According to historians, the current breed is a descendant of an extinguished species which used to live in Central Europe in ancient times. In Spain and Portugal, this original breed was transformed trough selection into the modern bullfighting bull, specifically created to be killed in the corridas. In the XVIII century ganaderías (cattle firms) consecrated to produce fierce aggressive bullfighting bulls are recorded to have existed in Spain. The main difference between a wild and a tame bull is their way to react when they feel to be menaced. The Spanish bullfighting bull will attack ceaselessly whoever or whatever moves in front of his eyes.
La casta
It is the pedigree of the bullfighting bull. All modern bulls descend from six original cattle firms (castas fundacionales) founded in the XVIII century
Casta Jijona
Casta Navarra
Casta Morucha
Casta Cabrera
Casta Vazqueña
Casta Vistahermosa
El trapío (appearance)
It is defined according to the appearance of the bull and his behavior during the fight. Bullfighting pundit José María de Cossío defines it as the set of visually detectable traits that allow to deduce future conduct patterns during the fight. Breeders endeavor to create energetic vibrant athletic silky skinned bullfighting bulls. The shape and size of the horns is also crucial.
La bravura (the courage)
It is the essence of a bullfighting bull. The animal will show courage by repeatedly attacking after having been punished instead of trying to escape, as a tame bull would do. Bullfighting bulls will always warn their potential victims before goring. They would place themselves in front of their opponent, stare, raise their ears and head and even dig with their hoofs before attacking.
Herrajes del toro bravo (marks on the skin)
* Divisa: Colors of the cattle firm
* Brand of the cattle association
* Guarismo: Number showing the year of birth of the bull (this would be 2009, 2019, 2029…)
* Brand of the cattle firm
* Number of the bull branded oh his ribs
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