Spanish Bull

Spanish BullThe Spanish Fighting Bull is an Iberian breed of cattle which is bred free-range on huge ranches and estates in Southern Spain.

They are generally black or dark brown in colour and both male and female have horns which are longer than any found in most other breeds of cattle.

This animal is bred to fight in a bull-ring and the selection process requires strength, stamina, intelligence and of course aggression. This aggression has to manifest itself in a situation where the bull is alone and in a position where it is unable to flee.

Young bulls are raised by their mother for the first year of life, at two years of age they are tested to ascertain their suitability for breeding, fighting or slaughter for meat. At three years calves become 'novillos' and are ready for fighting but Spanish law dictates they must be at least four years old and weigh 460kgs to fight in a first rank bullring, 435kgs in a second rank ring and 410kgs in a third rank ring. 

A few times a year a bull will be pardoned (indultado) which means its life will be spared. In these circumstances the audience petition the Ring President if they feel a bull has displayed outstanding behaviour. The bullfighter also joins this petition as it's considered a great honour to have a bull one has fought pardoned.

If the Ring President agrees with the petition the 'fortunate' animal is returned to the ranch where it is allowed to live out the rest of its days in fields.

All being well a bull's lifespan can be twenty to twenty five years..

Toys That Teach A great part of Hansa's mission is to educate children and adults alike about the world's animals and so, as well as being very close plush recreations of the original, every Hansa toy comes with a 'Toys That Teach' tag, which describes each animal's:

- Habitat
- Lifestyle
- Gestation period
- Care of young
- Eating habits

So you not only get a wonderful soft toy but also an understanding of the animal and its behaviour in its very own kingdom.