The Majorca Shepherd Dog originated in Spain, and is also known as the Ca de Bestiar or Perro de Pastor Mallorquin. He was used as an all-purpose farm dog with a specialization in guarding livestock, although he was also used as a herding breed, a guard dog for the home, and even a bird dog! Although the breed is very old (with fore-bearers possibly hundreds of years old), the standard wasn’t created until 1980. This is a brave, willful breed with a tendency to become dominant and must only be owned by experienced dog people.
The Majorca Shepherd can be prone to territorial behaviors, a trait frequently seen with dogs bred for guarding livestock. This is hardwired and practically impossible to train away. Frequent and early socialization is a must, but even so one must be mindful when having friends over to the house, as he will be suspicious and possibly even unfriendly. The breed is also protective of his master and will not hesitate to use force if the situation calls for it. This is a dog whose bite can match his bark! In general, this is not a breed that one should consider if they want a social and friendly dog either inside or away from the house.
Majorcas are often better in only-dog households without small children. While the breed is intensely loyal, he’s a little too defensive and intense to live with very young kids, and much too territorial and dog-aggressive to live with other dogs. This is not really a family dog – in fact, many prefer to live with only a single person, whom they’ll dedicate all their time and affection toward. They can even be difficult to re-home as they develop deep bonds toward “their person”.
Majorca Shepherd Dogs live an average of 12-13 years and are fairly hardy dogs. They don’t tend to get ill very often, nor are there common health problems associated with the breed. They can do well in both cold as well as hot climates, despite their black coats – although of course they must always have access to water and shade when temperatures are warmer. This means they can live as outside dogs as long as all their other needs are met (such as training and exercise) and as long as they are able to have regular interactions with their owner. They are also generally easy to care for in terms of grooming. 
Majorca Shepherds are medium-sized dogs in height (averaging from 22 to 24 inches tall), although the sturdy and muscular build puts them in a larger size category (usually 77 to 88 pounds). The coat is always black. While a longer-haired version is allowable overseas, here in America the UKC states that only the short haired version is recognized. The breed has hanging ears, a short neck and an overall Lab-like appearance although the temperament is quite vastly different.
Majorca Shepherd Dogs tend to do best when living in rural properties so they can run around, stretching their legs. They require a lot of exercise and physical activity in order to stay mentally and physically healthy – a minimum of an hour a day, not including free time to run in the yard. Many enjoy swimming, jogging and hiking in addition to long walks around the neighborhood. A life filled with varied activities is perfect for these outdoors-y individuals. Even farm-dwelling dogs must still be given additional exercise or games to keep them engaged – this is not a dog for a sedentary individual! One must provide a job for the dog to do so that he doesn’t become bored and develop into a problem barker or hyperactive terror.
Independent-minded, the Majorca Shepherd Dog should start training while still young for the best results. He is intelligent but is also more wired to work for himself rather than with other people, so getting started early can help mold him into a dog more likely to follow commands. While one should never use overly harsh training, he does require a firm hand and will simply walk all over a trainer utilizing zero repercussions for bad behavior. Make sure to stay consistent when training, and plan on keeping up with his lessons throughout his life. This working breed needs regular training sessions up until old age to help give him purpose!
