Perro de Presa Canario

General Description:

(Perro de Presa Canario) The Canary Dog is a powerfully built breed with a distinctive square-shaped head that is nearly as wide as it is long. It has a broad muzzle, a large jaw, a deep and well-raised chest, and a strong build with dense bones. The breed’s rear is slightly elevated, and its thick skin adds to its robust appearance. Muscular and imposing, the Canary Dog often has cropped ears. Its coat is fawn or brindle, with white markings that may or may not be present.

Character:

The Canary Dog requires a dominant owner and a family that is comfortable with its presence. This breed makes an excellent guard dog due to its intimidating physical appearance, ability to alert its owners, and willingness to confront intruders. With the right owner, the Canary Dog is a loyal and devoted companion. However, this breed is not suitable for first-time dog owners. In the wrong hands, the Canary Dog can become aggressive and dangerous.
This breed is very trusting and a loyal companion, enjoying plenty of attention from its owners. The Canary Dog can grow fairly large and requires space to play and stay active. While they can live in apartments, their owner must ensure they receive regular exercise. The typical lifespan of a Canary Dog is between 9 to 11 years, with 10 to 12 years being the average.

Temperament:

The Presa is a docile and affectionate dog, great for families as both a companion and protector. Bred to be family companions as well as guardians, they are naturally distrustful of strangers but will accept them if their owner does. The breed is highly alert and ready to defend its owner or property when necessary. Although generally quiet, the Presa has an intimidating bark. This breed requires an owner who understands the alpha nature of canines, and no family member should be uncomfortable around the dog. Presa Canarios make outstanding guard dogs, with their appearance alone serving as a deterrent, alongside their ability to confront intruders. As with all guardian breeds, early socialization and obedience training are essential. While occasional dog aggression may occur, proper socialization and training make this the exception rather than the rule. The Presa Canario excels in various activities, including conformation, obedience, iron dog trials, agility, dock diving, schutzhund, and other working trials.

Size:

21 – 25 inches

Weight:

80 – 120 pounds and above

History:

It’s believed that the Canary Dog’s ancestry can be traced back to the now-extinct Bardino Majero breed. Developed on the Canary Islands in the 1800s, it was originally bred for dog fighting. The breed likely resulted from crosses between the Bardino Majero and English Mastiffs that were imported to the area during that time. When dog fighting was outlawed, the Canary Dog nearly became extinct. A veterinarian named Dr. Carl Semencic is credited with reviving the breed.

Maintenance:

The short, rough-haired coat of the Canary Dog is easy to groom and maintain. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and wiped down with a clean towel or chamois. Bathing and dry shampooing should only be done as necessary. The Canary Dog is an average shedder.

Ideal Environment:

The Canary Dog does best in a home where he has plenty of leadership and training. As with all larger dogs, they should have a large yard and several controlled walks a day.