles, individual specimens of Alano dogs as special war dogs were brought by conquistadors and colonialists to the islands of the Azores archipelago and further to America. Thus, this oldest species of large bulldog played a very significant role in the formation of a number of breeds in the New World.
In the XVI-XVII centuries, the Alano bulldog was actively used by the Spaniards for hunting deer, for baiting wild boars and bears, and also a separate category of Alano dogs was specially trained to participate in bullfighting. Bull-baiting by a pack of aggressive and bloodthirsty dogs for the amusement of the crowd has become commonplace not only in Spain, but throughout Europe.
In 1883, the use of dogs in bullfighting or in bloody battles with bulls in Spain was prohibited by law. By that time, the hunting grounds of the aristocrats had also significantly decreased in size. Livestock also began to be grazed "in a modern way" - in specially created pens. There was nowhere to use large dogs. And keeping it is not profitable. The population of the classic Alano Bulldogs began to dramatically lose their numbers and by 1930 practically ceased to exist. Literally a few individuals of the ancient species have survived among the small number of hunters and farmers in remote regions of Spain.
The Spaniards realized themselves only in the 70s of the XX century, when their beloved and legendary aboriginal breed almost completely disappeared. Groups of enthusiastic dog handlers and veterinarians, led by Carlos Contera, began to search for surviving specimens in the cattle-breeding areas of Castile and Cantabria, Salamanca and in the north of Burgos. Finally, in 1980, a long and persistent search was crowned with success. In the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, they managed to find culebro dogs that retained the old exterior and are suitable for further planned selection.
Engaged in selection, enthusiasts relatively quickly coped with the revival of the classic exterior of the dog. It turned out to be more difficult to restore the former working qualities of the Spanish Bulldog, which so favorably distinguish it from other dog breeds: calm dignity, unquestioning obedience to the owner, the ability to act in a group of dogs, economical energy and rationality of actions.
Only by 1997, breeders managed to completely recreate the legendary Alano dog and, with the support of the Spanish Society for the Development, Support and Breeding of Alano (SEFCA), developed the necessary standard for "Spanish Alan", approved by the University of Cordoba. In 2004, the breed was recognized by the Spanish National Kennel Club.
Despite the antiquity of the species and the ever-increasing popularity of the national bulldog of Spain, the breed has not yet found official world recognition in the FCI.
Purpose and use of Spanish Alano
Starting with the Molossian ancestors of the Spanish Bulldog Alano, who lived in the Alanian tribes, the purpose of these large animals was very different: a hunter and watchman, a shepherd and a dog for battle.
In the middle and later ages, the Alano were also used mainly for the protection and hunting of large animals that could fend for themselves, mainly for the bear and wild boar.
The subsequent development in Spain of such bloody entertainments as bullfighting, dog fights, dog-baiting of bulls and others, largely predetermined the direction of the Alano's use. Certainly this courageous, strong and fast dog was perfect for this purpose. And although in our, much more humane, times, such a use of the Spanish Bulldog has lost its relevance, in some places it is still used as a tireless fighter in dog fights, and is also baited on domestic cows for hunting big game.
Modern Alano dogs are often used as guard dogs, sniffer dogs or search dogs in the police and other law enforcement agencies. Alano, just like in the old days - excellent watchmen of houses, apartments and country estates, perfectly cope with the functions of bodyguards and companion dogs. Sometimes they are found on the farms of pastoralists as intelligent and manageable herding dogs.
Spanish Bulldog External Standard Description
The ancient bulldog of Spain is a large animal with an athletic build. The beautiful exterior of the formidable dog-fighter is combined with well-controlled behavior and adequate aggression.
Alano belongs to large dogs of Molossian, but somewhat lightweight type. Its height at the withers reaches 64 centimeters in adult males and 61 centimeters in sexually mature bitches. Body weight is in the range of 34-40 kg. However, it is believed that the current Spanish SEFCA standard (there is still no international standard) describes dogs of much smaller size. Fans of the breed are in high esteem with much larger specimens of Alano, whose body weight reaches 60 kg.
- Head rather large, brachycephalic type, in proportion to the body, with a square and wide skull. The occipital protuberance is distinct. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is well defined. The muzzle is short and wide. The bridge of the nose is wide. The nose is black, large. The lips are black in color, close to the jaws, without too pendulous wings. The jaws are very powerful. The dental formula is standard (42 teeth), the teeth are white, large with large canines. Pincer bite.
- Eyes round or somewhat elongated, small with a wide, straight set. Eye color - from yellow and yellow-brownish to dark brown. The eyes are very expressive. The gaze is intent, direct and formidable (causing concern among people unfamiliar with the breed).
- Ears high and wide set, round-triangular, hanging. Usually, Alano ears are cropped to a rounded-pointed shape. Often, cropping gives the effect of ears broken or torn in a fight.
- Neck of medium length, very strong, well muscled with a pronounced dewlap.
- Torso square-rectangular format, strongly muscular, not inclined to corpulence, with a wide, well-developed chest and strong back. The back is strong, of medium length, smoothly flowing with muscles from the not too pronounced withers to the raised croup. The rump is strong, short, always higher than the withers.
