Overview
The Ca Mè Mallorquí is a pointing dog from the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. It was traditionally used by local hunters, and is closely similar to other Spanish pointers such as the Pachón Navarro and Perdiguero de Burgos.
It is officially recognised in Spain but not by the FCI, and only a few hundred dogs are thought to exist.
History
The breed was widely used by hunters on Mallorca through the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, and visiting sportsmen wrote about it, earning it some international reputation. It was also common on Menorca.
Imported pointers such as the English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer replaced it, and by the end of the 20th century it was almost extinct. A breed club was founded in 1995, the Balearic government published a standard and stud-book in 2002, and Spain's ministry of agriculture recognised the breed in 2004. By 2019 it was estimated at several hundred dogs.
Appearance
A medium-sized dog, males stand 50 to 60 cm and weigh 18 to 23 kg, with females somewhat smaller. The legs are long and muscular, the chest wide and deep, the neck and tail relatively short, and the muzzle straight with slight dewlaps. The rounded ears are medium sized and hang close to the head.
The coat is dense, short and smooth, in solid black or brown, bicolour with white in black, brown, orange or lemon, with mottling or ticking, or tricolour.
Temperament
As a pointing dog it is focused and keen in the field, with a strong hunting instinct and good stamina. At home it is typically a loyal companion for its people.
Care and exercise
This is an active hunting dog that needs plenty of daily exercise and ideally a job such as field work or scent games. The short coat requires only occasional brushing, and the hanging ears should be kept clean.
