Mexican Bulldogs
The Mexican Bulldog, also known as the Perro de Toro Mexicano, was initially developed from imported Perro de Toro Español and Alano Español to create a superior large game hunting and bull-baiting dog. In the late 1800s, the breed’s bloodline was enhanced by the introduction of American Bulldogs and Pit Bulls to improve their dog-fighting abilities. Additionally, some Perro de Presa Canario and Perro de Pelea Cordobés bloodlines were reportedly incorporated, resulting in larger and more aggressive dogs. Throughout the 20th century, further crosses with American Bulldogs and Dogo Argentinos were made to increase size and reinforce the breed’s characteristic white-based coloring. Originally, the breed’s colors included fawn with black masks, solid red, and brindled coats, similar to their Spanish ancestors. Regional variations once existed, with smaller, less driven dogs in the southern parts of Mexico and more energetic, competitive dogs in the northern regions. While some enthusiasts believed the differences in size and temperament justified classifying the dogs into two separate breeds—Mexican Bulldog and Mexican Bull Terrier—this distinction was never officially recognized. Despite the breed’s consistency in appearance across regions, no formal breed standard was ever established for the Perro de Toro Mexicano.
The Mexican Bulldog, also known as the Perro de Toro Mexicano, is a broad-headed, wide-chested, and immensely powerful Molosser breed, well-suited for demanding tasks like Weight Pull. With its strong protective instincts, this breed makes an excellent watchdog. However, it is known for its aggression toward other dogs, making it essential for the Mexican Bulldog to have experienced and responsible handling. The breed typically has unaltered ears and tails, although tail docking is still practiced in some regions. Despite its strong and protective nature, the Mexican Bulldog’s aggressive tendencies toward other dogs require careful management and training.
The Perro de Toro Mexicano, or Mexican Bulldog, has a flat, short, smooth, and thick coat that comes in a range of colors, including yellow, fawn, red, and brindle. However, the most popular and common dogs today are white-coated with darker markings of various shades. The average height of the breed is around 25 inches, though smaller examples can still be found. In Mexico, efforts have been made to improve the breed’s bloodlines, and the Perro de Toro Mexicano can still occasionally be found as a farm dog and property guardian. The breed also has a history as a moderately successful pit-fighter, although it is primarily valued for its strength, protectiveness, and loyalty.
