Presa Canario

 

Summary:

• The Presa Canario is a calm breed that thrives both as a city dog and a farm dog.
• The breed is well suited for families with children and is very loyal.
• This breed can be reserved/skeptical towards strangers and has a strong guardian instinct.
• The breed can be dominant towards other dogs.
• Early socialization is important.
• The breed is not suitable as a first-time dog.

Characteristics and mentality

The Presa Canario is normally calm indoors and is just as suitable as a city dog as a farm dog. They show kindness to children and have a strong loyalty. The breed can be somewhat reserved towards strangers and has a strong guardian instinct.The Presa Canario can be dominant over other dogs of the same sex and occasionally also over dogs of the opposite sex. Early socialization is therefore important.

Size and appearance

The breed is a smooth-haired, large and muscular dog with an athletic build. The coat has stiff, coarse cover hairs that lie flat against the body and lack undercoat. Some undercoat may appear on the neck and rear thighs. When the dog is alert, wrinkles form on the forehead. The skin is thick and elastic, and the neck skin is loose. The tail is carried hanging.Ear cropping is prohibited, and cropped ears are also not allowed at exhibitions. The breed standard allows different color shades of the brindle (from dark brown to blond or pale gray) as well as shades of brown (from reddish brown to sandy). White markings on the chest, neck, front legs and toes of the hind legs are allowed, but should be minimal. Male dogs must weigh at least 50 kg and have a shoulder height of 60-65 cm, while bitches must weigh a minimum of 40 kg and have a shoulder height of 56-61 cm.

Fur grooming

Fur care for the breed  is simple and only requires bathing and brushing when necessary.

History

Presa Canario originates from the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The breed is believed to be the result of matings between the local Majorero type of dog and Molossers brought to the islands. These matings led to the development of medium-sized mastiff-like dogs in the islands, with colors that were either maroon or brindled with white markings. In the early 1980s, the breed was almost extinct, but thanks to enthusiasts in Tenerife, a rescue program was launched. A breed club was formed, and an official standard was established. The Presa Canario has historically been used as a guard dog and cattle dog.

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