The Alano Español is an unique breed with a long history. It is originally a hunting breed, used for catching wild boar and livestock. In Spain this breed is very much still used as hunters and workers. This ensures that the Alano stays true to it’s origin, and it has not been diluted from it’s original characteristics like many other breeds.
One of the Alanos other function was to guard the property, it will therefor be precautious to what it percieves a threat. The guarding instinct in the Alano Español is well balanced, it is very loyal and will obey the commands of it’s owner without hesitation.
Since it hunts in packs, the Alano is usually very tolerant with other dogs. Dog aggression would impact and hinder the hunt, and such dogs could not be used successfully as a working dog. Therefor they would not be bred. It is not unusual to see Alanos in big packs interacting and playing with each other without issues, and with no signs of aggression. In my opinion this is puts the Alano a head above many other mastiff breeds, where gender aggression is not uncommon and often comes with their confident and strong temperament. The Alano is also both strong and confident, but because of the work they have been selected for, dog aggression is easily avoidable with minimal socialization.
The Alano will adapt to life as a housedog, but needs sufficiant physical stimuli every day. It needs to run off leash to release it’s energy for a minimum of an hour every day, this in addition to other walks and mental stimuli.
The Alano today faces many challenges. Some breeders are unfortunately not breeding true to standard by thoroughly testing their breeding stock for working capabilities by hunting them, making sure they have the rigour and tenacity which helps define the breed. This can lead to the downfall of the breed by loosing it’s distinction and uniqueness, which goes hand in hand with the Alanos working ability. It is important that the circle is somewhat closed regarding new owners, and fortunately breeders in general are very picky when it comes to owners of this breed. This ensures responsible handling of the breed, and promotes reputable breeding. The breed is kept close to it’s fanciers and is not let go to the public unless a potential owner proves itself worthy. This is not because the breed is dangerous or a liability, but simply because breeders are dedicated and invested in the breed and prefers to be in control of it’s development and preservation.
Another sobering challenge the Alano faces along with many other breeds is the increasing threat of breed specific legislation. This has been a desperate attempt to decrease dogbites. Breed specific legislation has been used as by politicians as an naive solution to a complicated problem. In stead of introducing constructive measures, they have tried to please the public, they are not adressing the real problem but instead such legislation has profound and negative sideeffects that is unfortunate both to the public and to dogs in general.
Unfortunately this has lead to discrimination of other breeds simply because of having some similar physical resemplance to the banned breeds even though they are not themselves banned. Since the Alano is shorthaired and somewhat muscular, not to mention it being a large dog, they can easily be judged as dangerous by laymen. This means that there are even stricter demands to the owners and responsible handling than with many other breeds. If you are to own an Alano, you need to make sure it is an obedient, well-behaved and a relatively social individual, and it is vital that each Alano is presented as a positive representative to the public.
I have many thoughts on Breed Specific Legislation, the unfortunate effects of it and more constructive ideas on how to reduce dogbites in todays society. I am currently working on a seperate website, and will link to it when it is finished.
Despite the challenges the Spanish Alano faces, it continues to be a true to standard working breed. It is generally very healthy, has longevity and represents a stable and tough temperament.
To find out more about the Alano, please click the links below.
