Perro de Presa Canario

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Canary Dog Presa Canario

Basic Info

Presa Canarios have thick skin and short fur that comes in all shades of fawn and brindle. White is allowed up to 20 percent and is most commonly found on the chest and feet, and occasionally on a blaze on the muzzle. The breed standard requires black pigmentation and dogs should have a black mask that does not extend above the eyes. No shades of blue are allowed in competition. Proper head (considered a "square on a square") and good "expression" are part of the breed standard, and are manifest in the best breed specimens. Expression is highlighted by a proper ear crop. However, some countries, particularly in Europe, are and have banned ear cropping, which can take away from proper expression. The lips are thick and hang in an inverted V; the flews may be slightly loose. The breed is also characterized by a sloping topline(with the rear being slightly higher than the shoulders). Another characteristic of the breed is the shape of the paws (cat foot) and the catlike movement of the animal. The body is mesomorphic, that is, slightly longer than the dog is tall, contributing to the feline movement. The breed is also known, incidentally, for the ability to adapt to various climates. Size Females average between 22-25 inches at the withers and weigh between 90-120 pounds. Males average between 23-26 inches at the withers and weigh between 115-140 pounds. Generally speaking, exceeding the weights listed above could lead to a number of health problems. Too much weight is also known to compromise the dog's athleticism and working ability. Coat One of the unique characteristics of the breed is the diversity of markings. Fawn comes in silver fawn, gold fawn, and red fawn. Brindle comes in colorings of black (and may appear solid), brown, and all shades in between. "Verdino" or greenish-tinted brindle is among the most traditional coat colors; reverse brindle or "atigrado claro" is among the most exotic. The ideal coat is medium length and "rustic," that is, slightly coarse to the touch. The breed is known for its very minimal shedding.

Health

As with any breed, those interested in purchasing a Presa Canario should carefully research breeders and a dog's ancestry to ensure that the breeding lines are healthy. Typically speaking, the higher the degree of consanguinity, the higher the likelihood of genetic defects. Due to the breed's vast gene pool, many of the genetic problems that affect other purebreeds are less evident. However, as the breed becomes more tightly interbred and bloodlines developed the incidence of genetic problems may increase. As a large breed, the Presa Canario can be susceptible to hip dysplasia. Other possible (but generally uncommon) health problems include canine epilepsy, osteochondrodysplasias, and chryptorchism. Health issues unique to Spain include canine herpes virus and canine visceral leishmaniasis. An outbreak of herpes can be deadly to a canine population, particularly to newborn puppies. Leishmaniasis is a blood parasite that has a long incubation period (of several years) and most often leads to death. Lifespan The average lifespan for the Presa Canario is 8-12 years.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The breed gained notoriety for an aggressive temperament in the case of Diane Whipple, who was attacked and killed by two Presas. The dogs involved in the attack were unusually aggressive, trained specifically to be extremely aggressive in an attempt to start an illegal dog-fighting ring. The Presa is not a blood-thirsty killer by nature, no breed of dog is. Presas can be aggressive, and are very protective of their family. However, their aggressive nature can be controled if proper measures are taken. The dog must be socialized intensely to reduce its natural wariness of strangers and other dogs. Presas should not be owned by inexperienced dog owners, they need early, firm, consistent training. A Presa that is ill-trained can be not only a nuisance, but potentially dangerous (though unlikely). They are also dominant by nature, and owners must firmly establish their dominance, otherwise Presas can be very difficult to train. Presas that are correctly trained make excellent pets. They are very intelligent, and when their trainer has their respect they are immensely trainable, and well suited to many dog sports. Well trained Presas also make exceptional guard dogs, as they are fearless to the point of being brash when they feel that their owners are threatened. They are calm, loyal, and docile with their owners. They can be companions for children if raised with them. Though, as with all dogs, children should alway be supervised when with dogs.

Origin

Canary Islands

History

The breed is originally from the Canary Islands in the 1700s, notably Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Its exact ancestry is unknown, but enthusiasts believe that an already established farm dog from the Canary Islands by the name of Majorero (Perro de Bardino Majorero) was crossed with the Mastiff of England and Old-Style Bulldogs that were brought from Europe to the Islands by visitors and colonists, creating the foundation for the modern Presa Canario. It is also believed that a number of Spanish and breeds may have contributed to the development of the Presa Canario such as the Perro de Ganado Majorero, Presa Español, and Alano Español. Presa type dogs are mentioned in historical documents of the 16th and 17th centuries, as guard dogs and catch dogs. Perro de Presa Canario is generally considered as being created during the 18th century with the above-mentioned crosses for the purpose of dog fighting, tradition which the English settlers transplanted along with their English breeds of Mastiff and Bulldog. Canary Islanders consider these fights "honor fights" and not the sole purpose of the animal. They were most definitely used as guard dogs, and with declining use, farm dogs. These presa type dogs were also referred to as the "perro de la tierra" or "dog of the land." Like many fighting dogs, the breed became nearly extinct after dog fighting was outlawed in the 1940s, but the breed was revived in the 1970s with the help of several crosses by various breeders. This period is generally known as the reconstrucion of the breed and as a result, occasional atypical specimens are not uncommon, although increasingly less so. "Perro de Presa Canario" means the Canarian Dog of Prey. It is sometimes referred to as a "Presa."

Common Foods

pellet dog food