Alano Espanol Dog Breed

  • Other names:
  • Spanish Bulldog
  • Spanish Alano
  • Alano
  • Alano Mastiff
  • View all 4...
Overview

The Alano Espanol (Spanish Bulldog) is not yet a widely recognized breed. Ancestors of this dog had an exciting history of being war dogs, large-game hunters, bullfighters, and guard dogs. This is a large, strong breed known for its stamina and courage they make excellent guard dogs. They are also patient and affectionate with children. This breed is recommended if you have plenty of time to exercise your pet and a large yard. Spanish Bulldogs make great outdoor pets and require little grooming for their short coats besides regular brushing.

Alano Espanol Breed Details

Breed Specs
TypeLifespanHeightWeight
Purebred11-14 yrs.22-25 in.75-88 lbs
  • Friendliness
  • Overall
  • Family Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Stranger Friendly
  • Maintenance
  • Easy to Groom
  • Energy Level
  • Exercise Needs
  • General Health
  • Shedding Amount
  • Behavior
  • Barks / Howls
  • Easy to Train
  • Guard Dog
  • Playfulness
  • Watch Dog
  • Ownership
  • Apartment Friendly
  • Can Be Alone
  • Good for Busy Owners
  • Good for Novice Owners
  • Intelligence
* The more green the stronger the trait.

Below are the details and specs for the Spanish Bulldog.

Alano Espanol Breed Description

The Alano Espanol is considered a large breed that stands 22-25 inches tall and weighs 75-88 pounds. The breed has a history of being strong and muscular with high levels of courage and endurance.

The Spanish Bulldog is pack-hunting dog, so he gets along very well with other dogs. Other pets should be fine too, as the breed was mainly used to hunt big game as opposed to small animals. They are non aggressive and patient with children as well as affectionate and playful; they make good outdoor family pets. Members of this breed make excellent guard dogs and will attack only if necessary.

Those with active lifestyles will enjoy this breed, however for owners without time to spend exercising their pet everyday (or a yard) this breed is not recommended. A few walks a day are suggested. The short coat sheds little so regular brushing is required, however only occasional bathing is necessary.

Alano Espanol Breed History

The Alano Espanol descended from a common ancestor that originated in the Southeastern European area (in ancient times called Molosia) that is now Greece and Albania. These ancient dogs accompanied their owners overseas through conquest, trade, and exploration and wherever they landed were bred and developed into many different sub-types of dogs. This particular breed originated in Spain and was first mentioned in the 14th century hunting books. During this time Spanish Bulldogs functioned in war and slave capturing and in later times has been used in livestock guarding, big-game hunting and bullfighting. As the latter of their functions became outlawed, this breed had almost become extinct. A few specimens of this breed were found in Northern and Western Spain in the 1970s and were bred to increase the population of the breed.

The Spanish Bulldog was not recognized by the Spanish Kennel Club until 2004 and is still not recognized yet internationally.

Alano Espanol Appearance

These are large sized, muscular dogs with thick skin especially within the neck region. The shoulders and back legs are strong with large paws. Spanish Bulldogs have large heads, short muzzles, and large black noses. The ears are often cropped but if left uncropped will be medium sized and fold towards the face. Members of this breed have a short thick coat that frequently includes some shade of brindle. The face displays some wrinkles and may be black masked.

Alano Espanol Coloring

The coat colors include: brindle of various shades, red, fawn, sable wolf, and black. The nose is black and the face may or may not be black masked. The chest may sometimes include white but this color should never be present in large amounts.

Alano Espanol Size

This is a large sized, strong breed weighing around 75-88 pounds.. Males are typically 23-25 inches while females reach 22-24 inches.

Average Adult Height

22-25 in
*Height is measured in inches from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while the dog is standing on all four legs.

Average Adult Weight

75-88 lbs

Alano Espanol Temperament

The serious expression on the face is mirrored in this dog's personality. Owners should be pack leaders willing to offer continuous training in order to offset the breed's natural dominance. Once this is established the Spanish Bulldog will be very good at following orders and patient with training. They are not very aggressive but if the situation calls for it they will attack and will not yield even in extreme pain unless told to do so; therefore those looking for a guard dog will find this breed a good choice. Stamina and strength are prominent traits which call for an active owner and lifestyle. This also means they love to play and will do great with other dogs.

They are not easy to house-train and may develop destructive habits if not given enough exercise, because of this the Alano Espanol is not recommended for indoors.

Alano Espanol and Children

These are playful, affectionate and patient dogs. They are patient with kids and do well with children.

Alano Espanol and Other Pets

Spanish Bulldogs get along well with other dogs since members of this breed descend from pack hunters, though they will try to assert their dominance as a pack-leader. They shouldn't have much prey instinct towards smaller pets as their prime instincts are centered towards big-game hunting.

Alano Espanol and Strangers

Members of this breed make excellent guard dogs. Although they don't bark much and are not very aggressive, they survey strangers with suspicion and will attack if the situation requires it. Because of this, the Alano Espanol is not recommended for families or businesses which have frequent uninvited guests.

Alano Espanol Photos

Below are pictures of the Alano Espanol dog breed.

Alano Espanol (Spanish Bulldog)
Alano Espanol (Spanish Bulldog)

Alano Espanol Maintenance

Members of this breed need continuous training and regular activity. They are outside dogs, very energetic and requiring a few walks per day. Only occasional bathing should be necessary, however regular brushing should be done as they are average shedders.

Grooming Requirements

This type of bulldog does not drool and snore excessively like many other types. The Alano Espanol should be an outdoor pet and if kept outside, should only require occasional baths. Their short coats should be brushed regularly since they are average shedders.

Exercise Requirements

This breed needs quite a bit of exercise so if the owner does not have time or does not live an active lifestyle then a Spanish Bulldog is not recommended. A few walks per day is suitable to release this dog's energy.

Living Requirements

This breed is not ideal for an apartment. In fact, they would do better as an outdoor dog so a yard is necessary. Due to its past as a war and big-game hunting dog its needs plenty of space to live and exercise.

Temperature Range

No temperature restrictions have been widely published for this breed; however the coat is thick but short so extremely cold temperatures would probably not be tolerated by this breed. Otherwise Spanish Bulldogs are very adaptable whether it is warm or cool, humid or dry.

Alano Espanol Health

No major health issues have been reported for this breed. The average life expectancy for the Spanish Bulldog is 11-14 years.

Alano Espanol Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Alano Espanol as a dog breed:

  • Dog Registry of America Inc.
  • Backwoods Bulldog Club