Presa Canario

This dog breed, Perro de Presa Canario, originated from the Canary Islands and helped with livestock. These large dogs are known today as strong and protective guardians. The breed is sometimes referred to as the Canary Mastiff. Shelters and rescues may still have these purebred dogs. Dogs like this breed are not suitable for apartment dwellers. To help prevent the dog from becoming too aggressive and dominant, this breed needs an experienced and strong trainer.

This breed is not recommended for households with small children or animals. Perro de Presa Canario is a robust dog breed from the Canary Islands. The breed's name is Spanish and is often shortened to Presa Canario. Presa Canario dogs are docile, devoted, and obedient to their families when properly trained and socialized—however, they are natural guard dogs. They may sometimes act aggressively towards people or animals they don't know. Known for their thick, muscular, rectangular body, attentive expression, and black mask, the Presa Canario is a breed of strong-willed dogs. Cropped ears add to their formidable expression and help prevent damage when working with cattle because of their broad, brachycephalic head shape.

Presa Canario: Introduction to the Breed

The decision to add a new pet to your family is a big one. Before purchasing another puppy, you should consider which will be the most beneficial to your family and lifestyle. Choose carefully which characteristics you would like in a dog and which you would prefer it not to have. There are a few things you should know about the Presa Canario breed.

Presa Canario’s are generally:

As the breed likes to dominate situations, you'll need to know how to train large dogs to get the most out of it. If you don't provide appropriate training throughout your dog's life, you might run into leadership issues and find yourself living with a dog that tends to act aggressively. Perro de Presa Canario can be a great guardian dog if properly socialized, and their relaxed side can also come out around humans. It is important to understand that adopting a Perro de Presa Canario involves a large commitment in terms of training and caring for the dog.

While slow to warm up at first, the Presa Canario has a gentle, sweet disposition, especially around people they trust. They are a confident breed with a large presence and an even keel. Their stance is firm and vigilant, with a calm and confident temperament.

What are the Origins of the Presa Canario?

Presa Canario's intimidating appearance and hyper-awareness make it an ideal guard dog. In the 15th and 16th centuries after the conquest of the Canary Islands, larger dogs served the very important roles of guarding farms, working cattle, and even exterminating wild or stray dogs. This breed is also known as the "Canary Dog of Prey." An average-size mastiff breed and intuitive guard dog, the Presa Canario is descended from the cattle breed Iberian Presa (Perro de Ganado Majorero). Several other breeds may have contributed to the Presa Canario, including the Presa Espanol and the Bardino Majorero, a sheepdog from Fuerteventura. Know more about how much does a presa canario cost in 2024.

These island dogs evolved into different breeds over time, and the Presa Canario became known for their intelligence, courage, and physical resistance, along with their natural guardian instincts without excessive barking. It is not surprising that these dogs were also often bred for dogfighting. Dog fighting was prohibited on the islands during the 1940s, but fights continued throughout the following decade, and it was during this period that Presa Canario numbers dipped due to the introduction of alternate fighting breeds like the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, and German Shepherd.

Almost extinct, the Presa Canario was relegated to farmers and herders as their primary guard dog in small numbers. As a result, reputable breeders developed Presa Canario breeds in the 1970s that were both massive and courageous as well as functional with keen watchdog instincts, a headstrong, courageous temperament, and a highly territorial nature. In 1982, a group of breeders from Tenerife formed an association to support the resurgence of the Presa Canario breed.

Gran Canaria's animal symbol is this dog breed. Since 1996, they have been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service. Several countries have banned the Presa Canario because of its territorial tendencies.

What are the Risks for the Presa Canario Dog Breed?

Perro de Presa Canario’s, like any breed, are prone to some health problems over their lifetimes. While not all Perros de Presa Canarios will develop these conditions, it's important to know about them if you are considering this breed. Some conditions Perro de Presa Canario’s may be susceptible to include:

Due to their history as a working breed, the Perro de Presa Canario requires a great deal of exercise. Keep the dog mentally and physically satisfied by exercising for at least an hour every day. Even if you have a fenced-in yard, you shouldn't leave the dog alone outside for long periods of time due to its size and power. Dental hygiene and nail care are also important for the Perro de Presa Canario. Brush your dog's teeth at least twice or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. It is better to do this daily.

Make sure your Perro de Presa Canario's nails are trimmed once a month. However, if a Perro de Presa Canario spends enough time outdoors, their nails will likely remain in good condition. Make sure you check the dog's ears for debris or dirt that might have accumulated there.

A Presa Canario needs a dedicated owner, quality exercise, and time with family to thrive. A dog like this typically won't enjoy spending hours alone at home. From a city apartment to a wide-open rural house, they are generally able to live happily anywhere if they have these elements.

Unfortunately, even if you do everything you can to keep your Scottish Terrier healthy, they can still get sick. Because of this, it's essential to be prepared for the things you cannot control. At Spot Pet Insurance, our number one priority is helping you give your dog the long, happy, and healthy life they deserve.

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