The Spanish Fighting Bull is an Iberian heterogeneous cattle population which is mainly bred free-range. Exact origins of these animals are disputed.
Some commentators trace it’s origin to wild bulls from the Iberian Peninsula. And they also traced the use of fighting bull for arena games in the Roman Empire.
But genetic studies of the Spanish Fighting Bull have indicated that the breeding stock have an unusually old genetic pool. The animals are bred free range on extensive estates mainly in Spain, Portugal and in some Latin American countries where bull fighting is organized.
It is also called by some other names such as Toro Bravo, toro de lidia, toro lidiado, ganado bravo, Touro de Lide. By using selective breeding, the aggression of the bull has been maintained or augmented.
The animals are very popular among the people of Spain, Portugal and the parts of Latin America. And the Spanish Fighting Bull is considered a symbol of Spain.
The fighting bulls are very beautiful and are of aggressive behavior naturally. They are selected primarily for a certain combination of aggression, energy, strength and stamina. Read more information about these animals below.
Spanish Fighting Bull Characteristics
The fighting bulls are usually medium sized animals with normal coloration, but many are also colored black or dark brown. They are easily characterized by their aggressive behavior, especially when solitary or unable to escape.
These animals usually reach maturity slower than other meat cattle breeds. Because they were not selected for being heavy (instead having a well-muscled look).
The fighting bulls have a distinctive profile for a complex of muscles over the shoulder and neck and the strength with their horns. Their horns are usually longer than most other cattle breeds. And the horns are also present in both males and females.
The fighting bulls are actually selected for a certain combination of aggression, energy, strength, and stamina. Average body weight of the mature fighting bull vary from 500 to 700 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
As the name suggests, the Spanish Fighting Bull is raised primarily for fighting purpose in some countries where bull fighting is organized. Fighting bull’s beef is also considered as the most ecological meat in the world.
Special Notes
The Spanish Fighting Bull is bred free-range on wide ranging ranches in Spain. The bulls are known for being very strong with good stamina. They are also noted for their aggressive behavior.
And they are selected for fighting based on their aggressiveness, strength and vigor. The breed is very popular in Spain. And they are primarily bred in Spain, Portugal and some other Latin American countries where bull fighting is organized.
The animals are very good for meat production. Their meat is considered as the most ecological meat in the world. However, review full breed profile of the Spanish Fighting Bull in the following table.
| Breed Name | Spanish Fighting Bull |
| Other Name | Fighting Bull |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, Sport |
| Special Notes | Hardy, slow growers, aggressive, strong, energetic, good stamina |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Bulls | Between 500 and 700 kg |
| Cows | Less then the bulls |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Many |
| Horned | Yes |
| Milk Yield | Poor |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Spain |
