Presa / Dogo Canario

General: The Presa Canario is a large, powerfully constructed dog with a harsh-textured, flat coat. The head is massive. The body of the Presa Canario is slightly longer than its height at the withers, with a broad, deep chest, with skin that is thick and elastic. The tail is moderately high and reaches to the hock. The overall impression is that of an imposing, solid guard dog.

Origin: Canary Islands, Spain.

History: The Canario has recently been reborn, although once near extinction. The Canary Islands belonging to Spain were actually named for the fierce dogs found there, not for its little yellow singing birds. From the Latin cane came the "Island of the Dogs." These tough, smooth-coated, livestock and farm dogs, called Bardino Majero, were probably similar to the Perro de Pastor Mallorquin and the Cao de Castro Labor-eiro and were present before Hispanic times. When English settlers came to the archipelago in the 19th century, they brought mastiffs and old-style bulldogs which were crossed with these native dogs. The result was the Canary Dog. The history of the breed differs in Spain (mainland) and the different islands in terms of uses. The dogs from Las Palmas & Gran Canaria were far more likely to be used in this way, whereas mainland was mostly cattle work, and Tennerife was more man-focused and general utility dog. The Presa's (type) has been extinct at least twice and the second re-birth of the dogs was the type used for fighting. The modern revival has at most 30-50yrs such history, which is but a fraction of that compared to the Akita and Bull and Terriers, but mostly was developed for utilitarian guarding and catch purposes. By the 1960s, when the Canary Dog was at an all-time low, the German Shepherd Dog was introduced to the islands. The Shepherd became the breed in vogue, almost causing the demise of the native canine. In the early 1970s, however, interest was renewed in the native breeds, and Spaniards began to search for examples of the Canary Dog. Fortunately, pure specimens had been retained by farmers in rural and isolated areas where the Canario was found to be a good farm hand. Ten years later, breeders produced good examples of the breed, which can be seen today at dog shows and many working events.

Temperament: Essential characteristics of the Presa are those which enable it to drive and hold cattle, and to guard its home and family. These tasks require a powerful, agile, courageous dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The Presa is extremely affectionate, docile and well behaved with its owner and family, but is wary of strangers and aggressive with other dogs.

Size: 80-110 pounds.

Today's Uses: Many Presa's are show dogs but many have obtained Protection titles. The Presa has been used to a slight degree in weight pull and in the future could be an admirable dog in future weight pull circuits.

Presa "Kane"

Owned by Dan Balderson & Jonathan Coates

Visit the Presa Canario Photo Gallery to see more photo's

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