Alano Español or Spanish Bulldog is a Spanish breed of dog that derives its name from the Molosser Alaunt. The breed received recognition from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the RSCE in 2004. [wikipedia]
Alano Español dog picture
The Alano Español is a powerful dog, suitable for running, herding cattle and holding large animals. This dog has a well proportioned body structure and a deep chest, strong shoulders and withers. The back legs are slightly shorter than the front legs, which are straight when viewed from the front or the side. The muscles in the hindquarters are well developed and the hind legs show very well defined angulation.
Alano Español dog photo
The Spanish Alano today is a legacy od the Alan tribe which entered the Iberian Peninsula with the Vandal hordes during the early part of the 5th Century. The Alani were one of the Sarmatian peoples which inhabited the plains along the River Don to the northeast of the Sea of Azov in modern-day Russia. Formidable horsemen and skilled bowmen, these warring nomads were also famous for their dogs.