PRESA CANARIO
Life expectancy: 9 – 11 years
Origin: Canary Islands
Temperament: Suspicious, Strong Willed, Stubborn, Dominant, Gentle, Calm
Height: Female: 22–24 inches (56–61 cm), Male: 24–26 inches (60–65 cm)
Weight: Female: 83–110 lbs (38–50 kg), Male: 110–130 lbs (50–59 kg)
Colors: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Red Fawn, Silver Fawn, Red Brindle
HISTORY / ORIGIN:
The Perro de Presa Canario can be traced back to its ancestors, likely brought to the Canary Islands by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 15th century, where they lived among the indigenous cattle dogs. Whether guarding farms, catching cattle or eliminating wild or stray dogs, the Perro de Presa Canario was a dog of many purposes. The breed began to decline in the 1940s, but was revived again in the 1970s by reputable breeders who developed and bred the Perro de Presa Canario to its original size and character.
DESCRIPTION:
The Presa Canario has a powerful, square head that is nearly as wide as it is long. The muzzle is broad. The chest is deep and broad. The rump is slightly raised. This breed has thick skin, dense bones, powerful muscles and a massive head with a large jaw. The ears are usually cropped. Colors include fawn and various brindles; white markings are sometimes seen.
TEMPERAMENT:
The Presa is a docile, affectionate dog. They are great family protectors and are bred to be family companions as well as guardians. They are distrustful of strangers, but should accept strangers if the owner accepts them. They should be very alert and ready to defend the owner or property if necessary. It is generally a quiet breed but has a very intimidating bark. This breed requires an owner who understands the alpha nature of canines. No member of the family can be uncomfortable around the dog. Canaries make outstanding guard dogs. Just their appearance is a deterrent, not to mention their ability to confront any intruder. As with all guardian type dogs early socialization and obedience training are a must. Occasionally you will have some dog aggression in the Presa Canario, but with proper socialization and training this is the exception and not the rule. The Presa Canario competes and does well in many conformation, obedience, iron dogs, agility, dock diving, schutzhund and other working trials. Many are raised with other dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Owners must take their dogs for daily pack walks to satisfy their migration instincts. The dog must not walk in front of the human who is holding the lead, as the pack leader goes first. The dog must walk beside or behind the human. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success.
HEALTH PROBLEMS:
Prone to most large-breed animals, beware of hip dysplasia. This breed is also prone to heart disease, obesity, arthritis, OCD, thyroid problems, retained testicles and epilepsy.