Presa Canario Breed Description

An Owner's Presa Canario Description
Abra roams the confines of my estate, and to date, we've never had a break-in. Of course that's why I acquired him in the first place. I wanted a dog whose looks alone would intimidate because I believe that effectively deters any real confrontation.

There will always be that nut out there that has to 'test' the waters, so to speak. That fool (and there have been several) will jump the fence in full view of Abra, thinking he can be befriended. But Abra is not that easy; he knows a stranger when he sees one and will immediately let him know he's not welcome. At least twice, he's chased someone back over the fence; another guy who breached the fence Abra kept pinned to the ground until the police arrived. Thanks to Abra, none of these intruders made it as far as the house.

Let me make clear that the last thing I want is a dangerous dog. I have grandkids, and they visit regularly and usually bring their friends along. Abra guards and watches over them just as carefully as he does my home. He knows they belong here and that they are his to watch. Obviously, he is a big, strong dog and the smaller kids must beware of his size. I've taught them all to recognize that he is a working dog with a job to do, and that they should not tease him or try to stare him down as he may take that as a threat. He always greets the children when they arrive, but Abra is too busy working to spend time playing. He takes his job very seriously. Like any good watchman, he seems to pride himself on always being on duty.

One last thing, just in case you haven't figured out how he got is name. While he's a big heavy dog, he has such cat-like movements that he can sneak up on you as quietly as a cat. So much so that sometimes, you'll turn around and, Abra cadabra, like magic, there he is!

 

 

Introduction

The Presa Canario, or Canary Dog, was historically a guardian and cattle driving dog. The breed originated on the Canary Islands, a group of Spanish volcanic islands that sit about 100 miles northwest of Africa. The Presa Canario was developed by crossing native dogs with Bulldogs and Mastiffs that were brought in from Britain during the 19th century. This cross-breeding resulted in a powerful, muscular, large-boned dog with a massive head. The even-tempered, intelligent and athletic Presa Canario has a short, smooth, coarse coat in fawn or brindle with a darker face mask. The Presa is quiet in the home, loyal to its family, wary of strangers and protective of its property. Like many guardian breeds, the Presa requires early training and plenty of socialization.

History

The ancestry of the Presa Canario is probably inclusive of the presently extinct indigenous Bardino Majero after a crossing with the introduced English Mastiffs. The development of this dog breed during the 19th century was exclusively for the purpose of dog fighting, which was at the time common entertainment in the majority of European countries. The development of these breeds was specifically for their endurance and tenacity. In countries like Ireland, the fights took place in open spaces, but often, such as within in the Canary Islands, fighting was carried out in pits or rings. After dog fighting was made illegal on the island and in the majority of other countries, other breeds such as German Shepherd were introduced and the Presa Canarios became extinct by 1960s. The later revival of the breed was by Dr. Carl Semencic, an American anthropologist.

General Description

Presa Canarios have square, powerful heads whose widths are approximately equal to their length. They have broad and deep chests, and slightly raised rumps as well. These dogs combine thick skins, powerful muscles and dense bones with massive heads. They usually have cropped ears, which gives them a formidable expression. Common colors include various brindles and fawn while white markings may be frequently seen. A good expression and a proper head are a unique feature of this breed and their manifestation is mostly recognized in the perfect breed specimens. These dogs have thick lips that join in an inverted V manner with slightly loose flews and dark interior lips.

Temperament

Presa Canarios need dominant owners with an understanding of this canine’s nature. They make excellent guard dogs and their appearance is enough to deter most intruders without any confrontation. In the hands of the wrong owner, this dog is capable of turning dangerous, but is otherwise a devoted and nice companion. This is NOT the appropriate breed for individuals who have never owned a dog. These dogs contain migration instincts which may be satisfied through long walks. The dog in question should always walk behind or beside the pack leader who holds the leash. The training objective ensures that the status of a pack leader is achieved, and since this is naturally instinctive, humans attain this status.

Health and Care

Prior to buying a Presa Canario, it is important to carry out an intensive research on the dog’s ancestry as well as the breeders to make sure that only healthy lines of breeding are acquired. For instance, when the consanguinity degree is high, genetic defects are more likely to be acquired. Since the breed comprises a vast pool of genes, a majority of the genetic complications that affect most purebreds are not as evident.

Other Important Information

The Presa Canarios temperament is the biggest contributing factor in regard to the complexity involved in training this breed of dog. The rough, short coat is easily groomed by using a bristle but firm brush and wiping with a chamois or towel to make sure the finish is desirable. Presa Canarios do well indoors but require sufficient exercise hence the need of an averagely sized yard.
 

Colors

N/A

Living Area

Will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do better with an average yard.

Recognized By

APRI, DRA

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