The rare Villano de las Encartaciones is believed by some to have origins in the 1100's, while others point out that the modern incarnation of the breed was created in the 19th century by crossing working Spanish Alanos with the Basque Herders and a variety of other Continental sheepdogs. A number of fanciers trace the Villano Bulldog to the Perro de Toro Espanol and the dogs brought back by sailors from Spanish colonies, such as the Perro Cimarron and the Azores Cattledog. Regardless of its ancestry, the Villano de las Encartaciones has traditionally been used in Western Spain to control rowdy cattle, herd sheep, hunt large game and guard farms. Although some dogs have been used for fighting in the past, this tenacious breed was never bred for that role. The Villano Bulldog is a valued working Molosser in the Bizkaia regions, where these powerful cattledogs are still celebrated for being able to grab and hold onto a bull's head and help the cattle dealers control their livestock.

Relatively unknown even in Spain, the Villano de las Encartaciones almost became extinct during the World Wars, but in the 1960's revival efforts were successful and the breed survived. Certain fanciers claim that these modern specimens are very different than the original Villano Bulldogs, due to numerous outcrosses with other bully breeds during the revival years. The present-day Villano de las Encartaciones is taller and lighter than its ancestors, but it is also a more trainable and calmer breed. Still unrecognized and rare, but slowly gaining popularity in its homeland, the Villano Bulldog was honored in 1997 by the official establishment of the National Villano de las Encartaciones Club.

Suspicious of strangers and very intuitive, they make excellent watchdogs. The Villano Bulldog is friendly and playful with children and its owner, but needs socialization in order to keep its territorial and protective instincts under control. Males are known to be fairly dog-aggressive. The Villano Bulldog loves an active lifestyle and plentiful excercise. Muscular and well-boned, this is a healthy and agile breed. The ears are traditionally cropped. The coat is short and flat, usually dark brindle in colour, but lighter dogs can be found, as well as the specimens with white markings. Average height is around 23 inches.