Sociedad Española de Fomento y Cría del Alano Español. The Alano Español was officially recognised by the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, the Spanish ministry of agriculture, in 2004; together with the Pastor Garafiano, the Ratonero Valenciano, the Ratonero Mallorquín and the Ca Mè Mallorquí, it was added to the list of indigenous Spanish breeds. It is not recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. It has been suggested that the Cimarrón Uruguayo of Uruguay derives principally from the Alano Español. Characteristics The Alano Español is a large dog of alaunt or bulldog type, with a large, strong head. Bitches stand some at the withers, and weigh about ; dogs are on average about 3 cm taller and 5 kg heavier. The coat is short and thick but never velvety, and is most often a brindle of any colour; leonardo (fawn); black and brindle; sable wolf. White chest flashes are acceptable but prevalence of white is not. The face may or may not have a black mask. The head is the shape of a cube and is brachycephalic. The muzzle is short with the lower jaw slightly concave, and has a very large, broad, black nose. The ears are set high and may be drop or cut short. The skin is very thick, with neck folds and some wrinkles on the face. It should not have a flat muzzle or show signs of prognathism. The cranio-facial proportion should be 65:35, meaning a significantly longer muzzle than for instance the Boxer has. Since the breed was used for hunting in packs, it is sociable with other dogs. Use The Alano was used from Mediaeval times as a war dog. It has since been used for hunting of boar and deer, as a guard dog, and in the management of cattle, both at pasture and at slaughterhouses. Until about the end of the nineteenth century it was used in the bullring; this use declined with the development at that time of the new practice of bullfighting on foot. References Dog breeds originating in Spain Bulldog breeds Catch dogs