The Alano Espanol

Alano Espanols are Molossers (dogs with origins in Molossia) primarily used to fight bulls in Spain. Many people insist that these dogs are the same as the Spanish Bulldog (Perro de Toro) and Alanos are probably lighter versions of the Spanish Bulldog. They derive their name from the Alans, an invading warrior race of Iranian origin, who brought these fighting dogs to the Iberian Peninsula in 406 AC. Though this dog was prevalent in other parts of Europe that were invaded by the Alans, it is only in Spain that they survived.

Traditionally, the Alanos were used in herding, fighting in wars, and boar hunting. Their numbers decreased when bullfighting using these dogs was banned in 1883. In the 1980s, a few dog-lovers, fearing the extinction of Alanos, started a nationwide search for these dogs. Their search was a success as they found a few Alanos in rural Spain. Today, Alanos are used in herding, hunting, police work, agility, and weight pulling. They are still not recognized by any major registry outside Spain.