Ca de Bestiar
A black Majorcan herding and guarding dog (Perro de Pastor Mallorquín). Loyal and protective of its family and stock, but independent and reserved with strangers.
Ca de Bestiar scorecard
Overview
The Ca de Bestiar, also called the Perro de Pastor Mallorquín or Majorca Shepherd Dog, is a large herding and guarding breed from the Balearic island of Majorca. Standing roughly 62–73 cm and weighing 35–40 kg, it is most often seen in a striking solid-black coat, with a lean, athletic build suited to working livestock and patrolling the farm under the Mediterranean sun.
Versatile and hard-working, the Ca de Bestiar both herds and guards, and it brings a loyal, protective temperament to family life. It is reserved with strangers, independent in its thinking and best suited to experienced owners with space. The breed is rare in the UK and is not separately recognised by The Kennel Club.
Good to know — a Ca de Bestiar needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed is native to Majorca, where it has long been used by farmers and shepherds as an all-round working dog — moving and managing stock, guarding property and accompanying its owners. It developed in relative isolation on the island, which helped preserve its distinctive type.
The Ca de Bestiar is recognised by Spain's national kennel club and by the FCI in its herding and guarding grouping. It comes in both a short-haired and a longer-haired variety. Outside the Balearics it remains uncommon, and detailed health records are sparse.
Temperament & family fit
With its own family the Ca de Bestiar is loyal, devoted and protective, often forming a strong bond with its people and home. It is alert and confident, combining a herding dog's awareness with a guardian's watchfulness. Within the household it can be affectionate and steady, though it is not a fussy, demonstrative breed.
With strangers it is naturally reserved and discerning, and it will react to anything it judges out of place. As an independent worker it likes to assess situations for itself, which means thorough socialisation and a confident owner are important. Properly raised, it is reliable and balanced rather than nervy or sharp.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Intelligent and capable, the Ca de Bestiar learns well but retains the independent streak common to herding-guardian breeds. Training should be consistent, fair and reward-based, building reliable obedience and good manners around livestock, people and other animals. Heavy-handed methods tend to backfire with this sensitive, thinking dog.
Early and ongoing socialisation is the single most valuable investment, helping to channel the breed's protective instincts appropriately. An experienced owner who can provide calm leadership and meaningful work — herding, training games or structured activity — will get the best from it.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Ca de Bestiar typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming needs are modest. The short-haired variety requires only weekly brushing, while the longer-coated type benefits from slightly more frequent attention to prevent tangles, particularly behind the ears and around the legs. Both shed moderately, with heavier seasonal moults. Routine ear checks, nail trimming and dental care keep the dog in good order with relatively little effort, making it an undemanding breed in this respect.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Ca de Bestiar
Feed a complete, quality diet appropriate to the dog's age, size and activity level, split across two meals a day. Active working individuals may need more calories than companions kept at lighter exercise. Keep the dog lean and muscular rather than heavy, and provide constant access to fresh water, particularly in warm weather to which this Mediterranean breed is well adapted.
A large breed
An adult Ca de Bestiar typically weighs 35–40 kg, so a healthy Ca de Bestiar eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 11–13 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Ca de Bestiars sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Ca de Bestiar weigh?
Adult 35–40 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 4–4.6 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 6.5–7.4 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 13–14.9 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 26–29.7 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 35–40 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Ca de Bestiar
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Ca de Bestiar's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Ca de Bestiar health & costs
Before bringing a Ca de Bestiar home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Ca de Bestiar is generally a robust, hardy breed, reflecting its working heritage, with a typical lifespan of around 11–13 years. Because it is rare and little studied outside its homeland, there is limited published, breed-specific health data, so buyers should ask breeders about the health and longevity of their own lines.
The concerns most relevant are those common to large, active working dogs — chiefly the joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia can occur in breeds of this size, and responsible breeders should be screening their stock and selecting for soundness.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental hip condition seen in larger breeds; request hip scores on the parents.
- Elbow dysplasia — a joint condition that can cause forelimb lameness; elbow screening is advisable.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a serious risk in larger, deep-chested dogs; feed smaller meals and learn the warning signs.
- Osteoarthritis — degenerative joint disease that active large dogs may develop with age.
- Exercise- and work-related injuries — energetic working dogs are prone to soft-tissue strains if not properly conditioned.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Ca de Bestiar; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Ca de Bestiar puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Ca de Bestiar
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Loyal, versatile herding and guard dog
- Hardy and low-grooming
Things to consider
- Protective and wary of strangers
- Independent nature needs an experienced owner
Compare the Ca de Bestiar
See how the Ca de Bestiar measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How big is a Ca de Bestiar?
The Ca de Bestiar, also called the Majorca Shepherd Dog, is a large herding and guarding breed standing roughly 62–73 cm and weighing 35–40 kg. It is most often seen in a striking solid-black coat, with a lean, athletic build suited to working livestock.
What is the lifespan of a Ca de Bestiar?
It is generally a robust, hardy breed reflecting its working heritage, with a typical lifespan of around 11–13 years. As it is rare and little studied outside its homeland, ask breeders about the health and longevity of their own lines.
What is the temperament of a Ca de Bestiar?
With its own family it is loyal, devoted and protective, alert and confident, combining a herding dog's awareness with a guardian's watchfulness. With strangers it is naturally reserved and discerning, so thorough socialisation and a confident owner are important.
Is the Ca de Bestiar good for first-time owners?
Not really. It is independent in its thinking, reserved with strangers and protective of its territory, so it needs careful socialisation and experienced handling. It is best suited to confident owners with space, and is not an ideal first dog or flat-dweller.
How much exercise does a Ca de Bestiar need?
This is an energetic working breed needing plenty of daily activity — long walks, free running in secure areas and tasks that engage its mind. A home with land or ready access to open space suits it best, and herding-style breeds especially benefit from a job to do.
How much grooming does a Ca de Bestiar need?
Grooming needs are modest. The short-haired variety needs only weekly brushing, while the longer-coated type benefits from slightly more frequent attention to prevent tangles. Both shed moderately, with heavier seasonal moults. Routine ear checks, nail trimming and dental care keep it in good order.
What health problems affect the Ca de Bestiar?
It is generally a robust breed, but the concerns most relevant are those common to large, active working dogs — chiefly the joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia can occur in breeds of this size, and responsible breeders should screen their stock and select for soundness.
Are Ca de Bestiars good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Ca de Bestiars tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Ca de Bestiar need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Ca de Bestiar needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Ca de Bestiars shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Ca de Bestiars easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Ca de Bestiars are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Ca de Bestiars bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Ca de Bestiars good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Ca de Bestiars suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Ca de Bestiar really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — herding and guarding breed standards, https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Pastoral breeds and breed information, https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/
- PDSA — Working and herding breed care advice, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — Caring for active dogs, https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice
Recommended for your Ca de Bestiar
Matched to a Ca de Bestiar's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.