Ca de Bou / Perro de Presa Mallorquin

This little tough guy is best described as a bulldog (though he isn't one) with a great attitude. BooBoo is a member of a rare breed that's gained popularity in the past few years. I have to admit I'm one of those people that just had to have one. His tenacity and somewhat ferocious temperament towards enemies and threats is contrasted against his happy and playful nature. For the most part, BooBoo is actually a pretty quiet dog. He adores children without reservation. I guess that's what makes him ideal as a watchdog - his concern for the kids. He will take a second and even a third look at a stranger before welcoming them as potential friends around the kids.

When BooBoo was going through his obedience training, it was important for me to establish myself as leader of the pack. For the longest time, he wanted to assert himself as the boss, choosing when and when not to obey. He would also become bossy when I got too close to the children - he was telling me when I could play with them. With persistence from me, he has accepted his role in our family and is really happier now without the pressure of trying to be the leader.

From time to time BooBoo's heritage comes through - and that heritage was the medieval sport of bull-baiting. When he gets a bit aggressive, a firm yet kind hand is necessary and it's got to be consistent. He's got his faults, but all in all, he's a wonderful companion and family dog. We live in a small townhouse downtown and BooBoo seems to handle the indoor life just fine. He gets a lot of playtime inside and we make sure he gets extra workouts - indoors or out - if needed. We also make sure he eats right and we watch his weight, making sure to keep things in balance so he stays healthy, trim and strong. Kind of sounds like my Mom talking about my Dad!