Dogo Guatemalteco vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison

Alano Espanol is a very old breed and first data originate back in the 5th century. Alano has been used as dogs for war and dogs that traveled with explorers. After some, time Alano Espanol becoming more and more popular for bullfights and wild boar hunting. Nowadays, Alano Espanol is still not recognized worldwide, but it seems like this breed is getting more and more popular. They are excellent hunters and amazing working dogs.

Known as the Guatemalteco Bull Terrier or Guatemalan Molosser, the Dogo Guatemalteco is also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco, Guatemalan Bull Terrier, and Guatemalan Molosser.

This big Molosser-type dog originates in Guatemala. In the 20th century, it was known as the Bullterrier Guatemalteco, but at the end of the century, it was changed to Dogo Guatemalteco.

Today, while the dog is kept as a companion dog, most are working guard dogs. The Dogo Guatemalteco isn’t recognized by any major international kennel clubs. However, the Kennel Club of Guatemala has given full recognition to this dog and it was in 1981 that the Guatemalan government named the dog as their national dog breed.

On average, Alano Espanol approximately weights 34-40kg, while their average height is 56-64cm. Females are slightly smaller than male dogs.

A lifespan of Alano Espanol variates but on average it is 11 to 14 years.

Litter Size is 4-8 puppies, but it depends on every dog.

Other Names for Alano Espanol are Spanish Bulldog and Spanish Alano.

The Guatemalteco is a medium to large dog standing at 54 – 60cm and weighing between 40-45kg. He has a short, smooth coat and is essentially white with some black markings on the head.

This breed was created from a crossing between a bull terrier, boxer and dalmatian. Some of the dogs are thickly built, while others are more leaner and athletic looking.

The ears of the dog vary quite a bit because while sometimes the ears fold down closely to the head, others are semi-pricked. There are some dog owners who have their dogs ears cropped into fully erect triangular shapes. The eye are small and usually dark brown.

Temperament:

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a fearless, evenly tempered dog. He was bred as a guard dog and he wants to protect his human family, forming a deep bond with them. It makes them difficult to re-home because of this.

It is imperative to have this dog trained and socialized because it might believe its the leader of the pack in your home. He is quite capable of getting along well with children and pets in the home. Because of his dominant nature, he isn’t suited as a pet for the first-time dog owner. He also doesn’t warm easily to strangers.

Alano Espanol is an extra-large breed but they are very well balanced breed and they tend to be very reliable and calm. They are not very comfortable living in the small apartments. They are better in houses. They are also very good with kids. Alano Espanol needs a lot of daily exercise with a minimum of 3 walks per day. Even though people used them for dogfights and bullfights through the history. They are not recommended for the first time owners because they are strong-willed dogs who tend to be leaders in the pack. Strong will and constant training are very important for them. They are very dominant breed and have Alpha character. Socialization is also very important for Alano Espanol because they are very powerful and they can easily hurt other animals. They will listen the master but it is important that they play and socialize with other animals from very young age. Alano Espanol can be a very good with other animals even in the same household, but only with proper socialization. If the dogs are the same sex, they tend to show dominance. Basically, they can be amazing pets, but it is important to train them properly.

Your Dogo Guatemalteco is an intelligent dog breed, and because he is strong-willed and stubborn he might give you a hard time during training. It is possible though and it is important as the training will turn him into an obedient, relaxed dog, able to get on with all his family members, including pets.

He is an energetic dog and will require walks and other forms of exercise each day.

This is certainly not the kind of dog that you buy to protect your property and provide little else for him except food and water. Frustration on the dog’s part can lead to destructive behavior and aggression.

Treat him well and he can make an excellent family companion.

Alano Espanol is a very strong and healthy breed. They do not have any major health issues. Aldo, as with every large breed you should be careful of dogs genetic because they might have dysplasia. However, they are very healthy dogs with no health issues so your dog will live happy and healthy life with a proper care and occasional vet examination.

This dog can be susceptible to skin allergies. The skin is sensitive and prone to rashes.

Another health concern with this dog because of his white coat, is congenital deafness. The deafness could be in one- or both ears.

The dog could also experience lameness, of which the most common problem is hip dysplasia. Because skeletal problems occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pet tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Feeding Alano Espanol

Feeding habits of any dog depend on daily activity and size. Alano Espanol should eat approximately 4-5 cups of high-quality food divided into two meals. You can also add some vegetables, fruit, oil or basically anything that you see your dog enjoy eating.

Feeding Alano Espanol puppy

Alano Espanol puppies need more food divided into 3-5 meals per day. It is very important that puppy has all the necessary vitamins and minerals to develop into a big and healthy adult.

Grooming Alano Espanol

Alano Espanol is a very easy breed to groom. They have short hair with no undercoat, so minimal grooming is all that it takes. Alano does not drool, so it is not very hard to keep them clean. They will need occasional baths, but only when they are dirty because if you bath your dog too much, the skin could dry and start to itch.

The coat of the dog is short and harsh and it sheds throughout the year. While he is still looked upon as a low maintenance dog, regular brushing will be required twice a week.

Because he is a dog breed that is susceptible to skin allergies, bathing isn't necessary as it removes the dog’s natural oils.

Other areas of grooming for this dog are brushing his teeth twice a week, trimming his nails and checking his ears.

Diet:

Always choose a high quality dog food for your Dogo Guatemalteco and look at the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

When you feed your pet kibble, you can also mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetable and chicken for variety and contentment.

Raw meat is also advised from time to time. Don’t just go on and on through the years feeding your dog the same amount of food, as there are factors to take into account when deciding on food quantity. The age of your dog, it’s stage of life and its activity levels will mean regulating your pet’s food to match his needs.