4 Facts About Presa Canarios
The Presa Canario is a large dog breed that is loving & protective toward their families. Here are a few more facts about Presa Canarios:
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Breed Characteristics
Average Size: Large
Average Lifespan: 9-11 years
Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes
Registry: aca,akc
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Level: moderate
Grooming Level: low
Trainability: low
Good For Novice Owners: low
Adaptability: moderate
Prey Drive: high
Watchdog: aware
Breed Information
Overview
Shoulder height: 21 – 26 inches. Weight: 85 – 140 pounds.
The Presa Canario, also called the Perro de Presa Canario, Canary Mastiff, Dogo Canario, or Canary Presa, is a Molosser-type breed that originated in the Canary Islands in the 15th and 16th centuries. Although their exact origin is unknown, many theorize that the dogs may have been brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish Conquistadors, may have existed there already, or their origin may have been a mixture of both. However the Presa Canario ended up in the Islands, they were used as guard dogs. They were commonly used as cattle dogs, guard dogs for the farm, and as dogs to control the wild or stray dog population that would attack cattle.
Unfortunately, this also meant the Presa Canario was also often used in dogfighting. Their population dwindled once the Canary Islands outlawed dog fighting in the mid-1940s, but farmers and herdsman kept the dog breed going. In the early 1970s, breeders began to work in earnest to revive this strong dog breed. Although the Presa Canario is not currently recognized by the AKC, they are included in the Foundation Stock Service and are assigned to the Working Group designation.
Temperament
Presa Canarios tend to be calm and confident. They are affectionate, obedient, and docile with their families, but can be suspicious and wary of strangers. They can get along well with older children who know how to properly interact with a dog and are large enough to not get knocked over by the Presa’s wagging tail. They can also do well with other dogs and pets in the household as long as they have been introduced properly.
Although they were used for fighting in the past, the Presa Canario is not a naturally aggressive dog. As a guard dog and protector, they can become aggressive when protecting themselves, their family, or their territory. This does make early and ongoing socialization and training important to this dog breed. They do have a high prey drive, so will have an urge to chase.
Did You Know?
The Presa Canario is the animal symbol of Gran Canaria, which is the second-most populous island of the Canary Islands.
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