[1] While the timing of its arrival is unknown, the breed came with the conquest of King James I of Aragon or shortly thereafter, and over the centuries the Majorcan Shepherds and foravilers conferred its very own and distinct features, not only from other island dogs, but also its neighbors around the Mediterranean.

[citation needed] It has benefited, in the islands, from the near disappearance of the Ca de Bou breed.

This prototype was accepted by the RSCPFRCE (Royal Central Society for the Promotion of Dog Breeds of Spain) and also recognized by the top world body, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), on 13 September 1982.

In the long-haired variety the undercoat is well distributed and not thick, showing varying shades of black.

The ears, which are slightly bent from the side, are relatively small, triangular, thick and set high on the head.