Stunning. There really is no other word to describe the Alano. Some find it intimidating based on its appearance, but don't be hasty in forming an opinion until you read this Alono breed information profile.
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Lifespan
The brave, bold Alano has a life expectancy of 11 to 14 years.
Origin
The Alano Espanol or Spanish Bulldog is believed to have been brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Alan tribe in the early part of the 5th century. The tribe had large dogs that were used for guarding cattle and property. Over time, the Alano also became known as a hunter of large prey and a bull baiter. Yes, bulls!
Size
The Alano weighs 75 to 90 pounds and measures 22 to 25 inches in height.
Grooming Needs
The Alano has a short coat that sheds moderately. The breed just needs to be brushed regularly and bathed when dirty. Like all dogs, the Alano also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The Alano is determined and powerful. Most Alanos are used for working, guarding and protection purposes. They can, however, be great family dogs if handled properly.
Temperament
The Alano has a specific personality and is not a dog for everyone. This is a serious guard dog and can be aggressive. This breed is naturally bold and fearless. They will protect their family and property without hesitation.
As with most guard dogs, the Alano is suspicious of strangers; however the Alano tends to get along well with other dogs. Breeders believe this is because the dog was a pack dog, which means it is inherently comfortable with other dogs.
The Alano requires a strong handler and all members of the family must be prepared to establish dominance. With the right handler, this is a submissive, reliable dog. They are good with children and show quite a bit of affection toward them.
Training Needs
The Alano wants to be the dominant member of the household , so it requires an experienced and confident handler. This is not a breed for first time dog owners. The dog has to see their handler as the master before they can develop respect for them.
As part of their training, the Alano needs early socialization to help them manage their protective and aggressive tendencies. They should be socialized with lots of people so they learn to differentiate between welcome and unwelcome visitors.
Activity Level
The Alano needs lots of daily exercise. This is a working dog genetically set up to be active much of the day. You need to commit to walking it multiple times during the day or taking it on jogs, bike rides or hiking.
