Embodiments of the invention provide a magnetic head which prevents data on a recording medium from being erased even when a stray field is applied. In one embodiment, an auxiliary pole is sandwiched between a stray-field shield composed of a magnetic layer recessed from the air bearing surface and a main pole. The stray-field shield may be formed on the leading side of the auxiliary pole. A face of the stray-field shield on a medium side may be recessed from an air-bearing-surface of the magnetic head.