The perro de presa Canario dates back more than 500 years. The breed was developed in the Canary Islands from the mastiff breeds that were imported by the Spanish and the British. The perro de presa Canario was utilized to catch wild boars and cattle. The perro de presa Canario was also used as a guard dog and became a popular contender in dog fighting competitions until the practice was outlawed. The perro de presa Canario is a recognized working breed by the United Kennel Club, but it is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Perro de Presa Canario is a large molasser type breed from the Canary Islands. They have powerful, sturdy bodies with well-developed muscles. Perros de Presas have massive heads and broad muzzles. Their ears are small and fold forward. Their coats are short and come in a variety of colors. Grooming this breed is simple, they need to be brushed and bathed as needed. They may slobber, so be prepared to clean up after them, and wipe down their faces.
Personality
Perros de Presa Canarios are sometimes outlawed in countries with breed bans. This is because they are very protective and very dominant. They are affectionate and loving with their human families but can get aggressive when they feel threatened. They are often stubborn and self-confident. They are playful and active and need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. They are friendly towards children, but may not be the best playmates because of their size.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 8-10 Years |
| Nicknames: | Canary dog of prey, Canary dog, dogo Canario, presa Canario |
Perro De Presa Canario Build Information
The perro de presa Canario, a mastiff breed, is a giant dog with an average height of 22 to 25.5 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 88 and 110 pounds. The massive head is square in shape, the earflaps hang downward, and the long tail is also carried downward. The coat is short and smooth, and the color may be brindle, fawn or black. The Perro de Presa Canario is a large molasser type breed from the Canary Islands. They have powerful, sturdy bodies with well-developed muscles. Perros de Presas have massive heads and broad muzzles. Their ears are small and fold forward. Their coats are short and come in a variety of colors. Grooming this breed is simple, they need to be brushed and bathed as needed. They may slobber, so be prepared to clean up after them, and wipe down their faces.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
Behaviour and Personality
Only dog handlers who are experienced with powerful and potentially aggressive breeds should consider owning a perro de presa Canario. Diligent training and socialization efforts must be started at the earliest age and reinforced for the life of the dog. Training is challenging with these headstrong dogs. The perro de presa Canario is territorial, fiercely protective and wary of strangers, making it an ideal guard dog. The perro de presa Canario has the instinct to be untrustworthy around children or other pets, but they can peacefully coexist with supervision if the dog is properly trained and socialized to do so from puppyhood. The breed requires some daily exercise. This is not an ideal dog for an apartment setting. With dedicated training by an experienced handler, the perro de presa Canario makes a loyal companion. Perros de Presa Canarios are sometimes outlawed in countries with breed bans. This is because they are very protective and very dominant. They are affectionate and loving with their human families but can get aggressive when they feel threatened. They are often stubborn and self-confident. They are playful and active and need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. They are friendly towards children, but may not be the best playmates because of their size.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
The smooth coat of a perro de presa Canario requires minimal grooming. Brushing the coat once a week with a grooming mitt is all that is needed to remove dead hairs and to redistribute the coat’s natural oils for a healthy shine. Inspect the ears weekly as well, cleaning them if necessary to prevent ear infections. Brush the teeth three times a week to prevent tartar accumulation and periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Perro De Presa Canario Common Health Conditions
The perro de presa Canario lives an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Some health problems of note in this breed include hip dysplasia, panosteitis, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, entropion and gastric torsion or bloat.
Perro De Presa Canario Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The perro de presa Canario originated in the Canary Islands. The perro de presa Canario, which translates to mean a catch dog of the Canary Islands, is also called a Canary dog of prey, a Canary dog, a dogo Canario and, simply, a presa Canario. The perro de presa Canario is loyal, fiercely protective, powerful and headstrong. This is not a breed that should be considered by inexperienced dog handlers. The perro de presa Canario stands 22 to 25.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 88 to 110 pounds. The perro de presa Canario has a moderate energy level. The perro de presa Canario requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a perro de presa Canario is 8 to 10 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