- Tail thick, short (maximum length barely reaches the hock), saber-shaped.
- Limbs straight, very strong, parallel set, broad bone and well muscled. The paws are oval, large (especially the hind ones), with tightly pressed toes.
- Leather very thick, coarse, has a number of dewlaps and folds, pigmented to match the coat.
- Wool short, dense, without undercoat, rather stiff to the touch. The quality of the hair on the head is softer, velor. On the tail, the quality of the coat is the harshest.
- Color more often red, having a wide variety of shades: from light straw to reddish yellow and almost red. Possible coat colors are grayish-silver and even bluish. There are animals with more black or blackened coat colors, brindle (black with "brindle" of red, fawn or golden-copper color) and even completely white. The presence of medium-sized white spots is possible. In the main color, uniformity of color is important. On the face of the animal there may be a black or dark "mask" that covers the entire muzzle and the area around the eyes. The presence of a mask is encouraged - it adds to the formidance of the dog.
Alano's character
The entire history of the existence of the Alano Bulldog was associated exclusively with the performance of combat, security or hunting functions (as a pickling dog). For centuries, the breed has cultivated strength, endurance, agility, quick reaction and complete fearlessness. And all this really is in the blood of this magnificent animal. And also - an excellent sense of smell, sight and hearing, which, combined with physical data, makes him a wonderful hunter. Alano is perfectly manageable and is not prone to inappropriate aggression directed at a person. All their battles with humans are a thing of the past.
The Alano dog is hardy and unpretentious, and even the wounds he receives in hunting fights heal well. He has a well-developed mindfulness, he learns quickly, thinks well and acts dexterously. In a fight, he is able to react with lightning speed to the slightest change in the situation, showing originality and originality in response, which makes him a dangerous fighter and an excellent guard.
Despite the relatively small size (we do not take into account the giants of the breed weighing under 60 kg), the Alano bulldog has great strength and amazing dexterity, which, combined with tenacity and a special attack technique, allows him to cope with a horse or knock him to the ground in a matter of minutes a young bull weighing under 300 kg. Two or three Alano dogs, acting as a team, easily overpower such a dangerous fighter as a wild boar.
In ordinary life, this dog is a loyal and loyal creature, no less than other dog breeds, prone to affection and tenderness in manifestations. Correctly brought up Alano never shows "bad" aggression, is always obedient and disciplined. He gets along well with other dogs (teamwork during the hunt does not stimulate internal squabbles), he is in good contact with children, although he does not allow them to use too much with himself (and the owner must monitor this). To "strangers" he is attentive and strict. Combining the strength and speed of a pickling dog, the Culebro retains absolute restraint and calmness if it does not see any danger to the owner, attacking only in case of aggression.
Despite the fact that the dog is quite controllable and has good endurance, the dog handlers still do not recommend starting it as a "first dog". But nature lovers, hunters and sportsmen will find in Alano a very gifted and multifunctional dog, capable of being a real friend and companion. Breeders strongly recommend keeping the Spanish Bulldog only in rural areas or in nature, where there is an opportunity to fully run and frolic. Apartment maintenance is absolutely not suitable for these energetic and freedom-loving dogs.
Alano Bulldog Health
Such dogs are an almost aboriginal dog in Spain, which has undergone centuries of natural selection, which has developed excellent species survival, strong immunity and resistance to diseases. It is considered a very healthy breed with little or no genetic problems.
The dog is very hardy and athletic. It has a unique quality - rapid blood clotting, which contributes to rapid wound healing and low blood loss in case of serious injuries.
Alano-culebro has a lifespan of 11 to 14 years.
Alano care tips and interesting facts
The breed is absolutely unpretentious in care and undemanding in nutrition. All the standard recommendations developed by the specialists in keeping energetic large dogs are fully applicable to the Alano as well.
It is known that during the conquest of the New World, the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors actively used fighting dogs against the Indians. The basis of the canine "army" was made up of Mastiffs and Alanos, dressed in special protective armor. They were launched simultaneously with the attack of the cavalry, causing terror and panic among the natives.
And the first conqueror to use such tactics was none other than Christopher Columbus. He was the first to unleash dogs on the natives when he landed in Haiti in 1493. He did the same a year later, when he landed in Jamaica, dispersed the hostile aborigines with aggressive dogs. During the Battle of Vega Real in 1495, Columbus was equally successful in using at least twenty of his remaining war dogs.
The greatest number of fighting dogs was in the army of the conquerors of the Inca empire, the brothers Pizarro. About a thousand large war dogs were landed on the coast of Peru in 1591 with an army (modern historians suggest that this was the largest number of war animals ever used in war).
Price when buying a Spanish Alano puppy
Currently, there are no registered nurseries for Spanish Bulldogs in Russia. Therefore, it is possible to buy a Culebro puppy only in Europe (preferably in Spain or Italy) or in the USA. The cost of such a purchase will cost an average of $ 550 to $ 800. Extra-class puppies are much more expensive.
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